Pianist, vocalist, and arranger Kara Kesselring is a bustling freelance musician and dedicated educator based in Chicago. For over a decade she’s mined the Windy City’s vibrant music scene, establishing an eclectic career.
Highlights include playing keys and singing in the Tony award-winning smash hit Jersey Boys (National Tour, Broadway in Chicago); touring with, arranging, and accompanying breakout PBS retro-rock sensation Under the Streetlamp; as well as composing, arranging, and performing around the globe for educational comedy troupe Wavelength. www.wavelength.biz.
Kara made her music directing debut on the show, A Taste of Things to Come at the Chicago Broadway Playhouse. She had the opportunity to sub on Broadway shows Waitress, A Bronx Tale and The Grinch. She has worked at many Chicago theaters such as Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Marriott Lincolnshire Theater.
A talented songwriter, Kara leads the homespun country/folk group Sugarcreek Road. Her original music is featured on the album, “Hurry Up & Relax." www.sugarcreekroad.com
Kara is the bandleader/keyboards/vocals of the celebrated and award winning society band Standing Room Only Orchestra. www.onthedancefloor.com
She performs at several Chicago piano bars including Mastro's Steakhouse, Perry's Steakhouse, The Drake, The Pump Room, Stetson’s-Hyatt Regency, and Benny’s Chophouse.
Other notable venues include Chicago Symphony Hall, Taste Of Chicago Festival, Old Town School Of Folk Music, Park West, Club Nokia (Los Angeles), and MGM Grand (Las Vegas).
Other recordings include If I Should Lose You, Sonho Meu, Calling All Kids, and The Grandma Project.