Vegas, Reno, Tahoe now Somerville
By Andrea Gregory

Fran Owens is one of those people who were meant to sing. When her hands cradle a microphone and her mouth releases the lyrics of decades-old love songs, her slim figure and powerful voice demand attention. Owens has been singing most of her life.

Now in her 60s, the only thing that has really changed is her stage. Having worked Reno, Vegas, Tahoe and South Florida, Owens is hoping to appease a more local crowd. She said her background makes her a great asset to the community. And like always, she is ready to sing.

“They are going to get real top-entertainment in an area where you really don’t get that caliber,” she said.

But Owens is not chasing the same dreams of her youth. She really wants to a part of the local scene, the Somerville scene. And just maybe be somewhat of a celebrity in senior centers throughout the area.

“Seniors are here to stay. Seniors are never going out of style,” said Owens who identifies with the group.

They love the cover tunes in her set. She is known to bust out familiar music from the 1930s to the 1960s. She can see the enjoyment in their eyes. It is just a great time “and all that jazz,” said Owens.

“This is what I’m all about,” said Owens, holding a picture of her singing to a group of senior citizens. “This is so rewarding. I try to touch a hand and kiss everyone before I leave.”

In the photograph, Owens is touching a senior’s hand and making eye contact while she sings. She has many similar photographs – some even show her passing the mike to share the spotlight with her audience.

“Bringing joy to those who can’t get out, to give them joy,” she said. “I can tell by looking in people’s eyes or scanning the room, I can see how much they are getting out of it. I can tell when it’s making a difference.”

For Owens, the up-close-and-personal performances beat out a round of applause she once heard on a big stage.

“I am looking to become a success on a local level,” she said. “I am praying and hoping I will be utilized in the local area.”

Owens made Somerville her home when she married a long-time resident. She said she loves the feel of New England. Having been born in Maine and raised in Maine, she now says she missed the Northeastern section of the country. And life in Somerville really does feel like home, she said.

“It’s heartwarming. It’s a really great thing,” she said. “It’s created a good feeling to think I don’t have to live like a nomad or a gypsy. I just traveled so much in my life. I just went where contracts took me.”

Owens gave up her day job on Aug. 6, hoping that she can pull off being a career singer once again. She had been working at a men’s clothing store, and though the work was not bad, she felt a pull to return to her calling.

“You either make a living or design a life. I prefer to design a life,” said Owens.

She is still focusing on music, but now has a different idea of the stage she would like to perform on. Owens’ favorite crowd is a group of seniors. She also does perform for others. Every week, she sings on a boat that travels out of Lynn. She also keeps the spirits up during wine tasting events at Massimo’s in Everett. And a few weeks ago in Somerville, Owens sang right through the intense election for State Senate as the entertainment at the party for candidate William
White.

Owens has two CDs. On one of the albums she sings religious music. She sings old Hymns. The ones she grew up with, she said. Owens said God is a big part of her life and her strength.

“The biggest thing I feel is God’s gift,” she said. “I have a gift for singing. I have a gift for bringing love into a life.”

For more information about Owens or to purchase a CD check out her Web site www.franowens.us or call (617)666-3676