Kimberly Wolff

A year after moving to Nashville,
Tenn., and touring full-time,
Kimberly Wolff is coming home
to promote her latest country
album.
A 2003 graduate of McHenry
High School East Campus,
Wolff has performed throughout
the area, beginning at age 7
on the Woodstock Opera House
stage.
She grew up singing at festivals,
the fair and elsewhere in McHenry
County.
Following appearances in Nashville
and Chicago, she will sign CDs
and perform at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at
Raymond’s Bowl & Entertainment
Center in Johnsburg.
“I can’t wait to come back,”
she said. “I’m extremely
thankful for the support. We’ve had
an enormous response from our
friends and family and fans.”
Performing with The Kimberly
Wolff Band, which includes her
husband Mitch Martin on drums,
Wolff describes her music as “country
rock,” along the lines of country
artists Miranda Lambert and Carrie
Underwood.
“We’re a very high energy
band,” she said.
The album, titled “Stand Up,”
includes songs such as, “The Other
Woman,” that are “female-driven.”
As the title implies, “The Other
Woman” is about someone who
finds out the man she’s been dating is
married.
“I just wanted to pick something
that kind of represents women, just
to stand up for what you want to do
with your life and not let anyone tell
you differently,” she said.
When she and Martin decided in
2011 to move to Nashville, Wolff said
she received all sorts of encouragement.
But occasionally someone would
make a comment about how difficult
the career might be.
This only inspired Wolff to work
harder to follow her dream.
After high school, where Wolff
played Sandy in “Grease” and Martin
performed in the pit band, she went
to St. Ambrose University in Iowa.
Upon earning her degree, she came
home, formed the band and began
performing throughout the Chicago
area.
“There has never been anything
else I wanted to do,” Wolff said. “I
always knew that being a singer, this
is what I wanted to do.”
Though she said she’s had the support
of family all along, even those
who aren’t as fortunate should follow
their dreams.
“I still think you should figure out
what you want to do, what you have a
passion for, and go do it,” she said.

WHEN: Feb. 4. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.,
with Wolff performing at 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Raymond’s Bowl & Entertainment
Center, 3960 Johnsburg Road, Johnsburg
COST & INFO: Tickets cost $15 and are
available at www.kimberlywolff.com.
Wolff also will perform at 11 p.m. Feb. 3 at
Hark Rock Chicago, 230 N. Michigan Ave.
(Doors open at 9 p.m.) - Northwest Hearald Sidetracks

A year after moving to Nashville,
Tenn., and touring full-time,
Kimberly Wolff is coming home
to promote her latest country
album.
A 2003 graduate of McHenry
High School East Campus,
Wolff has performed throughout
the area, beginning at age 7
on the Woodstock Opera House
stage.
She grew up singing at festivals,
the fair and elsewhere in McHenry
County.
Following appearances in Nashville
and Chicago, she will sign CDs
and perform at 8:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at
Raymond’s Bowl & Entertainment
Center in Johnsburg.
“I can’t wait to come back,”
she said. “I’m extremely
thankful for the support. We’ve had
an enormous response from our
friends and family and fans.”
Performing with The Kimberly
Wolff Band, which includes her
husband Mitch Martin on drums,
Wolff describes her music as “country
rock,” along the lines of country
artists Miranda Lambert and Carrie
Underwood.
“We’re a very high energy
band,” she said.
The album, titled “Stand Up,”
includes songs such as, “The Other
Woman,” that are “female-driven.”
As the title implies, “The Other
Woman” is about someone who
finds out the man she’s been dating is
married.
“I just wanted to pick something
that kind of represents women, just
to stand up for what you want to do
with your life and not let anyone tell
you differently,” she said.
When she and Martin decided in
2011 to move to Nashville, Wolff said
she received all sorts of encouragement.
But occasionally someone would
make a comment about how difficult
the career might be.
This only inspired Wolff to work
harder to follow her dream.
After high school, where Wolff
played Sandy in “Grease” and Martin
performed in the pit band, she went
to St. Ambrose University in Iowa.
Upon earning her degree, she came
home, formed the band and began
performing throughout the Chicago
area.
“There has never been anything
else I wanted to do,” Wolff said. “I
always knew that being a singer, this
is what I wanted to do.”
Though she said she’s had the support
of family all along, even those
who aren’t as fortunate should follow
their dreams.
“I still think you should figure out
what you want to do, what you have a
passion for, and go do it,” she said.

