Karen Parks performs in Off-Broadway production and charity concert

Vocal Arts and Opera faculty member Karen Parks has recently performed in an off-Broadway musical in New York City, and will perform in a charity concert in New York City in December. On Nov. 8, Parks performed in a musical titled “Mighty Funny Kinda’ Love,” that focused on eight women dealing with forbidden love and racial tensions in a small town. The musical was inspired by the poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes and was directed by Elmore James. Parks was joined onstage by many stars including Angel Rose, Carmen Ruby Floyd and Tina Fabrique.

In December, Parks will appear in “Holidays in Harlem with Carla Harris and Friends,” a charity concert at the Apollo Theater. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital Kids’ Care Fund at NewYork-Presbyterian. The Kids’ Care Fund helps offset costs for critical programs the hospital provides for children and families in need.

Parks is a recent addition to the USC Thornton faculty, teaching healthy technique, proper repertoire and authentic delivery to her voice students. Parks is a Billboard chart-topper, Fulbright Scholar and Olivier Award nominee.