INTERVIEW-Tim Burleson Moves To Fantasy Springs' Sunset View Lounge

Interview by Ed Munson

Tim Burleson is heading over to Fantasy Springs' Sunset Lounge and by the time you read this he may already be there.

Tim Burleson

If you've been in the desert or to the desert any length of time in the past 12 years, you have surely heard the name Tim Burleson. Tim has been entertaining patrons at The Nest in La Quinta for so long it will be hard to imagine the place without the "Chairman of the Boards."

Actually, I am surprised that some other venue has not snatched him up by now, given his excellent reputation for being a true crowd pleaser. Then again, a man of Tim’s caliber isn't easy to budge.

And that is what it’s really about when it comes to entertaining night after night. A musician must be eager to adapt to changing musical styles while retaining the standards and extensive repertoire built over so many years. What a fan base this man has, packing them in night after night at the Nest for a dozen years. That those fans have not tired of his music is testament to his talent. And Tim has not tired of The Nest either, but natural forces will move the cream to the top.

And that's where you will find Tim, Wednesday through Saturday 7:30 pm to 12:30 a.m. , at the top of the new Fantasy Springs Resort Hotel, in the Sunset View Lounge.

"I am so thrilled that my fans, old and new, are still responding to me with new opportunities at this point in my career," says Tim. "It’s very exciting."

Back at The Nest, Tim was ensconced in what became affectionately known as his "cockpit," surrounded by a piano, keyboards and electronic gear. But he won’t be sitting still for long.

"I have a new cordless, strap-on keyboard that will allow me to walk through the crowd and play directly to individuals, much like Kal David did at Blue Guitar (Palm Springs) with his guitar," says Tim.

"I love to dance and this keyboard will allow me to do that," he grins, "making the show sort of interactive 3D."

Sounds like a lot of fun. It will be even more fun when some of Tim’s friends show up to sit in. "I've always enjoyed, and the crowd has enjoyed it when singers and players would come and sit in. We'll still be doing that at the Sunset View Lounge."

Guitarist Chris Bennings will be joining Tim often. "Chris has a terrific voice in the great R&B tradition of Sam Cook, Marvin Gaye. He’s a lot of fun to entertain with. Percussionist Tony Suarez will also be showing up to add a little bit of Cuban flavor."

The folks at Sunset View Lounge (by the way, I think you could drop the "View" from the name and be just fine) have big plans for Tim, as they are building him a stage and installing new sound and lighting systems. The sound system is configured for a combination of best quality sound and audience reception. All this translates into a bigger and better Tim Burleson show and that's good for the customers.

"This is really a cool place," says Tim enthusiastically. "You can use the valet service at the hotel door and the elevator zips you up to the 12^th floor and you are at the Lounge, gazing across the valley."

There is plenty of comfortable seating in the Lounge and, although there is no smoking in the lounge, it is allowed on the balconies that offer a stunning view of the desert to the west. There is no food offered but the complex has several restaurants.

Besides, a lounge is for, well, lounging, relaxing, getting to know the person next to you, hopefully. A Lounge is not for eating. It’s for having a good time while meeting people. It’s for dancing and with Tim playing, you will have a good time.

"There will be pleasant surprises as time goes on," says Tim somewhat mischievously. "We'll have some special promo nights, a ways along we may film some video footage here. I will leave no stone unturned in my quest to increase my audience enjoyment."

Right on!

The lounge opens at 5 p.m. each of those evenings, Wednesday through Saturday. There is no cover and no minimum. For more information, call (800) 827-2946 , ext 85656. Fantasy Springs  is located at Interstate 10 and golf Center Parkway in Indio.

I encourage you to head on over to be entertained by Tim at your earliest convenience. And don't be afraid to request your favorite songs. Chances are, Tim knows most of them.