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The Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center proudly presents Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Kathy Mattea at the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 2. This special performance is part of CLC’s Cultural Arts series, dedicated to providing the Brainerd lakes community with diverse, high-quality arts programming.
Mattea’s appearance in Brainerd is part of a limited three-city engagement in Minnesota, including performances in Grand Rapids on May 1 and Red Wing on May 3. This brief Minnesota tour precedes her return to Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry on May 31, where she’ll participate in the Opry’s centennial celebration, “OPRY 100.”
For more than three decades, Kathy Mattea has been a defining voice in American country, folk, and roots music. With two Grammy Awards, four Country Music Association Awards, and a distinguished collection of chart-topping hits, Mattea has earned acclaim for her lyrical storytelling and richly nuanced performances. Her best-known singles include the timeless classics “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” “Where’ve You Been,” “Goin’ Gone,” “Come from the Heart,” and “455 Rocket,” songs that have cemented her place in country music history.
Throughout her celebrated career, Mattea has consistently pushed artistic boundaries, seamlessly blending country, folk, and bluegrass traditions. Inspired by the storytelling traditions of country legends such as Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Emmylou Harris, she brings deep emotional resonance and authenticity to her music. Her 2008 album Coal, which explores Appalachian heritage and environmental themes, received critical praise for its powerful portrayal of coal-mining culture and community. Similarly, her 2012 album Calling Me Home continued to explore Appalachian traditions with songs reflecting on themes of home, family, and the interconnectedness of life.
A frequent collaborator and advocate for social and environmental issues, Mattea uses her musical platform to raise awareness and inspire change. Her extensive contributions to country music extend beyond recordings and performances, including hosting nationally broadcast programs such as Mountain Stage Radio and mentoring younger generations of musicians.
Ahead of her performance, local fans will have the opportunity to hear Kathy Mattea speak about her storied career, creative process, and upcoming show. She will join Bill Satre on B93.3 between 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. as well as Tess Taylor and Eric Grant on WJJY’s Community Focus radio show at noon on Wednesday, April 23, offering listeners insight into her influences, her life as a touring musician, and her continued passion for music and storytelling.
Event Details:
- Who: Kathy Mattea
- When: Friday, May 2 at 7 p.m.
- Where: Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts, Brainerd, MN
- Tickets: Available at the Box Office at 218-855-8199 or online at www.clcperformingarts.com
