In the short time since Kara Cavanaugh has ventured into the Chicago music scene, the soulful, dynamic vocalist has accomplished more than most singers in a lifetime. Making a name for herself backing the nationally touring Grateful Dead tribute band Terrapin Flyer and Jerry Garcia Band alumni and organist, Melvin Seals, Kara stretches the genre with powerful performances and sultry lead presence.

It was only a matter of time before the charismatic vocalist sought to move out into the spotlight, fronting her own band to showcase her abilities as a songwriter and strengthen her solo performances. Currently in production on her first full length release, Kara Cavanaugh is poised and ready to introduce a side of her as yet unseen. 

With 12 original tracks, the debut album will feature some of Chicago-land’s best and brightest musicians including producing multi-instrumentalist Packy Lundholm and co-producer Dan Moulder-Tom Schraeder & His Ego fame. Tracked at the famed Rax Trax studio in Chicago, working with engineer/producer, Noam Wallenberg.

A native of Pittsburgh, Kara began pursuing a career in the arts at the early age of 8, singing, acting and dancing at the Act One Theatre School. A classically trained vocalist, Kara’s education continued under the tutelage of Carnegie Mellon professor Robert Fire where she competed in honors choir competitions at the state level and regional level. She attended one year at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music in Ohio studying musical theatre but soon after made her way to Chicago, slowly losing interest in the costumes and make up in exchange for a new passion and love for the guitar, songwriting and live music performance.