Award-winning songstress England rocks the Zone

Katelan Steele / Reporter

Pool tables and televisions aside, the Zone lost its usual cheesy, sports-bar atmosphere on Friday night in return for the acoustic coffeehouse vibes of songwriter Kyler England.

Kyler, who is a native of the Raleigh area and attended North Carolina State University, currently lives in Brooklyn and is on tour promoting her new album, “A Flower Grows in Stone.”

The album title, as well as the song “Something So Beautiful,” derives from a girl Kyler knew growing up who was raised in an abusive home and later overcame it to become what England called “a beautiful person.”

Kyler uses life experiences such as this in her music. Songs such as “Starry Eyed,” written about the New York blackout, and “Laika,” which was written about the dog sent into space by NASA, convey Kyler’s storytelling ability.

Each song has a story, and each story has greatly impacted her past. Her voice is reminiscent of Jewel’s: airy and angelic with a touch of southern twang.

Though “A Flower Grows in Stone” is her first album, Kyler is a seasoned, professional performer who has had many accomplishments in the songwriting world.

She won the 2002 North Carolina Songwriters Competition, and the 2003 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest. She was also featured on National Public Radio’s “Here and Now” program in summer 2003.

Intertwining funny stories and conversation with great music, Kyler led her audience into comfort; it was a laid-back attentive, and content.

The night was a success: a talented songwriter, an enthusiastic crowd, and a carefree, welcoming atmosphere. Kyler will be playing at the UNC-Greensboro’s Elliot University Center Tuesday and Six String Café in Cary, N.C. on April 16. For more information, go to http://www.kylerengland.com.

Photo courtesy of Kyler England

England’s performance Friday night in the Zone combined musicality with the art of story-telling. England was the winner of the 2002 North Carolina Songwriters Competition and the 2003 Mid-Atlantic Songwriting Contest.