Kyla Piscopink and Keith Burnstein Light Up the Stage with “True-et”

In 2013, New Orleans singer-songwriter/pianist Keith Burnstein met Key West dancer/choreographer Kyla Piscopink. The duo decided that together, they had a story to tell. On Saturday, Oct 13 at 8pm, Burnstein and Piscopink light up The Studios of Key West’s stage with “True-et,” a fresh creative compilation nodding to classical jazz and back lounge R&B.

“As I walked into the NOLA bar Three Muses, this incredible music filled the room and I was instantly inspired,” said Piscopink. “I said, ‘I have to collaborate with this guy, he’s brilliant!’ His music moves me, and so here we are.”

Burnstein pulls inspiration as much from Tin Pan Alley as he does from modern geniuses like Jeff Tweedy. With a rich harmonic palette of jazz and R&B, topped by soulful and clever lyrics, he’s made a name for himself the New Orleans music scene. He has toured with funk legends including The Headhunters, as well as Louisiana songwriter Kristin Diable, and released three records as a leader.

“It all begins with Keith,” Piscopink continues. “He writes the music that inspires me, and then I go into the studio and just move. I set the outline of my movement, then Keith and I put our heads together to integrate the movement and music even further. We don’t stop working on ideas until the moment the show begins, and even during the performance we are, in a way, creating new bits and ideas all the time.”

Piscopink, founder and Artistic Director of Dance Key West, has a style that’s deeply rooted in classical jazz laced with contemporary undertones. She’s a storyteller by way of movement, with an innate ability to physicalize music and express narrative through dance.

“’One of my favorite lyrics by Keith is ‘Reveal your heart; it’s essential. Reveal your heart in a bind,” says Piscopink. “Every time I hear it, it actually makes me take a nice deep breath and think really, what more could you ask for in a lyric?”

Tickets for “True-et” are $30/$25 mbrs and are on sale now at www.tskw.org, or by calling 305-296-0458. The Studios of Key West is located at 533 Eaton Street.

Images: Keith Burnstein and Kyla Piscopink, courtesy of the artists.

 

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