Shining a Light on Redemption: A Conversation with Briana Calhoun and Kix Brooks About 'Hope On The Inside'
On November 1st, 2024, the Country Music Hall of Fame will host an event unlike any other. A writers' round, headlined by some of Nashville's most talented songwriters, will serve as a fundraiser for Hope On The Inside, a nonprofit that focuses on giving incarcerated individuals the tools they need to rebuild their lives with purpose and hope. At the heart of this organization is Briana Calhoun, a woman whose personal story of addiction, incarceration, and redemption has inspired countless others, including country legend Kix Brooks.
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Briana's journey to founding Hope On The Inside began after her own experience in the prison system. Reflecting on her lowest point, she shared, "My last mugshot... I was knocking on death's door. I had absolutely no chance of surviving. The best thing that ever happened to me was getting locked up." That harsh reality gave Briana a new lease on life, and today, she channels her personal transformation into empowering others who are walking similar paths.
The November 1st gala is set to be a powerful night, not only for the music but for the stories that will be shared. For Briana, it's about connecting deeply with others through truth. "I've been in jails, rehabs, halfway houses, and prisons. There’s a lot that needs to be fixed," she noted. "Our approach has been to bring artists to perform free concerts, sharing their stories, and telling the inmates, 'Share your truth. They want to feel that sense of connection you may have made.'"
At the heart of Hope On The Inside is a desire to rebuild lives. Briana’s dream is to create a curriculum focused on three E's: Education, Etiquette, and Exhibition. "Education is vital, of course," she explained. "But etiquette... there’s so much importance in understanding how to walk, how to sit properly, how to be warm and charismatic. These are things that help people re-enter society with confidence."
One of the key supporters of Hope On The Inside is country superstar Kix Brooks, who, after hearing Briana's story, was deeply moved. "A mutual friend of hers encouraged her to get in touch with me, and she sent me an email... attached to it was her documentary. I was just kind of blown away by her whole story," Kix recalled. "We started writing songs together, and then she invited me to go to a prison visit with her."
It was during these prison visits that Kix truly saw the transformative power of Briana’s work. "You just see their faces change when she's talking," Kix shared. "She explains that this doesn't get any easier when you get out, and knowing that she has the history to have changed her life... I really feel like she could do that for a lot of these inmates."
Kix's involvement in Hope On The Inside speaks to a broader tradition in country music of artists connecting with incarcerated individuals. "There's a long history of country artists visiting prisons," Kix said. "I raised a lot of hell when I was younger, and I didn't get caught. I could have been a short timer myself. These are not all hardcore criminals... a lot of them made a mistake or two, and now they have the opportunity to change their lives."
The upcoming fundraiser aims to not only raise money but also to shed light on the power of transformation and second chances. Briana, alongside seasoned Nashville songwriters Bob DiPiero and Tim Nichols, will take the audience on an emotional journey through music and storytelling. The evening promises to offer a glimpse into the magic that happens when personal narratives blend with musical genius, with each song and story underscoring the message that hope and redemption are always possible.
Hope On The Inside isn't just about changing individual lives—it's about reshaping how we approach incarceration and reintegration. Briana's vision for the future is a world where incarcerated individuals are equipped with more than just survival tools. "For a long time, we've used religion and sobriety as the two main focal points for making it out. But there are so many other nuances to life that these inmates aren’t being prepared for," Briana emphasized. "I know the system can be fixed, and I'm ready to help make that change."
As November 1st approaches, the anticipation grows not only for a night of music but also for a night of hope. Through Hope On The Inside, Briana and her collaborators are making a powerful statement: that no matter where you’ve been, there’s always the potential to rise, rebuild, and live with purpose.
Don't miss this incredible opportunity to support Hope On The Inside and be part of an evening that celebrates resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of music. You can learn more here.
Purchase tickets and learn more about the event here.
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