A few hours south of here is where a young Danielle Peck grew up with dreams of musical stardom.

At an early age, the Coshocton, Ohio, resident learned to sing Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues." At the age of 10 she wrote her first song and by 16 was in a band playing local bars around her hometown.

However, it wasn't until the age of 22 that the singer-songwriter made the jump and moved to Nashville in an attempt to turn her ambition into a reality. So far she appears to be on the right road.

The 29-year-old is currently finishing recording the follow-up to her 2006 self-titled album for a summertime release - and is coming to Lyman Harbor, where she will be the opening act for Josh Gracin on April 25.
While she sounds modest, her goal is anything but, regarding the sophomore effort.

"Let's go platinum," laughed Peck, calling from the Music City. "I really want people to like it as much as the first one, and if I can get more eyes and ears on the second one, of course that's a big goal for me.
"I really just want to be able to play my music and have everybody enjoy it."

Originally slated to be released last fall, the sophomore album has been now pushed back twice, but Peck isn't worried. She said that's common in the music industry with her label just wanting to get the biggest bang for its buck. Perhaps the delay stems from the fact the new disc's lead single, "Bad for Me," failed to make it into the top 40 upon its release.

Whatever the case, Peck said her upcoming album will feature more songs about her life with a slightly different twist.

"I think on the first record, when that first came out two years ago, if anyone wants to know who I am they can listen to that record and have a good idea," Peck said. "And now looking back, it was a great record, but I didn't let people all the way in.

"I think it was a good first impression, I'm hoping with this second record I can go a little bit deeper and show more of that."

Something Peck the songwriter adjusted to in Nashville is the fact she doesn't write all of the material she performs. It's a common occurrence in the Music City, with Peck explaining her thought process.

"Sure, I didn't get to write everything, and someday I'd love to write everything, but you have to choose what's right for the record and there are so many fabulous songwriters here in Nashville," Peck said. "If they're going to write a hit for Carrie Underwood, I'm not going to turn that (song) down if it comes to me and speaks to me in a certain way."

While Peck has yet to enjoy a No. 1 song, the singer has been fortunate enough to enjoy the spotlight opening for some of country music's biggest names like Toby Keith, Trace Adkins and Brad Paisley.

"There is so much to learn when you do one of those tours because you can see how it's done at that level," Peck said. "So when you go out on the road, you have to treat it like you're in school. It's a big learning experience."
She added, "And it'll be great for this upcoming show to have everybody come out because I love to talk to everybody and have the support from my home state."

See more of Danielle at www.daniellepeck.com.

Tickets for the the Josh Gracin and Danielle Peck concert at Lyman Harbor on Friday, April 25 are $23 in advance and $26 at the door. For more information call 419-625-9626.