WHEN: Feb. 4. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.,
with Wolff performing at 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Raymond’s Bowl & Entertainment
Center, 3960 Johnsburg Road, Johnsburg
COST & INFO: Tickets cost $15 and are
available at www.kimberlywolff.com.
Wolff also will perform at 11 p.m. Feb. 3 at
Hark Rock Chicago, 230 N. Michigan Ave.
(Doors open at 9 p.m.) - Northwest Hearald Sidetracks

Kimberly Wolff - Nestled amongst the woods, just next to the lake, sits the beautiful Lakeside Legacy Arts Park in Crystal Lake, IL. However, on this particular weekend the park was transformed into The Lakeside Festival and to kick off the music on Friday night was hometown girl, Kimberly Wolff.



When I first caught Kimberly’s show back in December at the Sundance Saloon, I was immediately impressed by her on stage presence, outstanding vocals, choice of covers, and more importantly her original material that she filtered into her set. A lot has changed since December for Kimberly. She has secured a spot in the top 10 for the Chicago part of the Colgate Country Challenge (which puts her on stage before Lyric Street recording artist Bucky Covington), and in even better news finished up her debut album “Double Wide Life” and was using the Lakeside Festival as her CD release show.



Kimberly’s stage presence continues to be great and a big part of her performance as she bounces back and forth across the front of the small stage throughout the show and her band works to her left and right. More often than not Kimberly encouraged the crowd to sing-a-long with her and had them in the palm of her hands. Early on in the show she had them singing along with an original song called “Rip It Up,” impressive to say the least.



Wolff chose all the right originals and mixed them perfectly into her 2-hour set. From the rock driven songs like “Your Heart,” to the countrified songs like “Girls Night Out” and “Double Wide Life,” to a great ballad called “In Harm’s Way,” which focuses on someone you love being overseas and fighting in the war, Wolff’s originals seemed to really please the crowd and send them over to her merch table to grab a copy of the album.



But, as it was a festival and a 2-hour set, cover songs are inevitable and do get the crowd moving and shaking, and more importantly staying to watch a set if they can sing-a-long. Wolff keeps her cover set fresh with modern country and current hits like Carrie Underwood’s “Last Name,” Gretchen Wilson’s “California Girls,” and Miranda Lambert’s “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” but also fuses in some classics such as Johnny and June’s “Jackson,” which she splits the leads on with guitarist Ben Denen. And for you rock music fans, never fear, she isn’t afraid to rock out with Led Zeppelin’s “Rock-N-Roll” or Journey’s “Anyway You Want It.”



All in all, Kimberly Wolff is definitely a Chicago area performer to keep your eyes on. Her ability to mix rock with country is perfect fit for today’s mainstream country fan and her live show is easy to get wrapped up in as her cover songs will have you singing along and her original songs will keep you watching and wanting more. With some big things on the horizon for Kimberly, now is the time to get on the bandwagon and check out one of her shows.
- Today's Country Magazine

Kimberly Wolff may just be the next country singer to break out of Illinois and hit with the mainstream if her debut album “Double Wide Life” is any indication. With one foot on the country side of the dirt and the other firmly placed in the rock music world, Wolff’s sweet, yet at times spiteful vocals are going to instantly draw you into her brand of modern, rocking, country. From the 70’s era, rock, guitar riffs on album opener “Your Heart,” to the ballads like “In Harm’s Way,” which talks about the war and having a loved one over there fighting, to the countrified side of things with songs like “Girls Night Out” and “Double Wide Life,” you are sure to find something about this album to love. Kimberly delivers her lyrics and vocals with passion regardless if she is singing a song about a relationship ending like on “The Other Woman,” or “Already Gone,” or if she is just looking to have a great time as she displays on “Rip It Up” and “On A Mission.” All in all, Wolff has taken her combination of influences that range from Miranda Lambert to Gretchen Wilson to Carrie Underwood and brought the listeners an album that encompasses all of the country elements and fuses them together perfectly with a rock based style that will no doubt have you jumping along with her as soon as you hit play.
- Today's County Magazine

