Lied invites Nebraska applicants for 'Celebrate Nebraska' variety show

            Nebraska's Home for the Arts, the Lied Center for Performing Arts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, invites all Nebraska talent to apply for a special 25th anniversary season event, "Celebrate Nebraska." It's a collection of Nebraska's finest talent together for two nights only on the Lied Center stage. Performances will take place Sept. 4-5. Applications to participate are due March 21.

            Celebrate Nebraska will kick off the Lied Center's 25th year. The purpose of this unique event is to commemorate the rich artistic history of the Lied Center and celebrate the immense talent of artists in the state.

            "Over our 25-year history, the Lied Center has had the opportunity to host some of the most amazing artists in the world, but the best way to honor Nebraska's Home for the Arts is through the incredibly diverse talent all around us, right here in the Cornhusker State," said Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied Center.

            Acts from all genres are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to perform on the same stage graced by legendary talents like Yo-Yo Ma, Wynton Marsalis and Bernadette Peters. Up to 12 acts will be selected in total. The performances will be free and open to the public.

            For application forms or more information, interested groups or individuals should go to http://www.liedcenter.org/celebratene or contact Petra Wahlqvist by email or at 402-472-3215.

            To participate in the Celebrate Nebraska call for artists, applicants must provide the Lied Center with:

• Name of artist/group as you want it to appear in Celebrate Nebraska materials
• A brief description of your act
• Artist website, if available
• Artist bio (maximum of 150 words)
• Other performance logistics including the length of performance: (maximum allotted time: 20 mins)
• At least one work sample (upload or provide a link to an audio or video sample); please note that the Lied Center prefers video samples, if available.
• Electronic photo/artwork. This is mandatory. Applications will not be considered without photo/artwork.
• Summary of performance history. Please name three-four places where you have performed in the last three years.
• If selected, please explain how you would help the Lied Center promote the show (email your mailing list, etc.).

            For Celebrate Nebraska, the Lied Center will provide the following equipment:

• A sound system with up to eight inputs, three mixes and six mics. Performers must utilize the Lied Center sound system.
• General concert lighting
• A 7-foot concert grand piano
• No more than six 3-foot by 8-foot platforms

            The Lied Center will not provide backline or an orchestra shell.

            The performer shall be solely responsible for obtaining all necessary performance rights or other rights necessary to complete their performance, and neither the Lied Center nor the University of Nebraska shall be responsible for, or assume any liability for obtaining any such rights.

            By submitting the Celebrate Nebraska application, performers agree for the performance to be video-filmed and/or photographed without extra compensation.

            Those accepted to perform in Celebrate Nebraska will receive an honorarium of $200 per act, regardless of how many people are in the group.

            The Celebrate Nebraska call for artists is open to all interested parties. Entrants who are under the age of 19 must supply the signature of a parent or other guardian on the entry form.

            Participants and the contest winner must be U.S. residents. Employees of the Lied Center and members of the immediate family of any such persons are not eligible to participate.

            Celebrate Nebraska is a two-day event; however, performers may only participate on one date.

Writer: Carrie Christensen