Olivia P Tucker
Times Reporter
Music is a universal language that a number of people can enjoy wherever they go. For Scott County native Kayla Griffen, music has been an aspiring part of her life.
Griffen will be performing on the same stage as her childhood inspiration, Martina McBride this Friday, Sept. 22 at Renfro Valley, KY. The feeling that Griffen said she felt about this opportunity is that it is a full circle moment for her.
“It really touches me as well to have this opportunity to share a stage with somebody I have looked up to since my childhood,” said Griffen.
At the age of 9, Griffen performed McBride’s song “A Broken Wing” at the Crothersville Red, White, and Blue Festival talent contest in 2004.
Griffen has performed at area festivals such as Seymour Octoberfest, Leota Country Frolic, Pig Roast in the Park, Thunder Over Louisville and the Madison Regatta. She has also had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem for the Indiana Pacers, Cincinnati Reds, local veterans and various college sporting events.
The daughter of Steve and Pam Griffen, she said that her singing started with her father.
“My dad has been my mentor and earthly teacher I like to say with music,” Griffen said, “He says that he could hear me hum before I could speak. So he likes to say it’s a gift.”
Graduating from Austin High School in 2013, she participated in the school’s show choir Dimensions.
In the summer of 2019, Griffen performed in a contest hosted by a Louisville radio station. That opportunity allowed her to network her way to be able to perform at Renfro Valley Entertainment Center with Deana Carter for a Christmas Special in 2022.
For information on the tickets to watch Griffen and McBride perform go to www.renfrovalley.com.