mark karan

Mark Karan describes himself as a "sort of male Bonnie Raitt filtered through a psychedelic blender". A modern day classic that oozes passion, fluidity and rock and roll spirit to everything he touches, there’s something particularly inviting about Karan.

Best known for his extended run in the Grateful Dead scene as lead guitarist for Bob Weir and Ratdog, Mark is more than his time in the land of the Dead might imply. His six-string prowess has been a catalyst to bolder, bigger, deeper music with the many acts he's toured with (Ratdog, The Other Ones, Delaney Bramlett, Dave Mason, the Rembrandts and Paul Carrack) and as a "value added" guest with The Allman Brothers, Trey Anastasio, Gov't Mule, Jackie Greene, ALO, Levon Helm, Chuck Leavell, Little Feat, .moe, Phil and Friends and many more...

Karan’s debut album, "Walk Through The Fire" was released in 2009 and, to the surprise of many, it revealed a previously unheard rich and soulful singing voice along with his deep emotionality and eclectic musical tastes. The album also features some very special guests (Delaney Bramlett, Bill Payne - Little Feat, Mike Finnigan - CSNY & Jimi Hendrix and The Persuasions).

Mark toured the world with Ratdog, rocking the Montreaux Jazz Festival, the Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival, and the Fuji Rock Festival. He also headlined the biggest festivals in the US (Bonnaroo, Gathering of the Vibes, the New Orleans JazzFest) and played numerous classic venues like the Ryman Auditorium, San Francisco’s Fillmore, Radio City Music Hall and Red Rocks Amphitheater.

The San Francisco-based singer-songwriter-guitarist is currently working on a new record and is embarking on the most personal phase of his career yet. Given his vibrant chops, warm voice, and intuitive, inspired grasp of music, it’s bound to be an exciting time.