VKB Band

18/3 2026

VKB Band (US)

Vicki Kristina Barcelona Band

Photographer: George De Castro

Rachelle Garniez, Amanda Homi and Kirsten Thien – three well established New York artists who together reinterpret and reimagine the music of Tom Waits. With powerful voices, harmonies and a rich instrumentation including banjo, accordion, bottles and horns, they create a vibrant and dynamic soundscape. Here, humor and depth meet, and Tom Waits’ rough-edged, poetic characters take on new dimensions from a fresh perspective. The band’s name is borrowed from Woody Allen’s film Vicky Cristina Barcelona – a fitting image for this collaboration between three women and the music they love.

In their interpretations, VKB also seek to highlight Kathleen Brennan, Tom Waits’ co-writer and life partner. ”Everything fits together here”, wrote one critic after the last tour. It’s a multicultural adventure that is by turns beautiful, funny, disturbing and poignant.

Rachelle Garniez is a New York–based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known for weaving cabaret, jazz and folk into something deeply personal and expressive.

Amanda Homi, a vocalist and percussionist with roots spanning several continents, has collaborated with artists such as Paul Simon and Mavis Staples. She brings rhythm, warmth and a global sound palette to the group.

Kirsten Thien comes from a background in blues and roots rock. Her voice moves effortlessly between soulful subtlety and raw power, while her guitar playing gives the music drive and grounding.

Their latest album, Crooked Little Heart, recorded in New York City, continues the trio’s creative journey through the Tom Waits songbook – filled with presence, warmth and storytelling spirit.

On stage:
Rachelle Garniez – accordion, guitar, banjo
Amanda Homi – vocals, harmonium, drums, percussion
Kirsten Thien – vocals, electric guitar, banjo

Rachelle Garniez, Amanda Homi and Kirsten Thien – three well established New York artists who together reinterpret and reimagine the music of Tom Waits. With powerful voices, harmonies and a rich instrumentation including banjo, accordion, bottles and horns, they create a vibrant and dynamic soundscape. Here, humor and depth meet, and Tom Waits’ rough-edged, poetic characters take on new dimensions from a fresh perspective. The band’s name is borrowed from Woody Allen’s film Vicky Cristina Barcelona – a fitting image for this collaboration between three women and the music they love.

In their interpretations, VKB also seek to highlight Kathleen Brennan, Tom Waits’ co-writer and life partner. ”Everything fits together here”, wrote one critic after the last tour. It’s a multicultural adventure that is by turns beautiful, funny, disturbing and poignant.

Rachelle Garniez is a New York–based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known for weaving cabaret, jazz and folk into something deeply personal and expressive.

Amanda Homi, a vocalist and percussionist with roots spanning several continents, has collaborated with artists such as Paul Simon and Mavis Staples. She brings rhythm, warmth and a global sound palette to the group.

Kirsten Thien comes from a background in blues and roots rock. Her voice moves effortlessly between soulful subtlety and raw power, while her guitar playing gives the music drive and grounding.

Their latest album, Crooked Little Heart, recorded in New York City, continues the trio’s creative journey through the Tom Waits songbook – filled with presence, warmth and storytelling spirit.

On stage:
Rachelle Garniez – accordion, guitar, banjo
Amanda Homi – vocals, harmonium, drums, percussion
Kirsten Thien – vocals, electric guitar, banjo

Rachelle Garniez, Amanda Homi and Kirsten Thien – three well established New York artists who together reinterpret and reimagine the music of Tom Waits. With powerful voices, harmonies and a rich instrumentation including banjo, accordion, bottles and horns, they create a vibrant and dynamic soundscape. Here, humor and depth meet, and Tom Waits’ rough-edged, poetic characters take on new dimensions from a fresh perspective. The band’s name is borrowed from Woody Allen’s film Vicky Cristina Barcelona – a fitting image for this collaboration between three women and the music they love.

In their interpretations, VKB also seek to highlight Kathleen Brennan, Tom Waits’ co-writer and life partner. ”Everything fits together here”, wrote one critic after the last tour. It’s a multicultural adventure that is by turns beautiful, funny, disturbing and poignant.

Rachelle Garniez is a New York–based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known for weaving cabaret, jazz and folk into something deeply personal and expressive.

Amanda Homi, a vocalist and percussionist with roots spanning several continents, has collaborated with artists such as Paul Simon and Mavis Staples. She brings rhythm, warmth and a global sound palette to the group.

Kirsten Thien comes from a background in blues and roots rock. Her voice moves effortlessly between soulful subtlety and raw power, while her guitar playing gives the music drive and grounding.

Their latest album, Crooked Little Heart, recorded in New York City, continues the trio’s creative journey through the Tom Waits songbook – filled with presence, warmth and storytelling spirit.

On stage:
Rachelle Garniez – accordion, guitar, banjo
Amanda Homi – vocals, harmonium, drums, percussion
Kirsten Thien – vocals, electric guitar, banjo

Rachelle Garniez, Amanda Homi and Kirsten Thien – three well established New York artists who together reinterpret and reimagine the music of Tom Waits. With powerful voices, harmonies and a rich instrumentation including banjo, accordion, bottles and horns, they create a vibrant and dynamic soundscape. Here, humor and depth meet, and Tom Waits’ rough-edged, poetic characters take on new dimensions from a fresh perspective. The band’s name is borrowed from Woody Allen’s film Vicky Cristina Barcelona – a fitting image for this collaboration between three women and the music they love.

In their interpretations, VKB also seek to highlight Kathleen Brennan, Tom Waits’ co-writer and life partner. ”Everything fits together here”, wrote one critic after the last tour. It’s a multicultural adventure that is by turns beautiful, funny, disturbing and poignant.

Rachelle Garniez is a New York–based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known for weaving cabaret, jazz and folk into something deeply personal and expressive.

Amanda Homi, a vocalist and percussionist with roots spanning several continents, has collaborated with artists such as Paul Simon and Mavis Staples. She brings rhythm, warmth and a global sound palette to the group.

Kirsten Thien comes from a background in blues and roots rock. Her voice moves effortlessly between soulful subtlety and raw power, while her guitar playing gives the music drive and grounding.

Their latest album, Crooked Little Heart, recorded in New York City, continues the trio’s creative journey through the Tom Waits songbook – filled with presence, warmth and storytelling spirit.

On stage:
Rachelle Garniez – accordion, guitar, banjo
Amanda Homi – vocals, harmonium, drums, percussion
Kirsten Thien – vocals, electric guitar, banjo