Raised in Kentwood, the Nashville-based singer-guitarist returns home for a special show Friday as he prepares to record his first album this summer.
Meijer Gardens Debut: Singer Joey Hyde performs ahead of Montgomery Gentry on Friday.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Check out photos of performances by Joey Hyde and Montgomery Gentry in Sunday’s Local Spins Weekend Photo Gallery.
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After visiting Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park “as a kid,” guitarist-singer Joey Hyde will return to the outdoor amphitheater on Friday night as a hometown star of sorts, opening for country music’s Montgomery Gentry.
Hyde, who grew up in Kentwood and graduated from East Kentwood High School, is a budding Nashville singer-songwriter who has a song-publishing contract, is about to sign his first record deal and hopes to start recording his first album in August.
“So excited,” Hyde said of getting the opportunity to open for a superstar act such as Montgomery Gentry at the prominent outdoor venue. “Such a cool place to have a concert. I have a big chunk of my family coming to the show, including my grandparents, who have never seen me perform as a solo artist.”
Hyde, who moved to Nashville in 2006 to attend Belmont University, sang in choir and played in band through high school, and was a worship leader at his church. Once in Nashville, he got “plugged in on Lower Broadway (home of Nashville’s honky-tonk scene) early on, and through that and school, was able to have a lot of playing opportunities.”
He’s since toured with other acts as a guitarist, and recently opened for Kip Moore at The Intersection in Grand Rapids.
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Joey Hyde
7 p.m. Friday
$67 ($65 Meijer Gardens members)
Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids Township
Get ticket details online at meijergarden.org.
Find more information about Hyde at his website.
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Interestingly, his rock- and pop-hued approach to country grew out of an early love of classic rock, specifically the band Thin Lizzy. “It was definitely a rock band, but lyrically they were able to tell stories in a way that not a lot of rock acts could, and eventually, I think those stories became the foundation for my passion of songwriting,” he offers.
Now, he’s ready to make the transition from “hired musician” to solo artist – one who gets a chance to open for a high-profile band on a big stage for some hometown fans.
“There was no security in the decision, but I have been blessed to have had the opportunities I have had so quickly,” he conceded. “Between signing a publishing deal, and now, getting ready to sign my first record deal, the decision has been nothing but a success.”
Email John Sinkevics at jsinkevics@gmail.com.
Copyright 2013, Spins on Music
Way to go Joey!!!
Belmont University is cheering for you all the way!