Local Nashville recording artist brings her charting music to Orangevale stage Friday night with special guest Geoffrey Miller
A rising country artist with national momentum and deep local roots takes center stage this Friday night as Cynthia Renee celebrates her first full album release with a very special night at The Boardwalk.
The all-ages show begins at 8 p.m. and will feature Renee performing new material alongside fan favorites, offering audiences an up-close look at the artist behind a growing catalog of radio-charting songs and purpose-driven storytelling. Joining her for the evening is special guest Geoffrey Miller, adding to a lineup centered on authentic songwriting and live connection.
Renee has been gaining steady traction at country radio with her 2025 single “Have a Heart for a Hero,” a tribute to military personnel, first responders and frontline workers that has become a defining piece of her recent work. The song showcases her powerful vocals and message-driven songwriting, while its accompanying music video — filmed in both Folsom and Nashville — features local first responders and their K-9 partners, reinforcing a message of gratitude and service that has resonated with audiences.
That momentum has carried into awards season, where Renee has earned multiple recognitions across the country music landscape. “Have a Heart for a Hero” received a nomination for Social Impact Video of the Year at the Josie Music Awards, while “Good on Me” was nominated for Female Country Song of the Year. She is scheduled to travel to the Grand Ole Opry in November for the ceremony.
Closer to home, Renee was honored by local audiences when Folsom Times readers voted her Best Local Band in the 2025 Best of Times Awards. She has also been nominated for Song of the Year at the Mississippi Music Foundation Awards, where she is set to perform in April.
Her catalog reflects both versatility and relatability, with early releases such as “Working on a Hangover” and “Good on Me” introducing listeners to her contemporary country edge and earning national radio play and video syndication. More recent material leans into deeper storytelling themes centered on faith, gratitude and community.
Her newest release, “Every Girl Needs a Bestie,” debuted in the top ten in the United Kingdom in its first week and continues to climb the charts, further expanding her international reach.
On stage, Renee blends emotional ballads with upbeat, crowd-pleasing performances, connecting easily with audiences through an energetic and approachable presence. In addition to her original music, her live shows incorporate high-energy country favorites and select throwback hits from the 1980s, creating a dynamic set designed to engage audiences from start to finish.
Her performance style has been shaped through appearances at clubs, theaters and festivals across the country. Renee has performed at KNCI’s Country in the Park alongside artists such as Lady A and Maddie & Tae, opened for multi-platinum artist Uncle Kracker and Broken Bow Records’ Chase Bryant, and appeared at venues including the Harris Center for the Arts.
She and her band have also performed at major Northern California resort and casino destinations including Red Hawk, Sky River, Black Oak, Gold Country and Hard Rock, further building a strong regional following.
Last year, Renee was selected as one of just ten singer-songwriters nationwide to perform in the New York Encounter showcase in Manhattan, a recognition that highlights the songwriting craft at the core of her music.
Friday’s album release show offers fans the opportunity to experience that full range live, from radio hits to new material presented in a setting that emphasizes both performance and connection, marking a milestone moment with her first full album release.
Sharing the stage is Geoffrey Miller, a foremost artist of West Coast country and western music whose sound draws deeply from the traditions of Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Dwight Yoakam, Ray Price and George Jones. Miller has released two albums, “All Night Honky Tonk Man” and “Leavin’ 101,” both of which reached the top of the Alternate Country chart for radio play.
Coming from a musical family and rooted in Northern California’s country scene, Miller’s path into music was shaped by close proximity to respected musicians including Bud Duncan, Bobby Black, Biff Adam, Doug Colosio and Jimmy Bauchman. That foundation helped define a style that blends authenticity with regional identity.
Wielding a Parsons-White B-bender-equipped Fender Telecaster and delivering vocals with a distinctive sandy baritone, Miller brings a modern yet traditional take on classic country. His performances weave personal stories and family history into danceable shuffles, fast train rhythms and heartfelt ballads, while also incorporating select interpretations of country standards that reflect a deep connection to the genre’s heritage.
Together, the pairing of Renee and Miller creates a night that bridges contemporary country storytelling with traditional West Coast roots, offering audiences a wide spectrum of the genre’s sound and spirit.
The Boardwalk, located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale, remains one of the region’s most recognizable live music venues, hosting touring artists, tribute acts and local performers in an intimate setting that keeps audiences close to the stage.
The show begins at 8 p.m. Friday and is open to all ages with a parent or guardian required for those under 21. Tickets and additional event details are available at www.rocktheboardwalk.com. All ticket sales are final.
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