Christian Contemporary and Gospel singer Linda Hurdle of Ty Ty will perform at noon Friday in Tifton Gardens downtown in the Concert in the Garden series. The free Friday performances are sponsored by The Tifton Gazette and Main Street Tifton.

Hurdle said she has been interested in music “I think since I was born” and encourages everyone, whether they are interested in Christian music or not, to come and enjoy the concert.

“Just because you haven’t heard this type of music before doesn’t mean it isn’t something you’ll not enjoy,” Hurdle said. “A lot of it is like popular music, only the words are to glorify God.”

Hurdle has been playing the guitar and singing since she was 6. She was in her 30s when she decided to take several years of voice lessons.

“It’s something I decided to do to help enhance the projection of my voice,” Hurdle said.

Hurdle, who is a registered nurse at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital, said she is one of several people she knows who “has been won over by music rather than preaching.”

“Music is the universal language,” Hurdle said. “That’s what got me. I was surprised when I heard it and the words just drew me in.”

Hurdle serves as a worship leader at River of Life Church on Tyson Avenue. She also performs her music at various churches and has been asked if she had any recordings people could take with them. She decided to record a CD of some of her original work at Harvest Studios in Sylvester. The CD, “I Will Soar,” is now complete and in the process of being distributed. Hurdle will bring some of those CDs to Friday’s concert if anyone would like to purchase one.

Hurdle said a friend “coerced” her into joining the church’s praise team and she has blossomed since then.

“I was very shy,” Hurdle said. “I look back and ask myself, ‘Where did that person go?’” Hurdle said. “I encourage anyone who has a dream in their heart to go for it. You’ll never know where it will take you.”

The free Friday noon concerts will continue through May.

To contact senior reporter Angie Thompson, call 382-4321.