The Karen Hart Band - Pretending (KHB) features the music of The Pretenders along with the Power Women of ROCK!
KHB has four experienced and solid musicians who love what they are doing entertaining all ages with their great song selection and endless energy.
Their high-energy shows are filled with variety, flashy guitar work with a memorable show that continues to rock audiences of all ages.
KHB takes exceptional care and precision to duplicate the original studio recordings live on stage without backing tracks, just incredible musicianship
paying tribute to the spirit and music of The Pretenders and the Power Women of ROCK!
The Karen Hart Band has shared the stage with some great acts including The Ides of March, Davy Jones, The Family Stone, ARRA, M&R Rush, American English, Hi-Infidelity and Infinity rocking audiences at festivals, fairs and corporate functions such as;
| The Taste of Chicago | Naperville's Last Fling | |
| Schaumburg Septemberfest | Bolingbrook Jubilee | |
| Taste of Lombard | Northlake Days | |
| Taste of Polonia | Carol Stream Fest | |
| Woodridge Jubilee | Frankfort Fall Fest | |
| Plainfield Fest | Plainfield River Days | |
| Winfield Good Old Days | Bartlett 4th of July Fest | |
| Schaumburg Septemberfest | Bloomingdale Septemberfest | |
| Long Grove Strawberry Festival | Long Grove Apple Festival | |
| Somonauk Summerfest | Worth Days | |
| West Chicago Railroad Days | Berwyn Centennial Fest | |
| Eli's Cheesecake Fest | Monee Fall Faire |
Previous shows include sharing the stage with the Gin Blossoms, the Smithereens and Dennis DeYoung along with performing at;
| The Rosemont Horizon | Franklin Fest | |
| Milwaukee Summerfest | ElmFest | |
| Naperville Last Fling | Palos Hills Fest | |
| Cedar Rapids Freedom Fest | Lamb's Farm Octoberfest | |
| Hoffman Estates Fest | Waukesha Festival | |
| Elmwood Park Fest | Lynwood Fest | |
| Mundelein Fest | Casey Fest | |
| Pewaukee Fest | Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg | |
| The Taste of Lake Geneva | Grundy County Fair | |
| Grays Lake Festival | Abbey Road on the River |
The great thing about KHB is the band's chemistry between themselves and the audience. The fans just love it when Karen and Norm go out and mingle playing their wireless guitars. To stay innovative, the band is constantly improving their show with new material and exciting musical arrangements with an intense energy level to lure future fans and keep their existing fans coming back. Whether your venue is a festival, concert in the park series, nightclub or private party, the Karen Hart Band can deliver the high-energy and entertaining performances your patrons deserve. Come out and see for yourself, view the Band Schedule.
Karen Hart's first performance was at the Rosemont Horizon and she has been ROCKIN' ever since. Karen started her own band, the
Karen Hart Band , performing at large festivals such as; The Taste of Chicago, Schaumburg Septemberfest, Bolingbrook Jubilee, Northlake Days, Naperville Last Fling, Carol Stream Fest, Woodridge Jubilee, Frankfort Fall Fest,
Batavia Windmill City Fest, Bartlett 4th of July Fest, Plainfield Fest, Bloomingdale Septemberfest, Taste of Polonia, Cantigny, Taste of Lombard, Monee Fall Faire,
Lisle Eyes to the Skies, Winfield Good Old Days, West Chicago Railroad Days, Berwyn Centennial Festival, Long Grove Festivals, Somonauk Summerfest, and Worth Days to name a few.
One of Karen's favorite moments was opening the Taste of Chicago featured on LIVE TV by NBC, CBS, FOX, CLTV and WGN TV.
Along with the Karen Hart Band , Karen started Just Pretending, which pays tribute to The Pretenders.
Previously, Karen performed with Cheap Dates, GUI, ZSharp, Battlefield (a Pat Benatar tribute band),
portrayed Linda McCartney in Band on the Run (a Paul McCartney Tribute band)
and portrayed Nancy Wilson in Heartless and Heart to Heartbreaker. Karen has also protrayed Christine McVie in Fleetwood Mach.
Karen has shared the stage with national acts such as the Gin Blossims, the Smithereens, Dennis DeYoung, the Ides of March, Davy Jones and the New Colony Six.
Karen Hart's high-energy and powerful vocals leave no doubt she can ROCK like few others.
Her love of music is evident in her performance and watching the fun she has on stage, you can't help but join in on it.
Greg Link is the quintessential lead guitar player, offering top-level professionalism while standing out as a unique talent in the Chicago land music scene.
He brings a dynamic, fun approach to the Karen Hart Band and Just Pretending creating an energy that brings audiences to their feet wanting more.
Greg Link really likes to play guitar and studied guitar with Stu Pearce for 13 years. Since the early 70’s he has played in original, corporate, wedding, Classic Rock, Blues, 50's and 60's and dance bands for decades.
Always fortunate enough to play with other good musicians and work steadily, he continues to enjoy the instrument and still strives to be the best he can for audiences nationwide.
Marty Kerlin is the backbone of the Karen Hart Band and Just Pretending's rhythm section; his abilities are unparalleled when emulating the sounds and bass passages of The Pretenders, one of his favorite bands. He also knows most any other song the band can throw at him!
Marty Kerlin got his start on the bass guitar back in his hometown of Phoenix, AZ in the 1970's. After relocating to the suburbs of Washington, DC, he spent many years playing rock/pop covers,
then ultimately focusing on all-original projects in the Washington/Baltimore area and then later in Chicago.
After taking time off for work and family, Marty is back rockin' the scene and is super excited to be playing some of his favorite music for everyone to enjoy!
Toby Nickels is the driving force behind the Karen Hart Band and Just Pretending
bringing an exciting and solid foundation.
Toby began his music journey on the piano but soon switched to drums, composition and production. He has performed in and worked with a wide variety of musical groups, both live and in studio,
coverering a range of styles, from rock to jazz, metal to hip hop, folk and punk. He enjoys performing the Pretenders material, which are very drum driven songs.
Sam Scalamera
Sam grew up in a musical household, inspired by her father, drummer Mike Gallus, and her brother, Mike Gallus Jr. Surrounded by rhythm and melody from an early age, it was only natural that she found her own voice.
In the early 2000s, Sam took center stage as the female lead vocalist for Dawn Patrol, performing high-energy covers of classic rock legends like Pat Benatar, Heart, Lita Ford, and more.
Her powerful voice and commanding stage presence quickly made her a standout in the local music scene.
After stepping away from the spotlight to raise her three children, Sam is thrilled to be back behind the mic. Since her return, she’s brought her signature passion and energy to bands like Electro Retro, Wildfire,
and Band On The Run proving that rock and roll never fades.
Mark Busch - "I shot some pictures of your show at Winfield Good Old Days for the local paper... By the way enjoyed the show."
