Friday night at Festival we will welcome not only 2 bright up and coming country stars in Drake White and Russell Dickerson, we will also welcome Virginia’s own Kaitlyn Baker. Kaitlyn’s latest EP, “Blackbird”, was released last month after a lengthy time without a new release.
” It is absolutely amazing. I feel so blessed to have fresh music out.” Kaitlyn replied when asked about her new EP being released, “The road to releasing new music hasn’t been the easiest but it has been so worth it.”
Kaitlyn was born and raised in the small coal mining town of Pound, Virginia. A town of only 2.6 square miles and a population of a little more than 1,000 people. Kaitlyn began singing in church around age 7.
“I was absolutely petrified! Haha It took time for me to shake the nerves but I always loved music. I grew up around it my whole life and it has always been a passion of mine.”
By 14 she had already recorded 2 self produced albums and was playing music almost every weekend at various fairs and festivals.
“I knew I wanted to further pursue music by the time I was 14. I wanted to make my mark on country music and here I am all these years later.”
And make her mark she has done. Her latest EP includes a song that she co-wrote with songwriters Tony Mullins & Larry Cordle. After teaming up with Larry to release the song “Heart of Appalachia” she teamed up with Larry and Tony on the song “Sassy Frass Tea”.
“Tony and Larry are incredible. Larry and I had the opportunity to work together on my single, “Heart of Appalachia.” He produced and sang background vocals. This song is now designated as the official theme song for “Heart of Appalachia” tourism. Tony is from my hometown of Pound, VA so we already had so much in common. It was easy to write with the both of them. They are all around amazing people and writers, I’m fortunate they co-wrote, “Sassy Frass Tea” with me.”
Tony is also a Pound native who has written songs for some of country music’s biggest stars including Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flats, Van Zant, LeAnn Rimes and Craig Morgan(just to name a few). Larry has written for an impressive list of stars as well, like Garth Brooks, Loretta Lynn, Mountain Heart, Ricky Skaggs, George straight and Alan Jackson.
Kaitlyn’s favorite song off of her EP however, is the title track “Blackbird”.
“This song was inspired by my late guitarist, Thomas Estep. Thomas was hit by a drunk driver on New Years Eve in 2017. It shook my whole world. I really realized at that moment that we are not promised anything in life. It’s important to love each day like your last, love one another whole heartedly, and stand up for what you believe in. “Blackbird” is a staple to what and who Thomas was as a person.”
Check out her single “Coal Train” off of her EP “BlackBird”
Kaitlyn says she loves Roanoke and is excited to be coming back especially to play the 50th Roanoke Festival in the Park.
“I am honored! I think it’s so amazing that Roanoke has hosted this festival for 50 years! That is truly a great accomplishment and I couldn’t be more happier to perform for the 50th year mark!”
We are excited to see you as well Kaitlyn!
Friday night Festival will kick off with our friend Adam Rutledge at 6PM. Followed by Kaitlyn at 7 and Russell Dickerson and Drake White to follow. This is possibly one of the most talented headlining nights in recent memory from start to finish. Buttons ar still available at RoanokeFestival.com until noon on Friday May 25th. They are also available at the Berglund Center Box Office till Saturday May 26th at 2PM and of course they are available at Elmwood Park starting Friday at 2PM.