Zack Denby grew up preforming at Lake Harris Hideaway. There is even a photo of him holding a guitar as a toddler at the restaurant to prove it.
As someone who has been making music since he was old enough to walk, Denby enjoys performing because of the connections he makes with others. Those connections have turned strangers in the audience and establishments looking for entertainment into extended family.
Focused on his goal of enlightening others with his music, Denby said providing an outlet of escape and relaxation for the audience makes him feel good in return.
Denby will connect with fans and his gained family members from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday at Lake Harris Hideaway, 11912 Lane Park Road, Tavares, during his last show before he heads off to Army basic training. And it will be a full-circle moment for the musician.
Lori Lena, Zack’s mother and manager, said the moment will be bittersweet in part because of the long relationship the pair have nurtured with the owners and employees of Lake Harris Hideaway. After all, it was 22 years ago when the staff hosted a surprise baby shower for Lori when she pregnant with Zack.
“To me this is pretty special. Some of the staff there, they’ve seen him literally since day one. He is a staple around there,” she said. “I remember when he used to go around with the tip jar collecting tips for his dad when he played here. He’s just always been around music.”
At 5 years old, Zack would often end up on stages or at shows with his musician father Tommy Denby.
Following in his musical footsteps, the young musician would often open shows or play songs while his father was on break.
“He would have to stand in the chair so he could reach the microphone,” Tommy said. “He studied music and studied Elvis. He would dress up as a little Elvis for some of my Elvis shows. He’s grown into a phenomenal artist. It has just been amazing to watch him mature into the artist he is. He has the ability to captivate an audience.”
The owners of Lake Harris Hideaway said it was no surprise to anyone that Zack would grow into a talented musician.
“We knew he was going to be special from the beginning. It really went without saying,” said Jason Kellyman, owner of Lake Harris Hideaway. “This is where he grew up. He has been performing with us since he was a child. He’s like family to us.”
Zack agrees his love for music transferred into him by being surrounded by musicians. He enjoys performing a range of genres, including southern rock and country with a heavy blues influence. Kellyman said Lake Harris Hideaway is a space where Zack was able to get comfortable and go through the process of becoming comfortable performing in public.
“Everyone loves Zack. He was raised by good people and is always really respectful. He is one of us when he is up on stage,” Kellyman said. “It’s been amazing to give him a platform to shine. He is a natural performer.”
Kellyman’s wife, Janna, said she has been proud to witness Denby’s growth over the years. She recalled Zack performing “Kryptonite” during his first performance, saying that it has been great to watch his journey.
After deciding that he wanted to be a musician at 17, Zack’s mom helped him book shows as to his act grew from a solo to a duet to a band.
“It just exploded. He’s been fully booked for the last several years and he was fully booked through 2025. Once he made the adult decision to enlist, we put all those shows on hold,” Lori said.
Zack’s mom said she frequently hears compliments about her son’s musical talent but it makes her happy when people compliment his character. The most common feedback she said she receives are from people who compare her son to Stevie Ray Vaughan, an American musician from the 1980s.
“It’s super, super emotional for me. Zack’s my only child and I knew I wanted to be the best mom for this kid,” Lori said. “People love him because the person that his is. The best compliment I get is that he is an old soul. He is a caring person and to see that growth makes me proud. He’s my world.”
Though the decision to join the Army wasn’t easy, Zack’s family and friends have been supportive.
“I’ve always had a tremendous amount of support. It just brings a lot of humility. It means an incredible amount to me,” Zack said. “Even Jason and everyone at Lake Harris Hideaway, they’ve always gone above and beyond for me. Words can’t describe what they’ve done for me.”
From helping him boost his confidence as a young performer to becoming extended family, Zack said Lake Harris Hideaway has been an irreplaceable step in his music journey that helped shape who he is today.
“I’m not going to worry about him one bit because I know he is a smart man and he was raised well,” Jason said. “All he would have to do is call me up and say that he is back for a week and wants to do a show. The stage would be his.”
To reserve you space for the upcoming Zack Denby Band show, call Lake Harris Hideaway at 352-343-3585.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
