Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By NOAH WORTHAM | Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY – Residents will have an opportunity to enjoy a special show while also supporting a good cause during the second annual Joyful Noise Talent Show.

The Joyful Noise Talent Show will take place on Friday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m. in Oak Mountain High School’s new Performing Arts Center.

“The talent show was actually started last year as a way to raise funds for (the) Joyful Noise (Foundation), to provide music education for students with special needs,” said Haley Houston, music teacher for Mt Laurel Elementary School. “In just one year, it has snowballed into a much bigger event.”

The talent show is organized by Chelsea High School student and Miss Hoover’s Teen, Ali Mims.

“Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a heart for students with disabilities and special needs,” Mims said. “And so, when I started competing in the Miss Alabama’s Teen organization, I decided that I wanted my community service initiative to be Joyful Noise. And with this initiative, I have been able to provide students that have disabilities and special needs with music education.”

During the inaugural Joyful Noise Talent Show, Mims and others were able to raise thousands of dollars to purchase music instruments for students and Mims said this year’s event will be even bigger.

This year’s talent show will feature James Spann as the emcee of the event.

“To have someone as well-known as James Spann is really awesome,” Mims said. “I’ve also known James Spann for a really long time and he’s always been extremely, extremely supportive  of me and what I do. And so, when I asked him, he was so quick to be able to emcee with me at the talent show. So, we’re really, really excited to have him. He’s going to do great, he’s hilarious and he’s really good with kids. So, it’s going to be fun.”

This year’s talent show will also feature the world famous vocal coach Cheryl Porter who has appeared on “The Today Show.”

“This will be her first trip to Alabama, so we are extremely excited to have her and there’s no better person to be a judge for the talent show,” Houston said.

Porter came across the talent show thanks to the efforts of Mt Laurel student Evan Riley who will be co-host for the event and will be performing.

“Evan Riley told Cheryl about Ali and Joyful Noise and providing students with disabilities the opportunity to have music education and Cheryl FaceTimed us and asked if she could come be a part of the talent show and help raise money and asked if we would let her be a judge.”

During the show, students from across Shelby County Schools will be showcasing their talents, including some from Houston’s own class.

“They will be doing things such as singing, dancing, magic tricks, playing the piano—different varieties of talent,” Houston said. “We have some extremely talented students at Mt Laurel. One of our Mt Laurel students who is non-verbal, his name is JJ, (he) will be singing a song at the talent show as well and the Mt Laurel Choir will be performing a song that Ali and I wrote.”

Those interested in learning more or purchasing tickets for the event may visit Alijoyfulnoise.com.