Introduction: Kari Smith gathers crowds with her fresh vocal style and contagious smile, whether it's local fans in a crowded coffee shop, or on stage performing for thousands. Rather than waiting to be discovered, Kari finds her audience in local and regional venues, and fills her time outside of performing with writing, recording, and teaching music.
"As a vocalist, Kari is mature beyond her years," says producer Matthew Roberts. In 2005, she independently released EP "go with you", including the bluesy, driving rhythm of "I Call It Love," which was featured in independent film "Middle of the Road" (August 2005, Red Cactus Films). Producer John Henneberger says that her writing is “superb and reflects that of a seasoned veteran while maintaining a freshness in approach needed in today's musical landscape." In August 2006, she followed up with an independently released full-length album, self-titled "Kari". Her third record “Gypsy of Love” was released in December 2008 by Music Row producer / engineer Dennis Money on independent label Vanillity Music.
Her first TV appearance in October 2007 featured acoustic performances of her original music on PBS’s “The Music Seen”, and her first network appearance on CBS's “Virginia This Morning” aired in January 2008. She also worked as an extra on Season 2 of ABC’s Nashville in January 2014.
Kari made the move from Richmond, VA to Nashville, TN in 2006 to further her pursuit of performing and writing. In 2013, she began to focusing her attention on her passion for the Hispanic community by performing regularly in Spanish. She has played nearly 100 shows in Spanish and has been featured in Spanish newspaper and Spanish radio in Nashville. After 10 years in Nashville, Kari returned to her native Virginia in 2016 and is maintaining a busy schedule of live music performances.
In addition to solo acoustic performances, Kari performs with other bands in a variety of genres as a vocalist, keyboardist, and rhythm guitarist. Through these experiences, she has had the opportunity to share the stage with such national acts as Huey Lewis & the News, Sugar Ray, Switchfoot, and Eric Heatherly, and Graham Russell of Air Supply. Her powerful rendition of the National Anthem has been heard at Richmond Braves games, national concerts, an Extreme Fighting Championship in Richmond, VA's Coliseum, and the Toughest Cowboy rodeo in Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. Since 2005, she has performed over 650 shows in over 150 different venues in 15 states.
Kari holds an AA in Liberal Arts, and is a member of NSAI (Nashville Songwriter Association International) and ASCAP (American Society of Composers and Publishers.)
Kari takes pride in being able to cater to any audience, whether young or old, classic or eclectic. With her experience, it doesn't take long for her to assess the needs of listeners and respond to what works best for them. Her extensive set list makes it easy for anyone to find a song that they can get into! She works hard to fully meet the needs of her client and make it an unforgettable experience for them, no matter the size of the crowd!
