Kara Mann
Singer-songwriter, Kara Mann, may have the appeal of many big name pop stars, but she is definitely in a class all by herself.
Kara, who writes all of her own songs for her five-piece band, combines her unique vision, and musical and performing talents to create timeless lyrics laced with irony and beguiling melodies that excite both young teens and 30-somethings.
Dancing since she was three, singing since she was six, and acting in musical theater since she was seven, Kara’s diverse talents are deeply rooted in her New Orleans upbringing. Her grandfather, a jazz violinist and music historian, was an early influence, introducing her to the music of jazz, blues and soul legends ranging from Billie Holiday to Louis Armstrong.
By 14, Kara was writing her own songs, tapping into her heart, as well as the mystical culture of her hometown, for inspiration. By 16, she was fronting her uncle’s band, Flambeaux, belting out the pop hits of the 60s and 70s. By 18, she had graduated from the New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (acceptance by audition only), the renowned high school conservancy for dance, music, and theater arts that has churned out musical greats, Wynton Marsalis, Harry Connick, Jr. and Trombone Shorty.
Now at just 21, she has already established a reputation among many music industry giants with whom she has collaborated—Donny Markowitz (Oscar-winning composer), Kevin DeClue (songwriter/producer for Hilary Duff), and Rick Bacchus (writer/producer for Backstreet Boys)—as a gifted songwriter and consummate professional.
She released a five-song CD, “Blackmail." Kara has recently recorded, and is now rehearsing, new material that is already creating buzz in the industry.
- Carrie Williamson