Brenda Varda & Kyle Gray Young

Brenda Varda brings a brilliant and complex view to the land of songwriting and music. Varda is known for writing a wide range of songs for the stage, events, bands, and satirical encounters;  her writing and music capture the times and bring a full (and fun) experience to audiences.  She is also a playwright and screenwriter, and enjoys bringing story components into her music.

As a music director she has worked in Los Angeles and the Twin Cities on 50+ musicals and cabarets. Varda’s style ranges from jazz to indie, and American to outright satire…for this evening at The American School of Storytelling, Varda will bring a mixed palette of new and old songs that fit the times and our hearts…. and include a few laughs.

Kyle Gray Young is a singer-songwriter, music educator, and music historian living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Originally from just north of Chicago, Kyle has been composing music and playing guitar since the age of five. Kyle has released 11 albums and 30 books of sheet music. Kyle has received four grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and four from the Central Minnesota Arts Board for various music projects. His most recent grant is from Finlandia Foundation National to write a memoir based on his experiences connecting with his Finnish roots.

On stage, Kyle performs a wide variety of cover songs in both English and Finnish as well as his own original English songs with his acoustic guitar. His performances stand out not only for his powerful vocals and innovative guitar work, but also for the way he intertwines storytelling with his music, creating deeper connections with his audience.