Bio

Karen has been chosen as a winner or finalist in the following songwriting competitions: Portland Songwriters Association (2002) South Florida Folk Festival (2003) Mountain Valley Arts Festival (2002) Sisters Folk Festival (2002) KRCL/Founders Title Folk and Bluegrass Festival (2002) Kerrville New Folk (2001 and 2002) In three short years, Karen Mal has gone from a virtual unknown on the Austin acoustic music scene to one of the most sought-after performers around, both as a solo artist and as a sideman for others on mandolin, guitar, and harmony vocals. Karen has opened for and/or appeared onstage with performers such as Tom Paxton, Slaid Cleaves, Tom Prasada-Rao, Gail Davies, Buddy Mondlock, and Tom Kimmel. Originally from New England, more recently from Wisconsin, Karen worked in regional theatre for several years as an actor and musical director/composer before settling in Austin, Texas to play music full-time. She has lived and worked in places from Manhattan to Memphis, from Wisconsin to California, and toured in 40 states. For more information about Karen, visit [link="http://www.karenmal.com"]www.karenmal.com[/link]