Eleven-year-old Maggie Thompson of Spartanburg, S.C. is one of 10 other performing artists on tap to perform at Praising in the Park, on Sept. 24, 3 p.m., Rogers Park, Tryon.

The entertainment industry has been searching for a young, fresh, dynamic talent to stop them in their tracks, and Maggie Thompson is definitely the one. The 11-year-old actress and model-turned-singer, is no stranger to the stage since the age of 5, even beginning voice lessons at 6 years old. Always having a heart for country music, Thompson ventures into pop, 80s and even Broadway genres to express her stories through song.

Nashville vocal coach to the stars, Dave Brooks, and Nashville songwriter Tom Worth, have launched Thompson’s career, along with the viral video smash-hit “Taylor Swift,” vocally admiring Swift’s mantra of following your dreams, and also “Shotgun,” the tear-jerking daddy tribute to her father co-written with Worth and Maggie’s sister Abigail.

Another cheerful tune on her EP, “Meant to Have Fun,” offers casual country vibes, making you want to kick back, relax and rock in a tire swing all day long. With many artists as her inspiration, Maggie’s focus is for her audience to enjoy her music and relate to her passion.

“I hope my music helps make people’s day a little better. That’s what makes me happy,” says Thompson.

The 6th Annual Praising in the Park, an evening of inspirational song and dance, is sponsored by the Unity in the Community Organization and funded by the Kirby’s Rogers Park Grant Fund and the Polk County Community Foundation.

– article submitted by David Staley