Local musician set to compete for Best Singer in Texas
Atascocita resident and ESA Swimmer Skylar Beamon is preparing to compete against other singers from the Houston area for Best Singer in Texas at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Houston. By JENNIFER SUMMER Updated: 07.27.10 Though she first started singing at 4 years old, it was not until Skylar Beamon was several years older that her true musical talent was discovered. Belting out tunes by well-known artists such as Alicia Keys and Mariah Carey are her forte, but she had to get over a bout of shyness when she first started. “The first time I sang in front of a group of people, I was 7 years old and was at an after-school YMCA program at my school’s talent show. I won, but I was nervous since that was my first time on stage,” Skylar said. She progressed after that first experience and enrolled in piano lessons to learn a special song to sing at her mother’s cousin’s wedding they were traveling to in Samoa. “It was my cousin’s wedding and Skylar wanted to perform ‘If I Ain’t Got You’ by Alicia Keys, so she practiced hard for it be perfect,” Skylar’s mother, Allison Beamon, said. “We were staying at the hotel Aggie Grey’s Lagoon when we saw a lady playing the piano and we decided to inquire about the equipment she was using, and she invited Skylar to come back and sing later that day; we were honored and very excited.” Skylar, then 9 years old, returned later that evening and performed for a crowd who loved the music, and the woman, who turned out to be one of the organizers for the Hope Concert to benefit Samoa’s tsunami victims, invited Skylar to perform at the concert. She was also invited to be a special guest performer on a children’s talent show which was televised, and the rest was history. “It was awesome. It is amazing how receptive others have been to Skylar’s music and talent. People truly appreciate the music, and the chance to bring joy to others through music is a great opportunity,” Allison said. From there, Skylar’s mom and dad, Cleavon, purchased a keyboard and other equipment for her to practice with at home and allow for her to be more mobile so she could perform anywhere at any time. Skylar also takes piano lessons from two teachers so she can learn music by ear and by sight. She is currently a student of voice teacher Tom McKinney, who has also been a voice consultant for Beyonce, Solange, Mario, Ray J and several other musical artists. Recently, the Beamons found out about a competition currently underway at the Hard Rock Café in downtown Houston where she will be performing Aug. 1 in the finals to be titled as the Best Singer in Texas. She is competing against other singers from around the area in the 9- to 12-year-old category, and she has a special performance put together for the big day. “McKinney said Skylar has a great range in her vocal abilities and she still has some growing to do so she will continue to get even better. We are so excited for the competition at Hard Rock and invite anyone in the community who wants to come watch her perform to join us,” Allison said. As for a few of Skylar’s favorite musical selections, she likes to sing songs in the R&B and soul category because she likes the sound. A few of her favorite artists are Keys, Carey and Aranda, who is a popular artist from New Zealand. In addition to the upcoming competition, Skylar auditioned for the Oklahoma Centennial Rodeo Opry, where if she is selected she will perform with a house band during the event. She has also performed at several places around the community such as the carnival at Timbers Elementary, the open house at Life Time Fitness in Atascocita and numerous other talent shows. In the future, she plans to continue learning new songs and performing at any local place that would like for her to share her musical talent. Skylar also hopes to perform for charity and help those who are in need. “I love performing, and I am excited to have all of the opportunities I have had. I am excited about the competition Aug. 1 and continuing with my music,” Skylar said. The Hard Rock Café, located at 502 Texas Ave. in downtown Houston, is hosting the competition for Best Singer in Texas Aug. 1 at 3 p.m. For more information about Skylar, call or e-mail allisonbeamon@gmail.com
Summer Heat
Downloads
