Káren will be appearing at the Tairua Wine and Food Festival on the 10th January.

Káren Hunter first appeared on the Auckland music scene in the early 90’s with an original  style of blues-based acoustic funk and a voice described in the NZ Herald as ‘one of the most sensuous in the country’.

With over twenty years performing experience Hunter’s fifth album “Rubble” was released through Monkey Records in March 2007 and she supported this release with an extensive 48 date national tour. Hunter also played several festivals throughout the summer of 2008 including the Christchurch Jazz Festival, Jazz in the Park (Auckland City), Festival of Light, Parihaka, (Taranaki) & Prana (Coromandel)

Hunter’s work can be described as contemporary folk/rock infused with dirty jazz grooves. Hunters primary instruments are vocals and acoustic guitar, however thanks to her ‘loop’ pedal, live shows also include ‘found’ percussion, backing vocals, bass and vocal harmoniser. Hunter creates rhythmic backing tracks ‘on the fly’ and encourages audiences to participate with heckling and occasional finger clicks.

Hunter toured Australia’s East Coast from Tasmania to Brisbane in 2003 as part of a reciprocal tour deal with local folk artist and Australian festival favourite Penelope Swales. Hunter has performed alongside Australian festival favourites Tiddas, Blue and Fruit and also played at Melbourne’s Frankston Guitar Festival in 2004.
Karen appeals to an audience of jazz enthusiasts and fans of storytelling folk music alike. She has an informal yet professional on-stage manner which works very well in cabaret noir, festival stage or concert atmospheres. Renown as a dynamic and engaging live act has earned Karen Hunter several international supports including Ani Difranco, Roger McGuinn and Suzanne Vega.