There was once a woman named Kumari.

Music had always played an intricate role in her life, so about six years ago, she finally said to herself, “Why not start a band?”

After recruiting her brother, she founded her band, Broken Bow.

The six-member country rock band includes Tom Baker (keyboards), Erick Jaskowiak (drums), Steve Lash (bass), Rick Roeder (steel guitar), Dennis Burkhead (guitar) and Kumari (lead vocals).

Broken Bow is mostly a cover band that plays country hits from the past five years, as well as a few oldies. However, they also have two original songs, “Learning to Let Go” and “For Better or Worse.”

The band has played various venues all over Iowa including the Iowa State Fair and various summer festivals, during which the group has opened for country stars such as Joe Diffie.

In addition to playing in larger venues, the group has also frequented towns such as Fort Dodge, Ames and Dayton.

Frontwoman Kumari describes [the band’s] shows as “high energy.”

“There’s just no other way to explain them,” she said.

Kumari said crowd participation plays a huge part in every show. To add to the excitement, band members often hop offstage and dance in the crowd.

Country music lovers and country music haters can have fun at a Broken Bow show. Kumari says the band patterns itself after the country/pop artists who appeal to almost everyone, such as Garth Brooks, Shania Twain and Wynonna.

“We are dress country, not twang,” Kumari said.

Broken Bow will play on Friday and Sunday nights at Hunky Dory’s in Ames.