Talented piano player associated with Jazz and Smooth Jazz.
Started playing piano at age six, he did not start studying music seriously until he was a teenager. Worked with R and B bands when he was 17
After a period working as a studio musician in D.C., he moved to Los Angeles in 1983 where he became a major part of the smooth jazz scene, playing with (among others) Richard Elliot, Ronnie Laws and David Benoit.
Karukas also worked for a year-and-a-half with Melissa Manchester and in the mid-1980’s he became an original member of the Rippingtons.
In addition to his crossover work, Karukas has gained extensive experience playing Brazilian music including with Ricardo Silveira, Sergio Mendes and Dori Caymmi
Worked as a freelance producer
Has been a sideman on albums by Boney James, Peter White and Craig Chaquico, worked as a studio musician and written songs for a variety of r&b/pop artists.