Karen "Magic Fingaz" Smith, Brooklyn Native, Philly Resident, is a Professional Percussionist, Playwright, Published Writer and Poet, Director, Teaching Artist, Curator and a member of the Philadelphia Musician’s Union Local 77-274!!! Karen is a recipient of numerous of grants including Leeway Foundation's Art and Change and Illuminate the Arts Grants, received a Pew Fellowship in 2023 from the Pew Center for Arts and Heritage as well as the Black Music City Grant 2025. Sistah Karen is the Founder, Artistic Director and Lead Percussionist of The Karen Smith Experience (formerly called Weez the Peeples) and The Karen Smith Drums Ensemble. Called "Sounds of Freedom" by Philadelphia Inquirer, she has worked with many individual artists, groups, theatrical production companies, studio recordings as well as traveling various places spreading healing rhythmic energies. "Collaborations are the essence of my creative Journey and I am sure there are still so many more to come" Currently the resident music presenter for the Free Library of Philadelphia in the music department, Teaching Artist for African American Museum in Philadelphia and Guest Teaching Artist for Samuel Powel Elementary Drumming Club as well as the "Go-To Percussionist" for a Tri-State area, Karen is part of Theatre Philadelphia : Living Legend Exhibition which is currently on tour. "Truly One Nation Under a Drumbeat!! Possible is Possible is my daily mantra!”