Karlene Marie, vocals/keys (cross-genre)

Toronto, ON

$400 and up ( 2.5 hours, travel not incl.)

Travels up to 120 miles

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Highlight from Saraka! LIVE @ The Carleton

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Smooth Jazz - Saraka! LIVE@ The Carleton

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Vocals/Keys Demo

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Photo: K. Martin

Gallery photo 2 of Karlene Marie, vocals/keys (cross-genre)

Photo; Alex Winn

Gallery photo 3 of Karlene Marie, vocals/keys (cross-genre)

Saraka- LIVE @ The Carleton Feb, 26, 2023 Photo: K. Martin

Overview

Hire me to create an engaging, entertaining program of music suited to the occasion.

Celebrations of Life/Funerals
Concerts - (as a soloist)
Entertainment (seasonal, after/during dinner in hospitality venues)
Private events, i.e. weddings
Special events

My repertoire catalogue is extensive and diverse, yet I am always ready to add to it by request
I am humbled to know when my efforts at a client's special event makes a positive impact, not only for them but also for their guests or patrons. This is what it's all about for me.

I perform covers and original songs on vocals & keyboards/piano, jazz vocals in duo, trio, quartet, big band and as opera/concert soloist or cellist.


Reviews

1 review

Small thumbnail image for reviewer Leigh N.

Leigh N.

January 22, 2025

Wonderful!

Our family had the privilege and pleasure of being able to book Karlene to perform at our mother's funeral this past October. Karlene was amazing! She was extremely professional in her appearance and presentaton, her singing was incredible, and she was a delight and a pleasure to deal with regarding the details of booking, payment, etc.

I still receive feedback now, months later, about her performance. I hear comments such as "she sounded ethereal", "like an angel", "WOW!", "where did you find her!!??", etc. She made our mother's funeral service very special for us, and we were honoured to have been able to have her perform for us.

I would highly recommend Karlene for any public engagement. I've heard her sing before in a more upbeat situation and it was breathtaking, but please note she is a class act and can handle herself professionally no matter what the occasion.

I would engage Karlene again in the future without any doubt. She has set the bar very high.

--Leigh Noftle, Halifax

Hired as: Singing Pianist

Small thumbnail image for Karlene Marie, vocals/keys (cross-genre)

Karlene Marie, vocals/keys (cross-genre)

Thank you for the kind review, Leigh. I am so glad you were happy with my services!

Write a review

Booking information

Price range: $400 and up ( 2.5 hours, travel not incl.)

Languages: English

Gig length: 90 - 120 minutes

What to expect

My repertoire catalogue is extensive and diverse, yet I am always ready to add to it by request. I am committed to making every event as sensational as it can be for audiences.

I am humbled to know when my efforts at a client's special event makes a positive impact, not only for them but also for their guests or patrons. This is what it's all about for me.

I also am a professional freelance cellist and have been engaged as a soloist or for a duo, trio, quartet, small ensemble or orchestra at weddings, theatre shows, celebration's of life, studio sessions, concerts and more.

About

Vocalist, producer, educator, Karlene Marie sings where her heart leads her and that curiousity to explore many types of music was in part stimulated by her Trinidadian parents by way of a very diverse, album compilation.

Always following a passion for music that moves her, she has pursued training in opera, while maintaining her deep connection to the songs that came out of the people of the African diaspora.

Her recent production, Saraka! a jazzy musical meal that debuted successfully at The Carleton on February 26, 2023, serves up jazz and jazz adjacent songs from eras past and present made legendary by African-American composers,

Equally she is comfortable singing a soloist, accompanying herself on keyboards, or as part of a group. She can perform many styles of music and has done so in small and larger venues.

Additional booking notes

Event Planner/ Client responsible for:
Amps and speaker, speaker stands, monitor/PA (larger stage) for the venue that will allow performer to connect XLR cables for microphone and keyboard

Appropriate ventilation, lighting and room for performer to set-up keyboard and mic-stand.

Set list

TBD with each client

I can play a variety of songs from different genres, eras and artists.

Influences and inspiration

All good music from Beethoven to the Beatles.

Bob Marley
Aretha Franklin
Sarah Vaughn
Big Mama Thornton
John Lennon
Whitney Houston
Joni Mitchell
Mahalia Jackson
Pasty Cline
CLR
Neil Young
Barbra Streisand
Bette Midler
Johnny Cash
Roberta Flack
K'os
Donny Hathaway
Elton John
and more.

Setup requirements

PA Speakers- Speaker Stands

XLR cables that are long enough to connect to amp.

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