Kelcy Lee Hyde Advertisement

Kelcy Lee Hyde, a 13-year-old student at Pahrump Valley High School, is going to get the chance of a lifetime when she opens for Darryl Worley at the Oct. 4 concert that kicks off the Pahrump Fall Festival.

Summer Medrano, chairman of the entertainment committee, has been following Hyde for two years. Impressed by her performance in a talent show at Rosemary Clarke Middle School last year, Medrano approached Leah Hyde, Kelcy's mother, and asked if there was any interest in her daughter being a part of the Fall Festival opening act.

"We scrambled to make a CD for Summer because Kelcy had to be heard by Darryl Worley and his manager," Hyde's mother stated.

Medrano has been involved in musical promotions for a number of years and has numerous contacts inside the industry. This is the second year in a row she has functioned as chairman of entertainment for the festival, and she was pleased to present the young girl's voice to the country and western celebrity.

Medrano said Worley and his manager "listened to Kelcy's CD for all of maybe 20 seconds before they said, 'She's in.'" The vote then went before the Fall Festival Committee, which unanimously agreed to have Hyde open for the most important musical act of the festival.

Leading off for a headliner like Worley could be a stepping stone to stardom for Hyde. Her family is aware of potential changes that could be just around the corner and is being very supportive.

"We've talked about it," said her mother. "If this goes somewhere for her and she wants to do it, I'll do everything I can to help her." If tutors are necessary to continue the young student's education, the option is open.

Hyde isn't just singing one song, or two -- she's performing a 45-minute set, but it shouldn't be a problem.

Kelcy started showing an interest in music at age 3 and, as she grew older, would perform choreographed concerts in the living room for family members. Her voice has been heard around the valley performing at weddings, talent shows, parties, karaoke, and in the school choir.

Other performances for Hyde include Seemore's at 7 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 22; the Wild West Extravaganza opening at 9 a.m., Sept. 27; and the national anthem for the opening of the PRCA Rodeo at 8 p.m., Oct 5, and 2 p.m., Oct. 7.