Pete Kartsounes
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Pete Kartsounes Pete Kartsounes is an award winning songwriter who has established himself as a dominant figure in today’s music scene, captivating audiences as much as a soloist as he does with his band. The Pete Kartsounes Band is a dynamic group, comprised of members who are among Colorado’s finest musicians. Solo, or with the band, Pete’s unparalleled talent to perform a wide variety of individual genres, or meld them together gives him a diverse musical expression with the ability fit the genre of any event. Not only a performer, but a songwriter, Pete is a truly limitless artist and a craftsman, whose songwriting draws from a myriad of musical traditions. Writing ballads, blues, jazz, bluegrass, folk, and compositions that defy definition, he is best described as a story teller, weaving a tale through a soulful musical journey. In June of 2009, Pete was selected as a finalist in the prestigious Telluride Troubadour Competition, and out over over 400 songwriters, he finished 1st runner up. Pete’s smoky voice has a depth that stretches beyond his years, as he sings with all consuming passion and conviction. There's something undeniably infectious about Pete’s music that is especially powerful in his live performances. As a former member of the Wayword Sons "featuring Benny Galloway" (writer behind the songs of Yonder Mountain String Band and The Infamous Stringdusters), Pete’s new focus is playing festivals and "listening" venues as a soloist and with his own band. Having toured nationally and internationally, playing nearly 200 shows a year, the reviews continue to rave that Pete is “truly one of a kind” and a “must see” performer. Pete's newest release "Out of Nowhere" is his 3rd and most successful album to date. Getting national exposure, it is a tasteful blend of bluegrass, jazz, folk, and blues, entwined with acoustic overtones and superb musicianship. The disc includes many well known artists, some of which are Grammy Award Winner Sally Van Meter, Jeff Austin (Yonder Mtn String Band), Drew Emmitt (Leftover Salmon), and Travis Book (The Infamous Stringdusters). The recording was done in DSD (Direct Stream Digital) format by Gus Skinas. Gus has collaborated with many other great artists including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Pink Floyd. Pete is currently working on a new CD with a string section to capture yet another side of his diverse artistic expression. It is expected to be out by the FALL of 09'. In 2007, Pete began a new journey when he started the Hike for Cancer Foundation. Hike for Cancer is a non-profit organization that combines music, hiking, and community to raise funds for organizations that support families struggling with childhood illness. In 2009, Pete will once again hike the 500 mile Colorado Trail, playing concerts and festivals along the way to raise money and awareness for their 2009 beneficiary, "There with Care.” Pete will hike from Denver to Durango, Colorado between July 28th and September 9th.