Local musician wows audience

Times Reporter

 

Fifteen-year-old Kirstyn Johnson stunned audience members who were waiting to see blues musician Steve Pineo perform at the Travelodge on April 1. Johnson was one of the opening acts for the night, bringing with her Andrew Pringle on guitar. Johnson and Pringle are both Holy Cross Collegiate students. 

“She’s good. It was a pleasure,” said Doreen Cooper, an audience member. 

After Johnson finished singing her first song of the night, there was stunned silence before applause filled the room. Johnson plays the piano as well, and when she was three-years-old she won her first musical competition in Brooks. Johnson writes many of the songs she sings, though she also does covers. A member of the musical arts society brought up the guitar which was being given away as a door prize for Johnson to sign when she was done her set. 

“That’s the first thing I have ever autographed that’s being given away. I always practice my autograph, just in case,” said Johnson. 

The group at the Travelodge was one of the largest she has ever played for, but no one could tell from her poise at the piano. While everyone agrees she is someone to keep an eye on, Johnson is not letting it go to her head. 

“I want to get a good education before I really start going into music,” said Johnson. 

“My piano teacher actually plays for George Canyon, and he’s got a good foot in the music industry I think, so he’s waiting until I am a seasoned enough musician to get me started.”

Not only is she already a talented musician, Johnson is also a baseball player, who was good enough to be picked to compete in the Peewee Western Canadian Softball Championships this past summer. Johnson said she plans to play ball again this summer, while still continuing to focus on her music career.  For those who didn’t get a chance to see her perform in person, go to YouTube and look for KirtoBirto. There people can find videos of some of her cover songs.