Karen Garrity Music

05/28/2026

Automatic reply: Thanks for reaching out 📩 I’m currently out-of-office this week due to full-time grandson babysitting duties 💙 Response times may be delayed because I’m busy reading the same book 14 times and pretending dinosaur noises are a valid form of communication 😂

05/25/2026

05/15/2026

Our music community was gutted this week by the news of the tragic death of Mark Smythe. Mark was one of those rare people who felt larger than life. He had a way of making friends everywhere he went, turning strangers into family with his humor, kindness, and unmistakable wit. His snarky comments could make any room erupt in laughter, and his presence made every gathering better.
More than anything, Mark was a connector. He brought people together, made everyone feel seen and valued, and left an impact on so many lives simply by being himself.
It’s hard to imagine this world without him in it. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. RIP Mark.

05/13/2026

Living with two different AI devices is basically parenting two siblings who refuse to communicate. A friend told their Google Home to turn on a lamp she had named "Pixar," and Gemini responded "I can't turn on Pixar because it is a movie studio." She had to rename her lamp "Kevin." Technology is great, until it ain’t. 🤣

05/07/2026

Have you ever wondered what goes into repairing and restoring a fine cello? It's taken four months, but the repair and restoration of my cello is almost complete! I am in awe of the process and so eternally grateful to Janet Starck for restoring it to its original beauty! Also, sending a heartfelt thanks to Gerrit from Morey's Music for helping me decide on a game plan at the beginning, and for navigating this emotional rollercoaster with me.

05/05/2026

Performing at a memorial service is never easy. The responsibility of creating music that truly honors a life—capturing love, memory, and meaning—is something I hold with deep care and respect.
On Saturday, Nathalie Bonin and I had the profound privilege of honoring Rachelle Bautista Russell. She was a remarkable woman who lived boldly, embraced life fully, and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew her. Gone far too soon. 🕊️

05/01/2026

Check out who had the best seat in the house in the LA, San Diego, and San Bernardino shows of Il Volo's tour 😉 Still feeling all the feels after a great week!

04/29/2026

Does this solve the dilemma of LA traffic? Might be worth a try… 😉

04/24/2026

It was an absolute privilege to contract the orchestras and perform on cello for the SoCal leg of the Il Volo World Tour. This Italian trio’s signature blend of opera and pop—“popera”—is something special… and wow, can they sing. Truly a spectacular show from start to finish.
We played to packed houses at the Peacock Theater (LA), Yaamava Resort & Casino, and the San Diego Civic Theatre. The energy in every room was electric, and the audiences soaked up every moment. There’s nothing better than performing for a crowd that’s fully in it with you.
Huge thanks to Il Volo, Giampiero Grani, and Gelb Productions for the trust on such a meaningful production. Let’s do it again soon 😉

04/22/2026

Happy Earth Day 🌿 Out here where the ocean meets the cliffs, it’s easy to remember what we’re protecting. 🌎
Grateful for places like Channel Islands National Park—wild, windswept, and full of life. Days like this are a reminder that Earth doesn’t need us to be perfect, just more mindful. Leave less behind, take more in, and keep showing up for the planet in small, consistent ways.