Nashville Singer, Palos Native Abby Kasch Returns For Summer Gigs

PALOS PARK, IL —Former “Voice” contestant and rising Nashville star Abby Kasch will be performing a series of gigs this summer in the south suburbs. The Palos Park native, who says she’s been singing in bars since she was 12, reached the semi-finals this past season on NBC’s “The Voice” and is collaborating with other Nashville songwriters on some new tunes.

“The momentum from ‘The Voice’ has definitely given me a lot of motivation to book gigs in different states and branching out from Nashville,” Kasch said in a phone interview on her way to a performance in Carlinville, IL. “I got a booking manager. We just started working together.”

Kasch will appear live on WGN’s morning news show at 9:50 a.m. Friday, July 19. She’ll be performing later the same day, from 9 p.m. to midnight, at Durbin’s Pub, 10154 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills.

Since her impressive showing on ‘The Voice’ that exposed her to a national audience, Kasch’s career has been a whirlwind. When Kasch doesn’t have to fly, she brings her Irish-doodle, Buddy, on the road with her. She’s also remained in touch with her “Voice” coach-turned-mentor, Kelly Clarkson. Kasch has been recording some new songs for Clarkson’s Starstruck Entertainment label.

“She’s been great,” Kasch said. “I’ve talked to friends from the show who say their coaches aren’t reaching out. “I’m so fortunate to have picked her as a coach.”

Season 16 of “The Voice” was not without controversy. The long-running singing competition shook up it’s format by introducing a new live cross battle round. The new format drew some backlash from viewers, who thought the voting was rigged to favor Coach Blake Shelton’s team. Kasch was cut from advancing to the top 12.

“I was just surprised to get on the show. I really didn’t think I would make it to the top 24,” Kasch said. “I’m happy with how it went. The night twelve of us were eliminated, I said, ‘Guys, this is a like a win. Everyone’s going to go home except for one person.’”

Kasch’s upcoming shows include:

July 19 - WGN Morning News, live performance at 9:50 a.m.
July 19 - Durbin’s, 10154 S. Roberts Road, Palos Hills, 9 p.m. to midnight.
July 21 - Concert In the Park, Orland Park, 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Aug. 23 - Girl In the Park, Orland Park, 8:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Aug. 24 - 115 Bourbon St., Merrionette Park, 10 p.m. to midnight
Sept. 21 - Autumn in the Park, meet and greet, Palos Park, 6 to 8 p.m.
Sept. 21 - Jamos Live, Mokena, 10 p.m. to midnight