Briana Gilyard

Briana (BRI) is a singer-songwriter from Summit, NJ who loves performing and writing music that blends R&B, Indie-Soul, and Pop music. Inspired by artists like Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Solange, and Kehlani, Briana has captured audiences with her songwriting, positivity, and warm, powerful voice.

She is a graduate of Summit High School where she was the lead actor in several musicals and plays.  Her lead performance in Pippin led to 16 nominations and seven awards for the Papermill Playhouse Rising Star Awards and she was invited to be the opening performer for the awards ceremony.

She is exceptionally talented and plays the violin, piano, guitar, and ukulele.  She sang in the Summit High School Choir, was a member of the orchestra and lead vocalist with the high school’s big jazz band.  Also, during high school, the Summit Independent Newspaper interviewed and featured her as their Spotlight Student of the month. Prior to graduating, Briana received several scholarships for academic excellence.

Briana has performed at MetLife stadium, The Grand Summit Hotel’s Annual Big Jazz Band Concert, MONDO’s Live Jazz Concert and several churches for her recitals.

Briana is currently attending Syracuse University and will be a Junior next year.  Each year, Briana serves as an Orientation Leader for freshmen students.  Her college performances include several solo performances for Jazz & Commercial Music concerts, a solo performance for Hendricks Chapel’s Music and A Message, lead vocalist with the Acapella Group – Groove Stand, and in April, she opened the “Early Show” of University Union’s two-part concert series at Syracuse University’s Goldstein Auditorium.