BRAINERD — The CLC Performing Arts Center will celebrate local Minnesota talent with North Stars Live! — a new concert series designed to spotlight homegrown artists.

The series kicks off 7 p.m. Sept. 26 in the Chalberg Theatre at Central Lakes College in Brainerd with an exciting double-header featuring Amanda Grace and Megan Lenius, two musicians who have made their mark both locally and beyond. Both artists opened for major acts last season, with Amanda Grace opening for Church of Cash and Megan Lenius for Lera Lynn.

For Amanda Grace, the journey of music has always been deeply personal – a way to process life’s challenges and to communicate hope. A Minnesota native, Amanda blends folk, alt-pop/rock and Americana in her work, crafting songs that speak directly to the heart. Her latest album, “Give Me Away,” reflects her own inner transformation and offers listeners a message of hope and resilience.

“I feel that everything is coming together for me in both my music and my life,” Grace said in a news release. “The new songs reflect some new hope that I have. I want others to feel encouraged that they can walk forward when facing the difficult things that happen in life, while remembering that they are embraced by love and their community.”

Grace’s music is known for its warm vocals and thoughtfully crafted melodies, with each song acting as a conversation about life’s most complex emotions. Her latest work is no exception, continuing to draw listeners in with its honesty and depth.

Megan Lenius’s musical journey began long before she started captivating audiences online and onstage. An ambassador for the popular streaming platform Twitch, Megan built a strong community by sharing her music online, cultivating a loyal following through her authenticity and openness.

“I was posting videos from the time that I hit the age threshold to post on YouTube,” Lenius said. “It’s about throwing your net as wide as possible because eventually, something will stick. It wasn’t until I found Twitch that things really started to grow for me. I caught onto the platform early, and through consistency, I was able to build a community really fast.”

Despite her global reach, Lenius’ ties to Minnesota are significant. One of her tracks, “I Can’t,” features musicians Tommy Barbarella and Sunny T, both former members of Prince’s New Power Generation. For Lenius, Minnesota is a unique place with a rich musical history.

“A lot of people leave Minnesota, but they eventually come back. The talent pool here is incredible,” she said

Lenius’ philosophy on success is rooted in perseverance: “Success only happens after you fail. You really have to put yourself out there, and every setback is just paying your dues to reach the next level.”

As she returns to the CLC Performing Arts Center, Lenius said she is ready to bring her unique style and message to both public and college audiences, hoping to inspire others with her story of resilience and community building.

“Together, Amanda Grace and Megan Lenius represent the best of Minnesota’s musical talent — artists who have honed their craft and built strong communities along the way,” CLC Performing Arts officials said in a news release. This concert is not only a celebration of their music but also the launch of a new series aimed at bringing the state’s most exciting talents to the forefront.”

Tickets for North Stars Live! featuring Amanda Grace and Megan Lenius are available now at

www.clcperformingarts.com

or by calling the box office at 218-855-8199. Tickets will also be available at the box office.

Cost is $20 for adults: $20, $15 for seniors, $10 for those 18 and under and $5 for CLC students.

Accessible seating and ASL interpreter services are available. Contact the box office at 218-855-8199 for arrangements. A two-week notice is requested for ASL services.