Ever since Kelli Renee Martin started playing live music over a year ago, she has been very popular.

“I was first asked to play a show at an establishment after my friend posted a video of me sitting at my kitchen table, playing guitar and singing, on her Snapchat story,” the Troy resident said. “I’ve been asked to play every weekend since, and my name got out faster than I was ever ready for.”

The 25-year-old Martin has played over 150 shows since her debut in March 2025. Now, she’s setting on making another performance, this time at the Montgomery County Fair.

Martin plans to perform at a Ladies Night event at the Beer Tent Inside Stage at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds from 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. on July 25, the last day of the six-night fair. She will make her first appearance at the fair, which starts on July 20.

“I’m so honored to be asked to play Ladies’ Night at the Montgomery County Fair,” Martin said. “When I got the call, I was ecstatic. I immediately called my parents and friends to let them know so they could save the date.”

Ladies Night is a new event at the fair. Fair Secretary Chasity Lichtenberg said fair officials wanted to add another exciting attraction to the Beer Garden and between Wingfest – which starts at 5 p.m. – and the evening’s main band performance – which is Mark Perkins at 9:30 p.m.

“The event will feature live music packed with energetic, fun songs made popular by female artists, along with drink specials for a couple of hours,” Lichtenberg said. “We thought it would be a fun way to bring people together, create a great atmosphere in the Beer Garden and give fairgoers another reason to come out and enjoy the evening.”

Martin, who goes by her stage name Kelli Renee, said she received a call from Board Vice President Joe Oden and was added to the schedule.

“He told me he was given my name and number by a few people after they heard me play at Roadhouse in Hawk Point,” Martin said.

Martin, who works as a dental assistant at Great Smiles in Troy, said she is enjoying the best and busiest year of her life with her live musical performances. She also had performances at Moscow Mills, St. Charles, Elsberry and Old Monroe.

“Music has changed my life for the better, “ Martin said. “My dad taught me to play when I was young, but more specifically, my life has changed since I started playing for the public. Strangers have turned into friends. People have shown up, supported me, taken me under their wing and booked me. I’ll never take that for granted.”

Martin has some advice for the Montgomery County fairgoers on July 25.

“If you haven’t been to a Kelli Renee show, I suggest you give me a shot,” she said. “Tell your friends, brothers, sisters, cousins and grandma to come out. I’ll make sure there’s a song for everyone.”

There will several other performances that will be held at the Beer Tent Stage at the fair.  Performers include Brayden Reynolds (July 25), Matt Zeiss and the Well Hungarians (July 24), Jesse Vaughn and Biscuits and Gravy (July 23), Mickey and Michael Scott and Molly Lovette (July 22).