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Bay Minette native Kirk Jay will take the stage in Fairhope April 22 at the Shindig. Jay and Neil Dover, both from Baldwin County and Nu Image of Mobile will perform at Halstead Amphitheater on the Coastal Alabama Community College campus. Proceeds from the benefit concert go to support the Baldwin County Women's Health Center.

Jay grew up attending Baldwin County schools in Bay Minette. He learned to sing, perform and play three instruments at Union Baptist Church but it was a ride to school in eighth grade that turned him on to country music.

"I didn't grow up listening to country music. I missed the bus one day in eighth grade and my mom was taking me to school. "God Bless the Broken Road" came on the radio, and it sent chills through my body. That made me go and look up all the biggest hits in country music and every time I listened to a song it would give me that same feeling. I never limited myself to one specific genre of music and I have always been open to all music. Country music just sparked a fire," Jay said.

Jay always thought he would grow up and get into sports like basketball and football, but the music took over. At the age of 18 he decided to pursue music.

"I would travel around and do all these open mic nights in different cities and the responses I would get just sent chills through my body. I wouldn't want to do anything else," Jay said.

In 2018, Jay appeared on season 15 of "The Voice" where he performed "God Bless the Broken Road," and it landed him a four-chair turn and a place on Blake Shelton's team. He did well on the show and finished in third place. Since then, he has been writing, recording and performing his unique country sound which he describes as the sound that would come if "country and rhythm and blues had a baby."

"I released my first EP last year in February and it has over 100,000 streams. It is doing great and has increased my live shows for sure. I don't want to do covers the rest of my life. I want to put out original music," Jay said. "I am in the studio now recording an album. It will probably be done this summer. I want to dedicate this project to my family, friends and loyal fans."

Don't miss your chance to see Jay this Friday, April 22 in Fairhope. The Shindig begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Halstead Amphitheater located at 450 Fairhope Avenue. Bring the family and a picnic and enjoy an evening of music. Adult admission is a $10 donation at the gate and children ages 12 and under are free.