Bend holds a special place in musician’s heart as Maiah Manser makes her way to the Hayden Homes stage

(Update: Adding video, comments by Manser)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A Bend native will realize a dream this week, performing at Hayden Homes Amphitheater. Maiah Manser will open for St. Vincent.

"When I was a kid, I would plead with my mom like, 'Please put me on Disney, please go!'" Manser said Monday. "And she's like, 'No - you will have a childhood.'"

Manser is a graduate of Bend Senior High School who now lives in LA, pursuing a career as a singer, songwriter and producer.

She considers nature her first audience, remembering singing to the trees as a child. Her songs now  -  with a smile, pretty enough and sirens - cover many genres,  like electronic, pop and alternative.

Of course these days, social media is key. "I went viral last year for a small clip of me singing," she said.

I asked Manser if it was the song "A Smile." She said, "Yeah. It changed my life. It was really crazy! It was very life-altering."

Before graduating in 2009, Manser was involved in Bend High's choir, orchestra, and theater classes.

She went on to Cornish College of the Arts, in Seattle, where she studied jazz before making the jump to la to pursue her music career.

Manser said, "I needed to move there. If I really wanted to make things happen, I wanted to expand my network. I've been really been glad that I did. But of course, Bend always had a special place in my heart."

Thursday evening at the amphitheater, she'll open for indy musician St. Vincent.

Manser began singing as young as 4 years old, and credits her mom with finding classes to help her grow her talent.

She admits she still gets nervous before performing, but remembers a piece of advice shared with her.

"I had someone say to me once - many years ago, but it's always stuck with me - they said, 'Why waste any moment, like when you're doing something that you absolutely love - why waste it being scared or nervous? You should just be absolutely loving it!"

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