Karen Underwood is a singer, writer and storyteller from Chicago who has lived in Cork for more than two decades.
A true soul sister; musically, creatively and empathetically, she has whipped up audiences with her confessionary style performances at major venues throughout Ireland such as The National Concert Hall, Vicar Street, The Olympia, The Gaiety, Cork opera House, Millennium Forum Theatre Derry, INEC and many more.

As well as Artistic Director for Cork’s Soul in the City Festival since 2015, Karen has created and produced a number of shows, taking Irish audiences on an authentic journey of American Soul and celebrating women in music from the life of Nina Simone to the music of Aretha Franklin, alongside her own personal journey.

“Music gives back to me everything life has taken from me when I am on that stage. I can truly give back to so many that have given to me.” (Karen Underwood)