Gwenyth Hayes

Gwenyth Hayes, a bassist, song stylist, vocalist, and recording artist hailing from Ann Arbor, captivates audiences throughout the Metro Detroit area with her distinctive performances. Gwenyth's unique reinterpretations showcase a fusion of classic tunes and soulful covers & originals across various genres, and are centered by her sultry vocals, groove-infused bass lines, and tight instrumental arrangements.

Over the past decade, Gwenyth's ensembles have graced numerous festivals and venues across Southeastern Michigan, Chicago, and Honolulu, including: Arts, Beats, and Eats, Dally In The Alley, Harvest Festival, Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Ann Arbor Jazz Festival, University of Michigan's Gift of Arts, and the North Atlantic Blues Festival. 

Throughout her musical journey, she has served as a professional bassist, lending support to fellow artists in the realms of blues, pop, and soul. Notable milestones in her career include opening for B.B. King alongside Murali Coryell, the son of the late Larry Coryell, and subsequently embarking on a tour with Murali. Additionally, she graced the stage at The Chicago Blues Festival in both 2010 and 2013 with Quintus McCormick and Khalif "Wailin'" Walter. Her participation in the 2009 Detroit Blues Festival at Chene Park Amphitheater, now recognized as the Aretha Franklin Park, further underscores her impactful contributions.

During her residency in Chicago from 2010 to 2013, Gwenyth performed regularly as a blues bassists at renowned venues such as Buddy Guy's Legends, Kingston Mines, and B.L.U.E.S. on Halsted, with Alligator and Delmark Records recording artists Maurice John Vaughn, Quintus McCormick, & Toronzo Cannon. Later, her musical pursuits extended to touring with Detroit Music Awarding winning recording artist Laura Rain and the Caesars and performing with other notable metro detroit artists.

In 2023, Gwenyth was inducted as a fellow with the Amplify Fellowship based in Washtenaw, a recognition that granted her valuable resources to begin finalizing her forthcoming recording project set for release in 2024. Alongside this, Gwenyth is an active member of Detroit Bass Players and has been prominently featured in various publications, including Buddy Guy's Legends Magazine, University of Michigan's Newsletter, Ann Arbor News, and Big City Rhythm and Blues Magazine.

Gwenyth's musical roots trace back to her upbringing in a family deeply connected to music, exposing her to a diverse range of genres, from classical and jazz to rock and R&B. With her mother and grandmother as pianists and her father, William Hayes, a renowned conductor, composer, educator, and performer, along with her brother, Matt Hayes, a celebrated drummer, music is woven into the fabric of her life.

Her modern approach to music serves as a conduit for reinventing popular soul, jazz, soft rock, and blues standards, infusing them with a sensual and contemporary vibe. Gwenyth's sound resonates with diverse audiences, aiming to evoke nostalgia for many generations to come.