Mon Oct 27
Kara Levchenko is a Washington, DC-based vocalist, songwriter, and educator whose genre-bending sound places soulful vocals and vulnerable lyrics at it's core. Born and raised in Montgomery County, Maryland, Kara’s musical roots were soundtracked by classical piano, jazz, and musical theatre records played during every family car ride.
A true vocal chameleon, Kara seamlessly weaves together elements of jazz, R&B, pop, and musical theatre, all anchored by a unique vocal timbre that sets her apart. Performing with her dynamic 8-piece live band, she takes audiences on an immersive journey through her rich and eclectic discography.
Kara holds both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Vocal Music Education from James Madison University. She studied vocal jazz with Sienna Dahlen in Montreal through a partnership with McGill University, and jazz piano with Bob Hallahan during her masters program. Her master’s thesis, “Secondary Music Educators’ Perceptions of and Relationships with Dominant Narratives Through Personal Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Practice,” explores the alternative approaches to traditional large ensemble music education.
Currently, Kara serves as the Music Director for the Theatre Department at The Madeira School, where she also teaches chorus, private voice, piano, guitar, and music production lessons.
In 2023, Kara released her debut album, marking a bold entrance into the DC music scene. Her original songs explore themes of love, loss, friendship, and coming of age, resonating deeply with a growing local, and online fanbase. With two sold-out shows at The Pocket and performances at renowned local venues like Pie Shop, Songbyrd Music House, Pearl Street Warehouse, and The Howard Theatre, Kara has quickly become an emerging artist to watch.
Her remarkable ability to adapt her voice to any genre—without ever losing her distinctive sound—cements her as a compelling new voice in the world of independent music.