Karl Werne

Karl Werne has been entertaining the Hampton Roads area since he was 16 years old. Eight years with The Lewis McGehee Group and four years with his own Instant Karma have made him a local Virginia favorite with his versatile guitar work and smooth hypnotic vocals. Highlights of those years include opening act for Bruce Hornsby's grammy winning "The Way It Is" tour & numerous recordings still receiving air play. In 1995, Karl teamed up with the very talented and respected saxophonist, Eddie Williams; a partnership that would prove to have a profound impact on his musical life. Now playing acoustic guitar, this new exploration of improvisation and creativity would shape a unique sound later complimented and completed by electric guitarist extraordinaire, Curtis Eley, and more recently, with Tim Reynolds Trio's drummer Dan Martier, and jazz professor and pianist John Toomey. Also during these years, a powerful three-part-harmony trio of singer/songwriters, armed with positive lyrics and diverse backgrounds came together as a traveling band known as Elaine, Lambert & Karl. After enjoying some immediate success with a debut CD and a tour with friend and mentor Keb' Mo', they settled on an official band name of "BiG WiDE GRiN". More info for BWG can be found at http://BiGWiDEGRiN.com. Karl has enjoyed many musical collaborations in a live setting with partners including Grand Ole Opry fiddle player Charlie Austin, Kool & the Gang bassist Dana Silvercloud, Wet Willie guitar player Larry Berwald, NPR composer BJ Leiderman, to name a few. Karl's songwriting won him first place for both online voting and in the finals held in Atlanta, GA of the national Fishman Songwriting Competition in 2011. His original lyrics are written from a place of heart, thoughtfulness and understanding. His gentle stage persona is one of peace and brotherhood that sets the stage for an evening you can trust and take with you. His music has the dynamics, spirit and intensity needed to hold your interest, your hand, and your breath. Hold Everything Sacred, Take Nothing Too Seriously