Kari Nelson is a native of Roseau, Minnesota and has played violin since the tender age of 7. Her background training was in classical music and she took many years of lessons at the Manitoba Music Conservatory in Canada. Kari grew up playing music with her sisters at local events in Minnesota and North Dakota including county and state fairs. The transformation of her violin to a fiddle came several years ago. She played that first fiddle song and never looked back. She had been brought up with music, but fell in love with country music. Karis first band experiences came from playing with an awesome band called Nite Riders in her hometown of Roseau. Kari packed her bags and followed her dreams down to Nashville in September of 2006.
Once settled in Music City, Kari paid her dues working full time on various gigs at the legendary Tootsies Orchid Lounge and several other clubs on Lower Broadway. She played in showcases for up and coming artists at venues such as 12th & Porter, 3rd & Lindsley, Exit/In and the Wild Horse Saloon. She soon picked up some studio work playing and singing for demo sessions around town. It wasn't long before she hit the road with artists on the rodeo circuit in Montana and Alberta, Canada as well as shows in Maryland, Michigan, Iowa, Georgia, Wisconsin, Virginia, and Alabama on the college and casino circuits.
Kari took the stage with singer/comedian Dennis Lee on his State Fair tour in '07 and '08.She also entertained audiences performing with Dennis Lee for two years at the annual Strawberry Festival in Plant City, FL. In 2007 she returned from a USO tour with Nashville Star finalist, Laura Sullivan. The tour included stops in Hawaii, Japan, Guam, Diego Garcia, and Singapore where they put on shows for American troops stationed abroad. In her many travels Kari had the opportunity to open for various artists such as Jake Owen, Pat Green, Wynonna Judd, and Billy Dean.
So what is she up to now? Kari is currently a member of the John Rich (of Big&Rich) band and has also played with artists such as Gretchen Wilson and Joanna Smith. She appeared on the Celebrity Apprentice Finale with John Rich and can also be seen in the newest music video from Big & Rich, "Fake I.D." When she is not on the road with JR, Kari can usually be found playing gigs with Jake Maurer or Billy Arnold at Tootsies Orchid Lounge just enjoying the music and doing what she loves. Be sure to stop in and check her out if you are in the neighborhood!
Performing is one of her true loves. "There's nothing I would rather be doing than playing music", Kari says. The Lord has blessed me to earn a living doing something I love while also meeting some amazing and talented musicians and artists along the way!" Her smile and energy light up the stage, but what you notice the most is the fact that she just loves to play.
"Country Done Come To Town"
John Rich
(As seen on CMT- Kari on fiddle)
"Oughta Be a Law"
Layne Wrye
Featuring Kari on fiddle
"Been There Drunk That"
Brady Seals
(As seen on GAC- Kari on fiddle)
Restoring Honor Rally
(As seen on CNN)
Kari stays busy playing with various artists in Nashville, on the road with artists, time in the recording studio, and making appearances in music videos. However- she loves to hear from new people and is always interested in new opporunities. If you would like to contact Kari about any appearances or shows please use the following information. She also never gets tired of hearing from fans or people who just love music!
E-mail: karinelsonmusic_gmail.com
Myspace: www.myspace.com/karimari315
Check out some of the awesome companies that sponsor Kari in her music pursuits.
Feel free to visit their websites!
