KLONDIKE KATES BIOGRAPHIES

KARI SHAFF

2004 KLONDIKE KATE (Click on Photo to Enlarge)

Kari Shaff was born at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina, MN which explains her expensive tastes. Three weeks later she was whisked off to live with her mother and father in Berlin, Germany while he taught for the International School there. Over the next many years, Kari’s parents divorced, but she was fortunate to live with both equally and in Europe with her father for more than four years total.

Kari was always singing and performing. Distant memories of dancing on the coffee table are confirmed by her very supportive family. She was involved in every choir, performance, recital and solo she could get her hands on. No wonder she was known as a bit of a "Show Off" as early as Kindergarten. This propensity to perform began to really pay off in high school when she received leading roles in both operettas and musicals.

Kari then attended Minneapolis Community College where she received her Associate of Arts Degree in 1990. She starred in several productions there which included "Vanities" and "Oedipus Rex." After a tough and rewarding summer at the Big Fork Summer Theatre in Big Fork, MT she attended St. Cloud State University where she performed in such productions as "Little Victories," "A Winter’s Tale," and a stint as Guenevere in The Stearns County Theatrical Company’s version of "Camelot." She graduated in 1992 and then spent another year in Germany working for several American companies.

She earned a living during and after college doing singing telegrams and as characters for MetroConnections. Always an over the top entertainer, she loved the ability to perform and pay a few bills doing so. She also waited tables and has been a purchasing agent for several companies for almost 10 years.

But her heart was always in her singing. Struggling to get gigs here and there, she was lucky to perform in such establishments as Lee’s Liquor Lounge, The Dakota, Sophia and The Loring Bar, among many others. She was known for awhile as Ginger diVoce while the retro Swing movement was thriving in the late ‘90s. She now performs jazz all around town in such clubs as The Kitty Kat Club and Vic’s, but she is best known recently on the club circuit for the quirky Rockabilly/Alt-Country/Punk (yes, Punk!) band "Reverse Cowgirl."

Kari met the Klondike Kates while they were performing at the Minnesota State Fair in August of 2003. Once meeting The Kates, she knew that "the (space)ship had come for me." The Singing, entertaining, flirting, and camaraderie The Klondike Kates represent everything she had ever dreamed of. The fact that she won on her first try was a shock and a gift. It was finally an opportunity to give back for all that she has received. But make no mistake; there are more rewards than costs.

Kari’s philosophy on life is, "Unrealized potential is the saddest thing. GO FOR IT!!!"