Music Notes
The first time 16-year-old Brier Hight stepped onto a stage, she knew it was where she was meant to be. “My journey in music started when I was eight years old and was cast as Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol at The Birmingham Children’s Theater,” Hight shares, adding, “Since then, I have performed on countless stages in the Birmingham area and have loved every second of it.”
In addition to performing covers of songs, the Gardendale High School sophomore writes her own songs and explains that much of her inspiration comes from her life experiences. “A lot of my songs are very personal and are something that I am feeling at that moment or a memory that had a profound impact on me.” Hight is set to perform throughout the Magnolia Festival in Gardendale on April 19-20, 2024. On Friday, Hight will perform at 5:30 p.m. on the main stage, and on Saturday she can be found on the smaller stage singing during the day. “I will definitely be playing some of my original songs as well as some songs from all-time favorites like Fleetwood Mac and other various country artists,” she says.
Hight discovered a new passion recently- pageantry. “I am so incredibly grateful and honored to represent my hometown as Miss Gardendale Magnolia Festival Teen 2024,” she says. While she holds the title, her social initiative is The Firehouse Community Arts Center. “The Firehouse is located in Avondale and was created as a safe and creative learning space to perform music while under the guidance of experienced musicians,” Hight explains, adding that it is through donations that underserved youth can receive scholarships for music education programs. Hight is currently participating in the Miss Alabama Teen competition. “In just a few short months, I have gained some incredible friendships and explored some amazing opportunities that would not have been possible without the help of my director and this organization,” she says.
Whether Hight is focusing on academics, music, or pageantry, her faith in God guides her. “My faith and my relationship with God is one of the most important things to me. I pray about everything,” Hight shares, adding, “No matter how hard things get, I know that I have Him by my side and He will be my guiding light through every step of life.” Hight is a member of Church of the Highlands and attends the Fultondale campus.
In addition to live music, the Magnolia Festival will also host 170 vendor booths, a car show, pooch parade, petting zoo, free art classes and kid zone, unique food vendors, and more! For more details about the Magnolia Festival, visit www.magnoliafestival.org.
-Melissa Armstrong
