Allen is making his way in Nashville, country music

COSHOCTON – Although he is living his dreams in Nashville as a country music artist, Coshocton native Casee Allen still identifies himself as a hometown boy.

That is why it is important to him to give back to the community he loves.

Allen performed Friday evening in Hunter Arena at the Coschocton County Fairgrounds for two special purposes: to record his first video of his first single release, "A Shot of You," and to raise funds for improvements at the 4-H horse barn on the fairgrounds.

"I'm a Coshocton boy trying to do this for a living, and I'm so grateful for all of the support from the community," Allen said, a bit emotional about introducing his single where he grew up. "I wanted to be able to share this with my hometown first. I wanted my hometown to feel special for always making me feel so special."

When Allen heard from his young cousin that improvements were needed for the horse barn, he realized there was a way he could help. He arranged for his Hometown Single Release Show to kick off in Coshocton and for an official video to be taken of the performance that showcases his local fan base.

"I wanted to be a part of this," Allen said, adding that he chose Hunter Arena over the grandstand for the location of his concert to be up close and personal with his local fans.

Allen's aunt, Jacki Wiggins, of Coshocton, is a member of the Coshocton County 4-H Committee and the Silver Bar Saddle Club. She said more than 500 tickets for the concert were sold in advance, and she is proud of her nephew for his success and generosity.

In addition to proceeds for the horse barn renovations, Allen included a free CD single to everyone attending the concert.

"I think what he is doing is great. Casee's not going to forget where he's from and all the people that helped him. He's giving back," Wiggins said.

She said Allen's career is heading in the right direction, with tour dates coming up throughout the summer and a complete album soon to follow the single release.

"Hopefully, he will be on CMT one of these days."

Friday's concert kicked off with local musicians Billy Moody and the 8 Second Band. Moody has known Allen since he was a kid, and he said giving back is part of Allen's nature.

"He's a good kid and got a good head on his shoulders," said Moody, who is excited for the opportunities Allen has had in Nashville. "He just keeps getting better."

Melody Walters of Coshocton came to the concert with her family. She remembers when Allen coached her grandsons in wrestling, and enjoyed his local performances before he moved to Nashville, she said.

"I love him, and I enjoy his music," Walters said. "I think it's great that he is giving back to the community, too. He is an all-together good guy, and he gives his all to everything he does."

Kayla Olinger, of Coshocton, is a friend of Allen's who came out to show her support. She said she remembers when he first started singing and playing the guitar.

"This is what he loves, this is what he has wanted to do. I just hope that he goes big," Olinger said.

Before Allen moved to Nashville about a year ago, he performed with the local band Route 83. His brother, Evan Wesney, and friend, Logan Smith, also were in the band and followed Allen to Nashville to continue to perform with him. He owes them a lot of credit, he said.

"I'd just like to thank my band, especially Evan and Logan for standing by me and working their butts off for me. They are my family," he said.

Allen said his uncle, Tim Gottardi, and his son, Jace, also inspire him to pursue his aspirations as a songwriter and performing in Nashville as well as to give back to his hometown.

"I can't even put into words how amazing it feels to get to this point. Whether it takes off or nose-dives, this is the most phenomenal thing in the world," Allen said.

You can follow Casee Allen's career and tour dates on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube or by visiting his website, caseeallen.com.