Danielle Peck is the new, beautiful, brunette face of country music.

This 29-year-old Ohio native has been performing since before she could talk and sneaking into bars — not to drink, but to play — since she was 16.

Now, she has a second album on the way and a continual tour that will bring her on stage with Alabama’s Randy Owen on Friday night at the William A. Floyd Amphitheater for the Great Southeast BalloonFest,

Peck talks about her inspirations, her rising popularity and what it feels like to be compared to Shania Twain.

Jake Grove: As you’ve gained more popularity and acclaim, give me an idea of what the last year has been like for you?

Danielle Peck: You know, it’s great to go to a town and have people singing your songs. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that and that they are having a good time with you.

JG: Describe the first time you noticed the audience was singing along with you.

DP: The very first time I can remember was a show in Oregon and doing a show with Josh Turner and Little Big Town. I was so taken aback when the audience was singing my songs louder than me. I almost messed up and the audience kept going with it and kept me on track. There is a great feeling about thousands of people singing with you.

JG: What has influenced you most, musically?

DP: Well, in my family it was my grandparents on both sides. Mom’s side was the gospel side. Dad’s parents played honky tonk in clubs all over. I never knew there was any other music than gospel and country for a long time, so I guess it fits me.

JG: Coming from a small, Ohio town like Coschocton, what have been the biggest challenges for you in the mainstream music industry?

DP: I think everything. I am still facing them and being a woman in the music industry is even harder, I think. I’m not at the top yet, but I’m getting there.

JG: How would you describe your sound and your style for a concert?

DP: For a live show, it’s high energy and something you want to go and see. I want to make it worth the while of those who are paying to watch me play.

JG: What do you do in your down time?

DP: I have been on the road non-stop all year. This weekend (before the Great Southeast BalloonFest) will be my first weekend off all year. I was going to do spring cleaning, but it’s fall, so I don’t know if that’s going to happen. Maybe I will just catch a show in Nashville rather than performing in one.

Danielle Peck will open for Randy Owen at Friday night’s Country Concert at the William A. Floyd Amphitheater. The Wallflowers featuring Jakob Dylan, needtobreathe and Anderson’s own Kenny Floyd will perform on Saturday night. Sunday’s concert will be the traditional Labor Day weekend Celebrate Anderson performance with the Greater Anderson Musical Arts Consortium performing the score from “Star Wars.”

Friday’s and Saturday’s concerts are $25 each. The Sunday concert is free and open to the public.

For more information, call 864.260.4800.