About the Band

Category: Band
Music Genre: Acoustic

Karl Werne has been entertaining the Hampton Roads area of Virginia since he was 16. Eight years with The Lewis McGehee Group and four years with his own Instant Karma have made him a local favorite. A highlight of that time was performing in the opening act for Bruce Hornsby's grammy winning "The Way It Is" tour.

In 1995, Karl teamed up with saxophonist, Eddie Williams, a partnership that would prove to have a profound impact. Now playing acoustic guitar, this new exploration of improvisation and creativity would shape a unique sound later complimented by some of the area's finest musicians, including electric guitarist Curtis Eley, TR3 drummer Dan Martier, jazz professor John Toomey on piano and Scott Slay from Big Virginia Sky on mandolin.

Also during these years, a powerful three-part-harmony trio of singer/songwriters, armed with positive lyrics and diverse backgrounds came together as a traveling band known as Elaine, Lambert & Karl. After enjoying immediate success with a debut CD and a tour with friend and mentor Keb' Mo', they settled on an official band name of "BiG WiDE GRiN". BWG is now working on their 4th CD and continues touring as a duo, occasionally teaming up with singer/songwriter/producer and friend Tom Prasada-Rao.