Karen Savoca

August, 1998 festival show review by Kate Rice with a photo by Melissa Henke

I don't know how Stella got her groove back, but one possible explanation is that she saw Karen Savoca in concert.

On the last day of the Folks Festival Karen had the crowd on its collective feet. From her lime green flower print dress to her attitude, the word for her was FUNKY! She played her conga and shaker, and man, did she sing!

Karen's voice was the most personally inspiring for me, and she was the most impressive female vocalist of the festival. She contorted her voice into this low, growly thing, then this cool high, husky thing -- it was amazing! And her normal singing voice was great, too. Listening to her made me smile.

Her mellow stuff made me mellow, but not in a bad way. She had thought-provoking lyrics that were presented in a laid-back style. Also of note was the overall upbeat nature of her performance.

Her music isn't the usual "chick-angst" bullshit too many female singer/songwriters seem to portray right now. If I was to hazard a guess, I'd say this woman was happy! She encouraged audience participation, and I by God sang along with her. Not that I knew the words. It didn't matter -- everyone was having a great time. She was begged back to the stage for two encores, and she earned them both.

So if you're looking for your groove, or just feeling kind of funky, remember Karen Savoca's name. I will!