The Lied Center for Performing Arts at UNL will showcase Nebraska talent in all art forms in “Celebrate Nebraska,” a two-night variety show Sept. 4-5. Both shows are scheduled for 7 p.m.

Tickets are free and available to the public now. Free tickets are required to enter and can be reserved by phone at 402-472-4747 or at the Lied Center Box Office, 301 N. 12th St.

“Celebrate Nebraska will give patrons the opportunity to see many of the Lied Center’s presented performance genres on stage in a single evening,” said Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied Center.

In February, the Lied Center held a statewide open call for Nebraska-based performance artists to apply to be a part of Celebrate Nebraska. More than 40 artists applied and 12 were selected based on work samples provided by the artists which were then reviewed by a panel of judges. The show will feature two unique artist line-ups, each comprised of six of the finalists.

Featured Nebraska artists include a bluegrass band, Japanese drum ensemble, several a cappella vocal groups, Canadian cloggers, a beatboxer, a 100-plus member all-male chorus, a folk singer/songwriter, a world music dance band, bassoon quartet and more.

“Celebrate Nebraska is just one of many special events taking place this year to honor the Lied Center’s 25th anniversary season,” Stephan said. “Nearly three decades ago, the Lied Center was established as Nebraska’s Home for the Arts and over 2,000 Nebraskans rallied behind the dream of having a world-class performing arts venue in Lincoln. Celebrate Nebraska will not only celebrate the finest talent across the state, it will honor the statewide community that made the Lied Center a reality.”

This performance is made possible thanks to support by U-Stop Convenience Shops and the Hixson-Lied Endowment.

Thursday, Sept. 4: Jarana; Will Hutchinson; SWING 105; Bassoons Across Nebraska; Bathtub Dogs; Sandy Creek Bluegrass.

Friday, Sept. 5: Pathfinder Chorus; D-Wayne Beatbox; The Cabaret Company; Kokyo Taiko; QuinteCentral; Tap This.