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Spotlights » Kari Lynch, '10
Her childhood fits the lyrics to a country song. Kari Lynch, '10 grew up a small town girl with big dreams. Born and raised in Clare, Michigan, she found her calling at age five while in the back seat of her Grandmother's car. Patsy Cline Was blaring from the tape deck and Lynch was hooked. Video Interview
It wasn't long before she picked up a pen and started writing songs. Since words seemed to come naturally to her, Lynch made the decision to enroll in Grand Valley State University's writing program. Even though her studies focused on professional writing, Lynch says that the combination of both the creative and business sides of writing had a huge impact on her career.
"The Literature classes at Grand Valley broadened my perspective on writing and it definitely made me a better songwriter," she said.
She also appreciated the freedom that Grand Valley gave her to explore subjects, something that makes her proud to be a Laker. During her time at the university, Lynch felt that her creativity was nurtured and that the professors taught her to think independently, beyond the pages of a book. One of her most influential professors is Associate Professor David Alvarez.
"He opened my eyes to so many things. Not just the books that we read, but the world: things I had never thought about before," said Lynch.
While taking classes full-time, Lynch never forgot her dream of playing music. As she continued to finish her education, she was introduced to her current band mate, Matt James. The duo started playing together in 2008 and would play shows while balancing work and school. News of their talent spread quickly and they went from playing a few shows a month to sharing the stage with nationally touring bands.
After graduating in 2010 with a degree in Professional Writing, Lynch reached her goal of sustaining full-time gigs with her country group, The Kari Lynch Band.
"We left the first practice and looked at each other and thought: this is good"!
The Kari Lynch Band was the opening act for rising county star Justin Moore at the GVSU Fieldhouse in April 2012 and is currently on a Michigan-wide tour. Lynch is confident that the band's dynamic sound will take them all the way to Nashville and beyond.
Updated April 2012. *Photo credit: T Scott Photography
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