Sisters artist takes a crack at 'The Voice'

Sisters resident and independent recording artist Rhonda Funk headed to Las Vegas last weekend for an open casting call for NBC's hit music show "The Voice."

Funk, who suffered a mini-stroke last fall which led to the discovery of a brain aneurysm that required surgery, said before leaving, "It's a long road to make the live shows on The Voice.

And, I'm a little hung up on the fact that they probably are not looking for a 46-year-old grandmother! But, then I pause and think how much time I've spent imagining what it would be like to reach for my dreams, and how I've never taken that last step to bring them to fruition.

I've talked myself out of it because I'm afraid to fail, or I think it looks hard and maybe even impossible.

But, when life hands you a second chance you have to ask yourself what you are waiting for.

I have no excuses anymore, I have nothing to lose."

While she did not get selected for the show, Funk is continuing to pursue her passion for music. She had announced the desire to record her fourth independent project - and first country album - late last year before her surgery, and is back working full-time on writing and working with her newly formed band and producers who are helping her take her music as far as it can go.

"I decided to try out for The Voice because I felt it would be a great place for me to make connections," said Funk. "My goal is not to be a famous star, I actually am more interested in writing songs for the industry. However, if I get to take a run at it for a few years or more, well, then I am ready and open to whatever God allows to happen!"

Funk has been asked to sing the National Anthem at the High Desert Stampede PRCA Rodeo in Redmond, on Saturday, April 1, and will be singing the U.S. and Canadian National Anthems on Father's Day, Sunday, June 18 for the Chicago Cubs Triple-A affiliate, the Eugene Emeralds, at PK Park in Eugene when they face a team from British Columbia. Her first local concert to promote her upcoming country album, "Someday," will be Friday, February 17, at 7 p.m. at Sisters Coffee Company, located at 273 W. Hood Ave. Suggested donation is $10 at the door.

If you would like to reserve your signed copy of "Someday" and help Funk to complete the project by the May 2017 release date, you can do so by visiting http://www.rhondafunk.com. To hear samples of Rhonda's work and to support her as a fan, visit www.reverbnation.com/rhondafunk. To book Rhonda, email [email protected]

Rhonda Funk's music is available for digital download on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, ReverbNation and many more.

Previous Christian music projects include a self-titled promo "Rhonda Funk" (1999), "The Waiting" (2003), and "Refined" (2009).

"Someday," her first country album, is set to release in May of 2017.