Friday, Jul. 18, 2008

Local singer set to travel the globe

Keysha Burns is set for tonight in Fresno

Two years ago aspiring singer Keysha Burns said it was her goal to put Los Baños on the map.

Lately though she has been the one all over the world.

Whether it's singing gospel songs at fundraisers or jazz tunes at smoky Nordic night clubs, Burns has done it.

"Growing up I've always known that this is what I would do," she said. "And now that I'm doing it, it's amazing."

Burns, 34, will perform today in Fresno. It's one of her last stateside shows before embarking on a European tour later this year, her second in what has been a whirlwind 24-month period.

When her sophmore album "Keysha R U Ready" was released in December of 2006 Burns made a conscious decision to seriously pursue a music career.

"I began to sing all over the Valley; Fresno, Merced, Los Baños," Burns said. "Then I started going farther out."

She sang at fairs, fundraisers, sporting events; anywhere her voice would be heard. Little did she know that her vocals would eventually take her across the Atlantic Ocean.

A jazz club owner in Tallin, Estonia found Burns through her MySpace page and liked her sultry sound enough to fly her and her pianist to perform at his club's November 2007 opening.

Burns made such an impact on Estonians that she was flown back again in February for another two-week stint.

"They (audience members)came back after I had left and asked about this lady from the states," Burns said.

While there she made some new fans and connections that are allowing her to return once again in the fall. This time she will sing with an orchestra.

Burns said offers are also coming in to sing in Italy and Germany, something she said she would like to fit into her trip if it's possible.

"My main reason for singing is loving life and different cultures. I think my music reflects that," she said.

Burns was born and raised in Los Baños but now resides in Fresno with her three children. She works in social services.

Burns credits her small-town upbringing and her teachers at Los Baños High School--especially her choir instructor Tom Faria--for inspiring her to pursue a career in music.

Faria said that he is proud of Burns and her accomplishments on and off the stage. He remembers her as one person in his group of singers who took a fledgling choir to the next step.

"She has a beautiful solo voice; her personality really shines through it" Faria said.

Burns said she now hopes to be the one to inspire people through her music and her story.

"I've noticed that growing up in small towns a lot of people tend to get lost," Burns said. "But look at me, I'm traveling the country, the world. I always ask people 'where will your voice take you?'"

Burns will perform along with her band, the Epiphany Tones, and the group Favored O.N.E. at 7 p.m. today at Veterans Memorial Theater in Fresno. The cost is $15. Call (559)270-6057 for more information.

Enterprise reporter Minerva Perez can be reached by phone at (209)388-6565 or by e-mail at mperez@losbanosenterprise.com

Enterprise reporter Minerva Perez can be reached by phone at (209)388-6565 or by e-mail at mperez@losbanosenterprise.com