It’s been a busy month for Greenville teen Kylie Hinze.

Fresh from a Memorial Day Weekend release of her new CD that was produced both in Nashville and at Edwin McCain’s Whitestone Studio in Greenville, the young singer-songwriter penned “They Stand Tall,” a song to honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces and will perform it live as a prelude to the fireworks show at the City of Greer’s Freedom Blast festival on July 2.

Not bad for a rising freshman at J.L. Mann High School – one who just happens to be signed with Entertainment 29 Management of Charlotte and owns her own website, www.kyliehinze.com.

"Kylie has a maturity beyond her years and it's displayed in this song.  From her superb songwriting to the emotion with which she performs 'They Stand Tall,' it really takes a moment to step back and realize that this is a teenager -- a tremendously talented teenager," said Steve Owens, communications manager for the City of Greer.  "We're honored to have the opportunity to debut this exceptional song at Freedom Blast.  Anyone who doesn't get chills hearing it may want to check for a pulse."

The theme for this year’s Armed Forces Tribute is “Generations” and it seemed very fitting to have a young person express his or her thoughts at Freedom Blast.  The city approached Kylie in February about filling that role and she immediately agreed.  It’s a subject close to Kylie’s heart, as her grandfather, a veteran, passed away last fall.

Freedom Blast at Greer City Park is one of the few Independence Weekend festivals that includes an original salute to the military. This year’s tribute will be a multimedia event produced by the city’s communications office that highlights the common threads of courage, honor, and conviction among generations of men and women who have fought for their country. 

Kylie will share the stage during the tribute with WYFF-TV reporter Tim Waller, who will narrate the program, and members of the Blue Ridge High School Air Force Junior ROTC.