.jpg)
The excitement is building as Ely’s Got Talent returns for its second year on Nov. 1, at Ely’s Historic State Theater.
This thrilling evening will showcase the North Country’s finest talent, from comedy to music to dance, all competing for a grand prize of $1,000.
But the real magic of the night comes from the community— because you will help decide who walks away with the big win!
After a successful debut last year that raised $6,300 to support local arts, Northern Lakes Arts Association (NLAA) is setting an even bigger goal for this year’s event: raising $7,500. This family-friendly talent competition promises to be a night full of fun, entertainment, and community spirit, all while raising critical funds to keep the arts accessible in Ely.
At Ely’s Got Talent, the audience plays a starring role in deciding the night’s biggest prize. There are two major awards up for grabs:
• Judges’ Favorite Award: Our panel of expert judges will award $250 to the performer they believe deserves the top spot.
• Audience Favorite Award: Here’s where you come in. With every ticket purchase, audience members receive five votes to cast for their favorite act. And, if you’re feeling extra generous, you can increase a performer’s chances of winning by donating. For every $1 you donate, the performer earns an additional vote. The act with the most votes will take home the $750 grand prize.
Meet the Performers: This year’s talent lineup is nothing short of impressive. From singers to comedians and even a few unexpected surprises, here’s a glimpse of who will be competing:
• Abby Dare – Sharp, witty comedy that will keep you laughing.
• Catie Clark – Humorous recitations that bring a smile to your face.
• Fiona Olson – Stand-up comedian with punchlines for days.
• Jenni Fowler – A soulful singer-songwriter with heartfelt melodies.
• Jennifer Merhar – A stunning performance of a Mozart aria with her own pianist.
• Karl Jones – A storyteller, singer, and guitarist sharing his personal journey to Ely.
• Ken Innis & Adam Norgren – A dynamic duo blending vocals and guitar harmonies.
• Marissa Ronning – Captivating the crowd with her powerful vocals.
• Melissa Arvola – A powerhouse singer lighting up the stage.
• Ragnar & Bjorn, with LynnAnne Vesper – A unique act featuring two cats showing off their pandemic- learned tricks.
• SunShine Gardner & Megan Olson – A dynamic dancing duo ready to energize the stage.
• Willy Martin – Delivering heartfelt guitar tunes and soulful singing.
With such an exciting and diverse group of performers, the competition will be fierce, and the entertainment will be top-notch.
While Ely’s Got Talent is certainly a night of celebration, it’s also an essential fundraiser for NLAA, which works tirelessly to provide accessible arts programming in the community. Last year’s Masked Singer event raised an impressive $6,300, and this year, the goal is to break that record by raising $7,500.
Funds raised from Ely’s Got Talent support several key programs that make the arts accessible to everyone in Ely. As a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, NLAA relies on community support to keep these programs running. And that’s where this event truly shines—every ticket and every donation goes directly toward continuing these efforts, helping to ensure that the arts remain a vibrant and integral part of the Ely community.
Tickets for Ely’s Got Talent are only $25, and they’re going fast. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable night of talent, fun, and community support. Grab your tickets now at www.northernlakesarts.org/ elysgottalent, and make sure you join us at Ely’s Historic State Theater on November 1 at 7 p.m.
Help us celebrate local talent, have a blast, and raise the funds we need to keep the arts alive and accessible in Ely. With your support, we can make this year’s Ely’s Got Talent the best one yet!
