In this episode we talk about being a human first and an artist second, the value of showing up as yourself, exploring what a new version of success can look like, the power of music and art as connection and communication, art that has no restrictions, the true impact of art verse the facade of fame and the difference between art from etiquette verse authenticity. 

We also discuss the History of Opera and how it’s evolving, why it’s harder to fail as an artist, the importance of having the right people in your corner, the power of shifting your perspective and lens as an artist, the love of art onstage and off, how art can lead us into a new time, and living in the truth that you belong here, you deserve your dreams and that we are all built to succeed. 

Keanon Kyles, a bass-baritone, has been praised by CNN for his beautiful voice and superb vocal technique. A native of Chicago, he holds degrees from Columbia College Chicago and the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. Kyles has performed internationally, appearing as Betto in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and the Father in Humperdinck’s Hansel and Gretel in Italy; Colline in La Bohème and Leporello in Don Giovanni in the United Kingdom; and the title role in Rigoletto in Glasgow, Scotland. He made his invited Carnegie Hall debut in New York City following his success in the U.K. His performance in the title role of Britten’s Noye’s Fludde was broadcast live from Bogotá, Colombia at the León de Greiff. He made his Chicago Opera Theater debut as Daggoo in Jake Heggie’s Moby-Dick, and recently toured The Matchbox Magic Flute as Sarastro under the direction of Mary Zimmerman. As an Associate Young Artist with Chicago Opera Theater, he performed in several world premieres by Kamala Sankaram, Errollyn Wallen, and Dan Shore. Kyles has also performed with Lyric Opera of Chicago in productions including The Scorpions’ Sting, The Factotum, and Earth to Kenzie, and appeared with Portland Opera as Morales in Carmen. He has been featured in the Chicago Sun-Times and Opera Scotland, and has appeared on Good Morning America, CNN, BBC News, and NPR. A two-time recipient of the Reva and David Logan Foundation Award, he is also the recipient of the State of Illinois's Outstanding Achievement in Arts and Humanities Award. He currently serves on the voice faculty of Roosevelt University and LYRIQ Music School

Connect with Keanon:

Artist Faculty | Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University e-mail | [email protected]

Private Vocal Coach | LYRIQ Music School

Artistic Advisor | C21 Women's Ensemble

Board of Directors. | L.A.T.T.E Theater 

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