The Karen and Jimmy Band Plays On The Suncoast
The Karen and Jimmy Band is a merging of two talented band leaders who have created a unique sound of classic rock, southern rock, arena rock, R&B and country. The band features the expert guitar styling and vocals of the husband and wife team, Jimmy and Karen Lally – together they present a magical stage chemistry that leaves you wanting more.
Karen’s phenomenal voice paired with her distinct magnetism compliments Jimmy’s dynamic presence and guitar playing. The Karen and Jimmy band has earned a reputation of excellence in entertainment. Although mostly a cover band, they do have original material that they perform at festivals. There are five members in their band which has been together for 4 years. Each member has an exceptional voice, therefore the harmonies are well blended and whoever is singing lead is backed up with a full, lush sound.
Please allow me to introduce to you the members of The Karen and Jimmy Band:
Karen Lally was trained in Classical Music at the University of Michigan, and then went on to directing Gospel Music at a Mega Church in Ohio. Karen wrote Urban Gospel for Sony Records and was nominated three times for a Dove Award by the Gospel Music Association. Karen has spent her career writing music and managing music ensembles for various venues ranging from Pop, Classic Rock to Big Band. Her last band was the Classic Rock Band, “Karen and the Big Bad Wolves”, which gained quick popularity in Southwest Florida. She has performed locally, regionally, nationally and internationally as a feature artist as well as back up for Reba McEntire, Martha Munizzi, Vickie Yohe and Linda Tavani (Peaches and Herb). Karen sings with all her heart and her unique musical background comes alive when you experience her charismatic performance.
Jimmy Lally is from the Washington DC area. Jimmy’s father was band leader at Suitland High School in Maryland and was a multi-instrumentalist. Jimmy’s mother was a world class accordion player. Jimmy has played saxophone since age 5 and guitar since age 8. He has performed locally, regionally and nationally with Lee Greenwood, Daryl and Don Ellis and the popular Southern Rock Band, “Great Train Robbery”. Jimmy was a studio musician in Nashville, Tennessee for many years before moving to Southwest Florida where he was the founding member and leader of the great local band Shotgun Justice. Jimmy is a world class guitar player who possesses a commanding stage presence and sings as well.
Paul (PJ) Justice is also from Massachusetts and plays electric bass, upright bass and guitar. He has toured with Reeve Little, Tom Rush, and the iconic Fat City Blues Band and The Memphis Rockabilly Band from New England to New Orleans to Los Angeles. PJ has accompanied New Orleans songwriting legend Allen Toussaint and Marshall Crenshaw. PJ is an animated performer and also sings.
Drummer Chuck Purro hails from Massachusetts and attended Berklee School of Music. He has performed with some great musicians including Bonnie Raitt, Van Morison, Susan Tedeschi, Buddy Guy, John Lee Hooker and Chuck Berry. He has recorded extensively for Verve Records, Akarma Records, Capricorn Records and Island Records. Chuck also plays the flute and sings.
Donald (Donnie) John is known as Lord of the synthesizer! Donnie started taking lessons on the organ when he was a little boy. In the 80’s he was a member of the popular Florida Band, “The Syndicate” during which time he became proficient on the synth. Donnie has also recorded and performed with local celebrity, “Twinkle”. Donnie has a beautiful tenor voice that is a rare find in the Rock and Roll scene!
The Karen and Jimmy Band play several festivals and events throughout the year including Anna Maria Island’s BAYFEST in October, The Coquina Beach N Food Truck Festival in April, Music on Main in Lakewood Ranch, Sertoma Youth Ranch in Brooksville and they always play to a sold out crowd at the huge Colony Cove, “Dog Days of Summer”. You can catch The Karen and Jimmy Band almost every weekend somewhere in Southwest Florida at venues such as:
BRADENTON – Caddy’s at the Point, Clancy’s Irish Sports Bar
ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Island Time Bar and Grill, The Freckled Fin
ST. PETE BEACH – Caddy’s on the Beach
PALMETTO – Riviera Dunes Dockside and Social Club
ENGLEWOOD – Engelwood’s on Dearborn
PUNTA GORDA – Hurricane Charley’s
SARASOTA – Sun N Fun
Check out our facebook page, The Karen and Jimmy Band, for our schedule each week or our website at reverbnation.com , where you can listen to some of our original tunes.
Photos courtesy of The Karen and Jimmy Band.