FOLSOM — The Folsom Hotel Saloon will come alive Friday night as local Nashville recording artist Cynthia Renee returns to the stage in the city she calls home for a night that blends radio-ready originals with the modern country hits her audiences love. The historic venue in the heart of the Folsom Historic District offers an intimate backdrop for a hometown show from an artist whose momentum continues to build from California to Nashville.
Renee’s 2025 single Have a Heart for a Hero has been steadily rising at country radio, a stirring tribute to military personnel, first responders, and frontline workers that showcases her mix of powerhouse vocals and purpose-driven writing. The song’s video, filmed in both Folsom and Nashville and featuring local first responders and their K-9 partners, expands on that message of gratitude and service that has become a signature in her live performances.
Her accolades this season underscore the surge. Renee has earned two nominations at the Josie Music Awards, with Have a Heart for a Hero up for Social Impact Video of the Year and Good on Me nominated for Female Country Song of the Year. She will travel to the Grand Ole Opry in November for the awards show. Closer to home, she added a hometown honor when Folsom Times readers voted her Best Local Band in the 2025 Best of Times Awards.
Renee’s catalog showcases range and relatability. Early fan favorites like Working on a Hangover and Good on Me helped introduce her playful, contemporary edge, both receiving national radio play and video syndication. Recent releases deepen that arc with story-driven material that leans into gratitude, faith, and community. On stage, she pairs emotional ballads with up-tempo crowd-pleasers, connecting easily with audiences through an energetic presence honed across clubs, theaters, and festival stages.
Her resume continues to grow. Renee and her band have appeared at KNCI’s Country in the Park alongside artists such as Lady A and Maddie & Tae; they have opened for multi-platinum artist Uncle Kracker and Broken Bow Records’ Chase Bryant and have brought their show to regional destinations including Harris Center for the Arts as well as casino and resort venues from Red Hawk and Sky River to Black Oak, Gold Country, and Hard Rock. Last year, she was one of just ten singer-songwriters nationwide selected to perform in the “New York Encounter” showcase in Manhattan, a nod to the songwriting craft that underpins her live show.
The setting is as storied as the music. Established in 1885, the Folsom Hotel sits at the center of the Historic District and today pairs its Old West character with a modern nightlife scene. The Folsom Hotel Saloon serves food by Repressa Grill, craft beers and specialty cocktails, and hosts a steady slate of live music, DJ sets, and dancing that has made it a weekend mainstay.
Doors open at 7 p.m., and the music begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are available at this link, with limited availability at the door.
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