James Rian O'Keeffe

TAGLINE: “Soul music for the next succession”

Solo Concert Bio:

James Rian O'Keeffe is a songwriter from the Salish Sea (PNW). He weaves passionate melodies into lyrics about the natural world and stories of inner transformation. Classical guitar, electric guitar, piano, tongue drum and harmonium set the scene for this exploration of the divine. Come witness temples made of rainbows, talking plants and fractal rivers. Add in an occasional freestyle singing adventure and you have a uniquely personal set of songs sure to fill your heart and mind with wonder.

Concert with Guests Bio:

Welcome to the next succession. In this forest, we are the seeds for what comes after “the man”. Hemlock seeds, trumpeting new ways of relating to each other. Singing together. Dancing together. Playing together. Join PNW musician James Rian O'Keeffe as he weaves his original music into new formations with local guest musicians.  James' music is an R&B love song to the natural world, featuring catchy hooks and a dynamic range of energy - from upbeat rock to heartfelt ballads. With new arrangments for new musicians in every city, each show is guaranteed to be one of a kind. Hop on your soul-cycle and add your voice to the mix ~

Freestyle Singing workshop descriptions:

#1 - Basic

To sing freely is a gift from beyond the veil. Imagine birds at dawn, top of their lungs, sharing a song that will never be sung again. We are similarly evolved. Our bodies are designed to sing with a full range of story, pitch, emotion and tone. Freestyle singing engages your instrument on all these levels. Participants will learn various techniques for entering into freestyle singing flow states and practice them with instrumental accompaniment. Throughout the workshop, your facilitator - James Rian O'Keeffe - will provide energetic support and help you move through blockages and fears further into the garden of your unique voice. It's your birthright to sing what you truly feel like singing! 

#2 - Fantastical

Imagine a rap battle having a heart-to-heart with an improvisational sound workshop. Instead of battling, they decide to send the mind deep into the body to search for melodies. After about seven minutes of exploration both are swirling, immersed in an fractal landscape of surprising realizations and heartfelt hooks. In this workshop participants will learn various techniques for entering into freestyle singing flow states and practice them with instrumental accompaniment. With over a decade of experience freestyling as a performer and teacher, James Rian O'Keeffe provides guidance and energetic support as each participant goes on the magic carpet ride of their own miraculous voice. 

#3 - Practical

Freestyle singing is the art form of lyrical improvisation over heartfelt melodies. There are many practical applications for this work: clearing emotional energies, gaining insight about life decisions, song-writing, inner-work, communicating with loved ones, prayer and intention setting, communicating with non-human entities, personal enjoyment, and musical journaling. In this workshop, participants will learn various techniques for entering freestlye singing flow states and have the opportunity to practice with instrumental accompaniment and energetic guidance by facilitator James Rian O'Keeffe. James brings over a decade of experience freestyling as a performer, teacher and one-on-one music coach. His workshops create a robustly safe container for self-exploration, skillfully directed and compassionately supported. This work can be as fun as it is deep, tears and laughter are commonplace. So, come ready to relax and approach your edges with curiosity and love. No experience needed, all levels are welcome!

#4 Bio when leading or assisting with a Song Circle

James Rian OKeeffe is a lifelong musician and passionate leader in musical settings. He composes original music and teaches freestyle singing in groups and one-on-one. His penchant for R&B rhythms and expressive singing provide a strong foundation for group singing with a groovy “pocket”. James weaves his own original circle songs into a growing repetoire of popular circle songs.