Young Hampden singer wins country accolades

HAMPDEN – Four categories, four first-place trophies. That was the score for Hampden Academy senior Kayla Wass, who entered the Pine Tree State Country Music Association competition for the first time this spring in Buxton.

The 18-year-old, who is the daughter of Reggie and Cyndi Wass of Hampden, has been singing for just a year and a half and credits local support for encouraging her to pursue her talent.

It was the late Paul Baldacci, who ran Momma Baldacci’s, who gave Wass a start by allowing her to sing a couple of times a month at the Bangor restaurant.

“Paul was a great man who encouraged her and said not to forget him when she made it big,” recalled Cyndi Wass. “She’ll always remember him and be forever grateful for his support.”

Kayla Wass won four categories of competition in Buxton, singing two songs for each category:

. Junior Female Vocalist, Traditional, 13-18, “I Guess You Had to be There,” by Lorrie Morgan; “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” by Martina McBride.

. Junior Female Vocalist, Modern, 13-18, “Georgia Rain,” by Trisha Yearwood; “I Don’t Feel Like Loving You Today,” by Gretchen Wilson.

. Junior Female Entertainer, Traditional, 13-18, “Sweet Dreams,” by Patsy Cline; “Unchained Melody,” by LeAnne Rimes.

. Junior Female Entertainer, Modern, 13-18, “Fast Cars & Freedom,” by Rascal Flatts; “God Bless The Child,” by Shania Twain.

The awards ceremony was held on Sunday, May 21.

Jeff Simon’s band, Maine-ly Country, was also in the Pine Tree Competition this spring. He took an interest in Wass and got her going to Rockin’ Ron’s in Brewer, where she sings on certain Sundays during their jam sessions. She has joined Maine-ly Country at a couple of shows in the area.

Wass also has sung with Ron Cunningham and the New Society Band at Rockin’ Ron’s, and has performed with the Miles to Go band. She appeared on “Musicians of Maine,” a community access TV show reaching 24 Maine community access TV stations.

Kayla Wass has a Web site at www.purevolume.com/kayla wass.