Mike and Karen are a unique blend of thier individual cultural heritage.

Mike moved to the United States from England, in 1995. Born in Farnborough, Kent, he spent most of his teenage and adult years in the East Midlands of England after a brief three year excursion to Zimbabwe in the early 1960's. A chemist and marketeer by profession Mike began playing guitar at the age of 9 and played in bands in the UK since 1967. Mike also plays keyboards and although very comfortable with lead guitar is most at home on electric bass guitar. Bands Mike has been with would include: Horizon Show Band, Staten Isle Ferry, Peter James Four, Snapp, Indiana Duo, Parchment and After Eight

Karen is from the Fox River Valley area of East Wisconsin and has also played guitar and piano for many years. At high school Karen was a very accomplished and award winning French horn player. Karen is a teacher by profession and has written many articles for magazines. Karen's expressive finger-picking style is the foundation of the duo's musical style. 

Separately Mike and Karen have written many songs over the years but it was not until these two came together did the songwriting really begin to take shape. With Karen's incredable word-smithing ability and Mike's ear for arrangement the music began to take on a whole new life. The Green Apple Folk Society in the Fox Valley provided an early platform for the duo to perfom and has helped in developing their name in the local music scene.

The Cove's, as they are often billed by local venues, started their own studio in Sherwood. This has enabled the production of their music from concept to final CD. Mike and Karen focus on producing at least one project per year. Information on their projects can be seen HERE. Since 1999 the COVE digital studio has also recorded many local artistes and produced quality Demos for songwriters along with DVD production of photo compilations and video.

Mike and Karen's songs are heart felt and often reflect a warmth and depth of feeling that will evoke an instant response from the listener. Their music is a window to thier Christian convictions views.

Mike and Karen were married in September 1999 at First United Church in Neenah.