“Chicago’s Country Girl,” Kimberly Wolff is no stranger to the Illinois country music scene. She performed at the Country Thunder USA festival in Twin Lakes, WI as part of the Colgate Country Showdown in 2005 & 2006, has played the Illinois State Fair, and has now released her debut album "Double Wide Life." She enlisted Emmy Award winning producer, Roger Adler to man the production boards for the album and has been out promoting it with countless shows including a spot sharing the stage with Lyric Street Records recording artist and American Idol alum, Bucky Covington. Kimberly recently took a moment to talk to us about the album, her live shows, and more.



Official Kimberly Wolff Website
Kimberly Wolff Myspace
Kimberly Wolff Album Review

1. You recently released your debut album “Double Wide Life.” What can people expect to hear from it when they hit play?

When you hit play on Double Wide life you can expect to be taken on a roller coaster ride of carefree fun, and deep emotion. There’s a little something for everyone.

2. With so many artists out there right now, what do you feel most separates your album and music from others?

Growing up listening to artists like Faith Hill, and Shania Twain, I was always inspired to become a country singer. Being from Chicago, and not Nashville, I wanted to find my place in country music. I don’t sing with an accent, I’m not from the south, but I love country music. I’m “Chicago’s Country Girl!” Which I think makes me and my music different.

3. Emmy Nominated, Roger Adler produced “Double Wide Life.” What did Roger bring to the studio that help shape the sound of the album and made you a stronger artist?

It is so much fun, and a privilege working with Roger Adler. He is so talented. He is always very open to my interpretation of his music. He allows me to stay true to who I am and sing what I feel. Because of that, I think it has made this album something we can both be proud of. We work very well together, and I feel that is very important.

4. Which song from “Double Wide Life” is your personal favorite and why?

That is a tough one. To be honest I like all of them. It depends what mood you are in at the time. Girls Night Out is a fun, have a good time, party song, and Pass the Love Along is more sentimental. If I had to pick just one, I think it would be Double Wide Life. I love singing sassy, in your face songs, and I think that is what this song brings. It kind of says, this is who I am whether you like it or not.

5. How important have internet outlets like myspace been to getting your music out there to people that otherwise would not have heard it?

I think having things like myspace out there is a great thing for musicians. It is very effective in allowing people to hear your music. I have fans who have never seen my show, but love my music.

6. What can people expect from your live show that just listening to the album isn’t going to give them?

People will be able to experience what they have only been able to listen to. Being at our show brings a lot of energy and the crowd is able to become involved. We love having them sing with us! Also, I like to give a girls voice to some popular country and rock tunes. Everyone will walk away with having heard a favorite song.

7. You mix a wide range of covers into your sets at your live shows. Which covers are your favorites to perform and why?

Definitely, 100%, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood songs. Like I said before, I love being sassy and thrashy, and those girls definitely bring it!! I always look forward to singing their songs. It brings out a different side of me.

8. In 2005 and 2006 you took part in the Colgate Country Showdown at the Country Thunder USA Festival. What did you learn from those performances that you have been able to put into your live show now?

I’ve learned to just be myself, and give it everything I have. It’s all about having fun on stage. You really have to be confident in who you are and what you do. It is one person’s opinion in that moment in time, and it doesn’t make or break who you are.

9. What advantages and disadvantages are there to being a country artist in the Illinois/Wisconsin area as opposed to being in the Nashville mix of artists?

Well an advantage is it separates me from the rest. Remember, I’m “Chicago’s Country Girl!!” However, Nashville is the hub of country music. There are always things happening there that I am so far away from. There might be more opportunity, and a better chance of breaking through in Nashville, but I am very blessed to be connected with people like Roger Adler who have helped me so much right here in Illinois.

