SAN ANTONIO, TX. (www.brianburnsmusic.com) - What started out as a critically acclaimed CD has turned into an engaging educational experience for K-12 students throughout Texas.
Texas singer/songwriter Brian Burns' 2001 release "The Eagle & The Snake: Songs Of The Texians" is a collection of songs based on the history, culture, and folklore of The Lone Star State. After its release, the CD became Brian's most successful work and, ultimately, produced a nationally charting hit song, "I've Been Everywhere (In Texas)". It also produced an unexpected "labor of love" for the artist.
"One day a friend of mine who is the superintendent of a school district called and invited me to perform some of these historical ballads for his 4th graders," says Burns, "and I never dreamed that a couple of years later I would be invited into over 70 public schools around Texas to perform for students. Performing for kids, helping them gain an interest in, and appreciation of, Texas history has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my musical career."
Brian is kicking off a new round of presentations for Texas schools beginning September 1st. The program is entitled "The Eagle & The Snake: Songs Of The Texians", and features an interactive musical presentation of songs, stories, questions, and answers about Texas history, culture, folklore, and music. Brian performed in over 70 schools, educational, and historical institutions during the 2003-2004 school year, and he hopes to double the number of performances this year.
"In this day and age it is getting more and more difficult for young people to overcome the Îwhite noise' around them and develop an interest in learning," says Burns, "but music and lyrics work on an emotional level that textbook material can't reach." Some of the letters, emails, and testimonials about Brian's presentation seem to bear him out:
"You visited our school in Pilot Point recently. Since then, my 10 year old wants to listen to you every time we get into the car. Your music has really sparked an interest in Texas history for him; we had to travel to San Antonio over spring break just to see the Alamo!"
"I've never seen our students so attentive at an assembly, and they continue to rave about your presentation. It has given them a new lease on their Texas history curriculum. Thanks!"
"My son, Travis, and oldest daughter, Jessica, really were excited about your performance and asked to hear several of the songs on your CD, as well as asking questions about the events they depict. Thank you once again for taking the time to perform for our children and pass on the pride you have for our state."
Brian Burns has, for many years, been regarded as one of Texas' top performing songwriters, his work having been covered by a number of legendary artists. But over the past few years, Brian has emerged as one of his state's most powerful and engaging performers. His songs explore both the poignant and the humorous sides of humanity, drawing out the things we've all felt and wish we could have said. The warmth, wit, and eclecticism of his performances captivate audiences night after night.
Here are some quick facts about Brian:
* Brian's songs have been recorded by legendary Texas recording artists Gary P. Nunn, Johnny Bush, The Geezinslaw Brothers, Mike Hearne & South By Southwest, and many others.
* 1999: "Welcome To Texas", the single from Brian's second CD, "Angels & Outlaws", was the most requested (and most played) song in the nation's largest Country Music market (D/FW) in the summer of 1999.
* 2001/2002: Brian has, for the past two years, been voted "Texas Artist Of The Year" by the Rockzilla Awards, an international group of devoted and discriminating Texas/Americana music enthusiasts.
* 2002: "I've Been Everywhere (In Texas)", the single from Brian's latest CD release, "The Eagle & The Snake: Songs Of The Texians", moved to #2 on the Shane Media Group's Texas Music Chart based upon the top Texas/Americana reporting radio stations. The single also charted for five consecutive weeks in the top 50 of R&R (Radio & Records) Country Chart based upon reports by radio stations in major Country Music markets, an unprecedented achievement for an independent recording artist.
* 2003: Brian introduced his school program "The Eagle & The Snake: Songs Of The Texians" which quickly established him as the premier educational entertainer for K-12 schools throughout Texas.
* 2004: Brian's latest CD, "Heavy Weather" was released in April 2004 with a vigorous and ongoing promotional effort, kicking off an exciting year of touring and radio airplay.
"The Eagle & The Snake: Songs Of The Texians" has become a passion for Brian, who is currently booking shows for the 2004-2005 school year, seeking corporate and other private sponsors to help him bring his program into under-funded schools. "I had a lot of students, educators, and administrators tell me how much my presentation inspired them last year." says Burns, "What's ironic is, I don't think they realize how much those kids inspire me. I'm looking forward to a busy school year!"
For complete information on Brian Burns, his school program, and his music and recordings, visit www.brianburnsmusic.com.
