about KAREN

Karen grew up surrounded by music.  She remembers the sounds of various genres of music playing while at home and in the family car, but she especially remembers the classic rock tunes of Fleetwood Mac, The Who, Wings, The Rolling Stones, and The Eagles.  Although Karen appreciates all music and musical talent, her own musical experience is limited to her short stint as a guitarist in the family band.  However, Karen’s non-musical professional experience includes marketing and promotions, public relations, writing and editing, and program coordination. Karen also works full-time with the State of Oregon.

Both Mark and Karen know there is a tremendous amount of musical talent in the Salem and surrounding areas, but realized there were not many places for musicians in the area to come together, learn together and play together.  They especially recognized this when looking for a place for their own teenage daughter and her friends to play together on a regular basis (besides the cramped basement or garage).  RiverCity Rock Star Academy was created just for that reason!