Kaylin Cripps and her band will take the stage at the Gentry July 4 Freedom Festival at 4:30 p.m. and will provide an hour or more of entertainment, singing country, rock and gospel selections.
Kaylin was born to be on stage. Beginning at age 3, she was singing the National Anthem at sporting events, singing in church and entertaining or competing wherever she could find a microphone and a crowd. Before graduating from high school in 2012, she had competed in local, state and national talent competitions.
Kaylin placed in the Top 3 in the Arkansas/Oklahoma State Fair Talent Competition in 2011 and 2012, and won the vocal solo division of the Arkansas State Fair Talent Competition in 2011. She was selected as the Greater Southwest Regional winner in 2011 and a Top 22 Finalist in the United States out of more than 20,000 entries in the Voice of McDonald's competition. She has been featured on local television stations and has also been a guest on numerous radio stations in Northwest Arkansas. She continues to perform the National Anthem at various Arkansas Razorbacks sporting events, professional rodeos and other venues.
In 2012, the Kaylin Cripps Band opened the show for country music recording artist Keith Anderson at the Benton County Fair and kept in the same tradition opening for Joe Diffie at the Benton County Fair in 2013. Other bill credits include Chase Rice and appearances with local favorite Jason Strode. While country music is Kaylin's first love, she easily crosses over to sing rock and gospel with her own country flavor. She is a lead vocalist with the praise band at Brand New Church in Fayetteville.
In 2013, Kaylin performed shows all over the area, including a benefit show for the tornado victims in Moore, Okla., the Gentry 4th of July Freedom Fest and the Abbott Nutrition Razorfest on the main stage at the University of Arkansas.
In 2012, Kaylin made guest vocalist appearances with the Ozark Country Music Opry, singing classic country music, and joined the Opry full time in 2013. Back for its third season in 2014, Kaylin will be a featured vocalist of the Ozark Opry. Kaylin brings excitement and energy to the stage, showing a stage presence that evidences years of experience, despite her youth.
She leads the band with powerhouse vocals; and lead guitarist Lukas Wigington shares the stage, singing a mixture of country and rock with some rocking harmony. Kaylin and Lukas have co-written several songs and have a goal for 2014 to finish enough original material for a full-length album.
Marci Garrett adds in high harmony while keeping it steady on the keys. Douglas Thompson brings years of experience and state fiddling titles to the stage and switches between fiddle and guitar. Coy Hurd holds down the low end, thumping on the bass, and Jonathan Langley holds the rhythm together on drums. All of these incredible musicians come together to put on a great live show that will keep you wanting more.
General News on 07/02/2014