TruTABOO adds a fresh, powerful twist to adult alternative, classic rock, ballads, and even R&B/Soul genres. This rockin’ trio includes Ginger Tivey on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Karen Whitham on electric guitar and backup vocals, and Sandy “Hot Pants” Baca on drums.

Self-taught with an undeniable passion to sing and perform since diapers, Ginger Tivey has always pushed herself to re-imagine the music that emotionally drives her. Ginger has played with several bands over the years, but her true passion lies behind any performance where her music emotionally moves her fans. To her, that is everything. She sings from the heart, instantly connecting audiences to her unique voice from the very first note. Powerful, passionate, and kind are just a few words to describe her—not only as a musician, but as a human. Creating music with others who share her passion and can together “waltz” a crowd into a mesmerizing musical experience is her goal with every song.

Karen Whitham began her love affair with guitars when she was just a toddler. Her parents brought two acoustic classical guitars home and started lessons—though it was Karen who ended up playing them. Her true calling took shape on her 16th birthday when her father surprised her with her very first electric guitar. She went on to become known as one of the best female guitarists in the Bay Area. After stepping away from the scene in 2011, Karen returned to music when she met Ginger Tivey, whose talent and passion inspired her to pick up her electric guitar once again for TruTABOO. Karen’s wide-ranging style has been compared to U2’s The Edge, Jimmy Page, David Gilmour, and the earthy soul of Melissa Etheridge. While her heart belongs to the guitar, she also plays keyboards, bass, violin, and drums. Karen’s passion lies in writing melodies that bring lyrics to life—what she calls “painting”—using guitar hooks and musical textures that elevate every song.

Drummer Sandy “Hot Pants” Baca received her first drum kit at around the age of 10 and has had a passion for music ever since. Drums were her first love. A self-taught drummer, Sandy’s deep appreciation for oldies, pop, new-country, and R&B has made her an incredibly well-rounded and dynamic player. Her passion for drumming is infectious and shines through in her confident, authoritative playing—she truly loves every minute behind the kit. Sandy brings extensive experience from R&B, rock, pop, new-country, original bands, and Latin music. She has performed primarily throughout the Bay Area with many corporate bands, playing renowned venues such as Bimbo’s, The Great American Music Hall, and the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, along with stages across the entire SF Bay Area. Now relocated to the Sacramento area, Sandy continues to bring her groove, energy, and unmistakable drive to TruTABOO.

Together, TruTABOO delivers emotionally charged performances, rich musical textures, and a powerful connection with their audience—music that moves both the heart and the soul.