Festival favourite Karen Thomsen is set to return to the #AgneBluesFest Discovery Stage in February to perform, guest-MC and inspire others with an Onstage Performance Workshop
Karen Thomsen is not just a singer but a storyteller; a woman who has lived life and experienced the best and worst of what the universe has to offer. Her dulcet, bluesy tones make her easy to listen to, no matter what genre she delivers. This girl from Gympie is a gifted storyteller and songwriter with her heart in the country, honing her craft on the road in both Australia and the USA. But there are many more strings to her creative bow.
In Karen’s youth, music, theatre and dance were all she knew. Over the last 15 years, she has worked on following her most loved musical path, encouraging all she meets to follow their heart and not their head.
Karen has an engaging personality that audiences warm to, with an infectious energy not only in her
musical delivery but also her banter and spontaneous response to audience connections. She chooses not to fall into genre classification but is simply herself in unique style.
With years of musical exposure and experience under her belt, Karen now journeys through musical flavours covering decades of musical history, to which she adds her own spin. Her original songwriting is raw and real, at times it could be described as even a little confronting.
Karen has also hosted, MC’ed and been involved with many jam sessions, open mics, talent competitions and managed numerous stages in her journey. A particular passion is providing performance platforms where everybody gets a go, regardless of their level of talent and experience. Her stage management skills and supportive, nurturing nature provide a good foundation for fledgling artists to take their first steps.
Karen spent 6 years nurturing aspiring artists at The Australian Institute of Country Music, a career highlight she found invigorating, exciting and personally rewarding. One of her biggest joys was experiencing a student taking ownership of their performance – and nailing it. She has devised a simple strategy branded “Practice, Rehearse, Perform” designed to release the performer within. Her Onstage Performance Workshop scheduled for the Discovery Stage at 9am Saturday 17 February will focus on creating special musical moments on stage and opening up new performance opportunities for artists.
Be inspired by Karen Thomsen at the #AgnesBluesFest 2024 Discovery Stage
Workshop (Onstage Performance) – 9.00-10.00am Saturday 17 February 2024
Performance – 10.15-10.45am Sunday 18 February 2024
Designed to complement the Marquee Stage program within the vibrant Festival precinct at the 1770 SES Grounds and now in its fourth year, the Discovery Stage encompasses the blues, roots and rock genres within a relaxed, intimate atmosphere; getting up close and personal and showcasing original music performed by an eclectic range of entertaining regional artists from Central Queensland and beyond.
16-18 Feb 2024
Rocking out since 2008, the Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival is a 3 Day Annual Event held in the Great Barrier Reef’s Sensational Deep South.
Book tickets and places to stay: www.agnesbluesandroots.com.au
Be sure to follow @AgnesBluesFest on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
The 2024 Festival will be required to operate in line with current QLD Govt Health Directives for all attendees, staff, volunteers, stallholders, vendors and performers.
The Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! in Queensland events calendar.
