The Friends of Lied nonprofit organization invites community members and supporters of the Lied Center for Performing Arts to attend its annual fundraiser Jan. 22 at the Lied.

Tickets are available here. The deadline to reserve tickets is Jan. 7.

This year’s theme, “A Night in EmeraLIED City,” will be full of enchantment and creativity and will include cocktails, a gourmet dinner on the Lied Center stage and dancing to the music of Kansas City’s Musivo Live.

The gala includes silent and live auctions with items offered by businesses and individuals across the state, including custom jewelry from AT Thomas Jewelers and several pieces of original art from Lincoln’s Noyes Gallery artists. Other items include golf at the Dismal River Club, VIP tickets to see Tim McGraw and Miranda Lambert, a hot air balloon ride, Nebraska men’s basketball suite tickets, a Great Wolf Lodge package and Lied Center VIP experiences. Attendees can even bid on an opportunity to sing on stage with the band at the gala.

The evening will begin with cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7. Black-tie attire is preferred but not required, and valet parking is available. Individual tickets are available for $150, and tables of 10 are $1,500.

Proceeds from the evening support the Friends of Lied’s mission to provide all Nebraskans access to world-class performing arts. Donations support the Friends of Lied’s mission by providing on-stage programming, free tickets for underserved children and adults, and educational outreach across the state.

“The Friends of Lied organization is at the heart of the Lied Center’s continued success and our ability to bring the world’s top artists to Nebraska for unforgettable performances and life-changing educational outreach,” said Bill Stephan, executive director of the Lied. “We are so grateful for their support and are excited to invite everyone to spend a night in the EmeraLIED City.”

For more information or to give a tax-deductible gift to the Friends of Lied, contact Amy Ossian at aossian2@unl.edu or 402-472-4704.