Karen’s tribute to magic of Nina Simone hits Waterville

A SOUL sensation from the Windy City who’s a long-term resident of Cork City hits Tech Amergin in Waterville on Saturday, May 13, with her powerful tribute to one of music’s all-time greats Nina Simone.

The Nina in Me will see Karen Underwood and band blasting out favourites from Nina Simone’s iconic songbook. Every last note Simone’s oeuvre plays an important part in Karen’s life - the music having nourished her on her life’s journey and helping her attain a grater understanding of her own sexuality and spirituality.

“A journey through her rich and varied life, of coming to understand sexuality and spirituality, The Nina In Me documents a life much less ordinary, punctuated with the music of Karen’s greatest musical inspiration Nina Simone,” advance literature sets out.

A Chicago native, Karen has made Cork City her home for nearly two decades, performing her favourite, inspirational songs crossing the genres of spiritual, gospel, jazz, American folk and popular music.

She has captured the hearts and minds of audiences throughout Ireland with her powerful, touching and unique style, performing in The National Concert Hall, Cork Opera House, Vicar Street, The Olympia Theatre, The Everyman Theatre and the INEC, as well as becoming one of the most popular features at many festivals countrywide including Guinness Cork Jazz Festival and The Electric Picnic.

Karen will be joined by acclaimed musical director John O’Brien on piano, Fionn O’Ceallacháin on drums and Dave Whitla on bass guitar.