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The opry isn't so ole anymore

Sure, Rimes and Twain have won numerous awards - but they're "old."Besides, 14-year-old Victoria K of Holiday can do all that between school and a 10 p.m. curfew.

By JENNIFER STEWART
Published June 12, 2006

HOLIDAY - Lyrics in Victoria Williams' song Tampa Bay Country Girl cite country music "old-timers, like LeAnn Rimes."

Rimes is 23.

But the artist who goes by the name Victoria K, after her middle name, Katherine, is only 14. And the singer and songwriter doesn't shy away from her youth. She uses it.

On an outdoor stage at the recent Hernando County Fair, for instance, Victoria gave listeners a caveat before belting out Patsy Cline's Walking After Midnight.

"It really doesn't apply to me," she said. "I can't go out after midnight because my curfew's only 10."

Victoria K, however, has joined the ranks of rising adult stars in country music. She competed against more than 50 country singers of all ages to win 2005 state entertainer of the year from the Orange Blossom Country Music Association.

In March, the North American Country Music Association named Victoria its vocalist of the year, most promising entertainer and most promising songwriter in the 13 to 16 age group.

Victoria, the only child of a single mother, just completed eighth grade at Seven Springs Middle School, where she sang in the select chorus.

Victoria's grandfather, Doug Thomas, lives next door to her and is her manager and agent. After battling colorectal cancer, Thomas retired last year as a cross merchandiser for the Home Depot.

"And she and I have been on the run ever since," Thomas said.

Victoria's 10 gigs in April included the Pasco Sheriff's Office National Volunteer Week event at Starkey Park, a private party in Plant City and Relay for Life events in New Port Richey, Hudson and Spring Hill.

"She is phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal," said Sharon DeCosmo, who was the entertainment chairwoman for the New Port Richey Relay for Life.

Victoria's songs include Blue Moon of Kentucky, Amazing Grace and her own Tampa Bay Country Girl, which she wrote with help from her voice coach, Al Keohn of St. Petersburg.

"Are you guys ready to turn it loose? I hope so," Victoria said at the Hernando County Fair. The tiny lady with a giant voice dons blue jeans, a cowboy hat and boots to strut around a stage.

"She's a performer. She doesn't just sing her songs and not move," said Tommie Henry, who co-owns the Florida Opry in Plant City with her husband, Myrle.

Victoria has sung with a number of entertainers, including Tommy Cash, Johnny Cash's brother, Bonnie Bramlett and Charlie Daniels.

Victoria's most memorable performance was with the latter two and others in December 2004. Daniels was in town for his annual charity concert for the Angelus, the Hudson home for the severely disabled, and Victoria attended a Sunday morning church service there for the residents.

Victoria had hoped to meet Daniels. Instead, she ended up singing Amazing Grace and Silent Night, with Daniels accompanying her on guitar, before joining a jam session with musicians after the service.

Like most singers, Victoria hopes for a record deal, but she doesn't want one now. She would like to have a deal when she's 18 and a record when she's 22.

"What I'm thinking is that if I rush it, I won't have as long of a career," Victoria said.

"I like to do this. I don't want to do this and then go away.

ON THE WEB: For information on Victoria K, visit www.victoriak.com.

[Last modified June 12, 2006, 07:40:07]