Boykin connects with guests

Singer to play Nash Arts Center

Every audience member is a friend.

Whether she knows them, that is how Amy Boykin treats people who come to hear her perform. Without that connection, the Spring Hope singer-songwriter doesn’t feel like she is reaching her audience.

“I try to make eye contact and point at people or wave. I do try to make that connection with the audience, because even if you are singing emotional music, if you have no emotion yourself between you and the audience, it just doesn’t work,” said Boykin, 41.

Boykin will welcome new and old friends when she performs at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Nash Arts Center in Nashville, Executive Director Shelly Gray said. This is Boykin’s first solo concert , though she also has performed in previous Nash County’s Got Talent shows.

“She is very talented. You can tell she enjoys it. She interacts very well with the audience ,” Gray said.

Boykin sings a variety of gospel, country and inspirational songs because of the way they can touch the hearts and emotions of her audience members.

“I just want them to feel so blessed and so inspired and so full emotionally and spiritually that they feel like they are floating when they leave. If that happens, then I will know I have done my job,” said Boykin, an English teacher at Southern Nash High School.

Boykin’s children will sing a few songs so she can take a break and possibly change costumes. It also helps her foster a love of music in Daniel, 15, Rachel, 12, and Rebecca, 12.

During the concert, Boykin will sing original and cover songs. She will play the piano with certain songs and use tracks for others.

Tickets are $10. For information, call 459-4734.