10. What piece of advice can you offer someone that is looking to break into the music industry right now?

Never give up on your dream. Be very persistent and have thick skin. I also feel that the world is based on relationships and it is very important to network wi - Today's Country Magazine

“Chicago’s Country Girl,” Kimberly Wolff is no stranger to the Illinois country music scene. She performed at the Country Thunder USA festival in Twin Lakes, WI as part of the Colgate Country Showdown in 2005 & 2006, has played the Illinois State Fair, and has now released her debut album "Double Wide Life." She enlisted Emmy Award winning producer, Roger Adler to man the production boards for the album and has been out promoting it with countless shows including a spot sharing the stage with Lyric Street Records recording artist and American Idol alum, Bucky Covington. Kimberly recently took a moment to talk to us about the album, her live shows, and more.



Official Kimberly Wolff Website
Kimberly Wolff Myspace
Kimberly Wolff Album Review

1. You recently released your debut album “Double Wide Life.” What can people expect to hear from it when they hit play?

When you hit play on Double Wide life you can expect to be taken on a roller coaster ride of carefree fun, and deep emotion. There’s a little something for everyone.

2. With so many artists out there right now, what do you feel most separates your album and music from others?

Growing up listening to artists like Faith Hill, and Shania Twain, I was always inspired to become a country singer. Being from Chicago, and not Nashville, I wanted to find my place in country music. I don’t sing with an accent, I’m not from the south, but I love country music. I’m “Chicago’s Country Girl!” Which I think makes me and my music different.

3. Emmy Nominated, Roger Adler produced “Double Wide Life.” What did Roger bring to the studio that help shape the sound of the album and made you a stronger artist?

It is so much fun, and a privilege working with Roger Adler. He is so talented. He is always very open to my interpretation of his music. He allows me to stay true to who I am and sing what I feel. Because of that, I think it has made this album something we can both be proud of. We work very well together, and I feel that is very important.

4. Which song from “Double Wide Life” is your personal favorite and why?

That is a tough one. To be honest I like all of them. It depends what mood you are in at the time. Girls Night Out is a fun, have a good time, party song, and Pass the Love Along is more sentimental. If I had to pick just one, I think it would be Double Wide Life. I love singing sassy, in your face songs, and I think that is what this song brings. It kind of says, this is who I am whether you like it or not.

5. How important have internet outlets like myspace been to getting your music out there to people that otherwise would not have heard it?

I think having things like myspace out there is a great thing for musicians. It is very effective in allowing people to hear your music. I have fans who have never seen my show, but love my music.

6. What can people expect from your live show that just listening to the album isn’t going to give them?

People will be able to experience what they have only been able to listen to. Being at our show brings a lot of energy and the crowd is able to become involved. We love having them sing with us! Also, I like to give a girls voice to some popular country and rock tunes. Everyone will walk away with having heard a favorite song.

7. You mix a wide range of covers into your sets at your live shows. Which covers are your favorites to perform and why?

Definitely, 100%, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood songs. Like I said before, I love being sassy and thrashy, and those girls definitely bring it!! I always look forward to singing their songs. It brings out a different side of me.

8. In 2005 and 2006 you took part in the Colgate Country Showdown at the Country Thunder USA Festival. What did you learn from those performances that you have been able to put into your live show now?

I’ve learned to just be myself, and give it everything I have. It’s all about having fun on stage. You really have to be confident in who you are and what you do. It is one person’s opinion in that moment in time, and it doesn’t make or break who you are.

9. What advantages and disadvantages are there to being a country artist in the Illinois/Wisconsin area as opposed to being in the Nashville mix of artists?

Well an advantage is it separates me from the rest. Remember, I’m “Chicago’s Country Girl!!” However, Nashville is the hub of country music. There are always things happening there that I am so far away from. There might be more opportunity, and a better chance of breaking through in Nashville, but I am very blessed to be connected with people like Roger Adler who have helped me so much right here in Illinois.

10. What piece of advice can you offer someone that is looking to break into the music industry right now?

Never give up on your dream. Be very persistent and have thick skin. I also feel that the world is based on relationships and it is very important to network wi - Today's Country Magazine