Karen Porkka is a multi-instrumentalist,
singer, composer, improviser, music educator,
and community choir leader based in
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Her musical background is a diverse one;
from playing saxophone in African, Salsa, and Big Bands,
singing in choirs, and playing music for dancers,
to her jazz and world music inspired
performing and recording projects.
Karen also loves looping and shares her
spontaneous creations and compositions
in what she simply calls PorkkaLoops.
She is the founder of the Vocal Improvisation Network
of Edmonton (V.I.N.E.) and a member of the
Ubuntu Choir Network with her community choir
the Soul Song Circle Singers.
She has studied extensively with master vocal
improvisers Rhiannon and Bobby McFerrin
and does her best to share this
lineage of improvised CircleSinging.
Karen acknowledges that much of her musical
upbringing and influences are rooted in
black music and music from around the
world which she holds in great
gratitude and respect.
Her approach to song leading is held
with sacred joy, making singing a safe
and fun experience...."
'cause there is nothing more serious than fun!"
- (Don Cherry - jazz trumpeter)
Â
Elisa S. Keeler is a song leader, composer,
and retreat facilitator.
She is the founder of Freeing Your Voice,
an online and in-person singing program.
Elisa is a co-teacher of the Hidden Treasure Program
at Light on the Hill Retreat Center.
The teachings of this program influence her song lyrics.
As a singer and recording artist,
she has released three albums, Red Sky, Soul of the Earth,
and the brand new Songs for the Circle
which includes a songbook.
She has composed several songs for choirs.Â
Elisa is also the lead singer and songwriter
for the band Elisa & the YesMen.
She has sung lead and harmony vocals
with several Ithaca, NY based bands
and as a guest with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings.
