Kari Kirkland Previews James Taylor and Carole King Tribute Show at Cascade Lounge

Jazz vocalist, producer, and former circus artist Kari Kirkland is gearing up for a special live performance at the Cascade Lounge inside Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs. She’ll be joining longtime collaborator Tod Macofsky for a musical tribute to legends James Taylor and Carole King on July 31 at 7 p.m.

Kirkland, known for her jazz-pop interpretations and two full-length albums, shared her excitement about bringing this expanded show to a new venue. The performance originally debuted at PS Underground and has since been enhanced with new material and storytelling that dives into the careers and collaborations of Taylor and King.

Kirkland spoke about her deep connection to the music and the collaborative chemistry she shares with Macofsky, noting the trust and synchronicity they experience on stage. “You and I have something magical that happens on stage,” she said. “It's like that click you only get with certain performers.”

She also discussed her third studio album, expected in January, which continues her approach of transforming pop songs into jazz-infused arrangements with help from producer Shelly Berg.

Before turning to music, Kirkland spent years as a flying trapeze artist and co-owned a studio in Seattle. While she says that experience doesn’t necessarily make her more fearless on stage, it taught her to stay present and lead with joy—an energy she brings into every performance.

“Start with joy,” Kirkland advised fellow performers. “No one will remember the bad note or the missed catch. They will remember how you made them feel.”

Fans can catch Kari Kirkland and Tod Macofsky performing live at the Cascade Lounge on July 31 at 7 p.m. Tickets are available through Agua Caliente Casinos.

Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.