Press Kit
Known MPLS is one of the Twin Cities’ most exciting youth and young adult vocal ensembles and a program of Voicez Inc., using music, mentorship, and transformative experiences to develop the next generation of artists and leaders.
Founded and directed by Courtland Pickens, Known MPLS has become known for powerful performances, rich harmonies, and an unmistakable energy that brings audiences together.
Known MPLS has performed on some of the region’s most notable stages, including Orchestra Hall, U.S. Bank Stadium, The Armory, Target Center, the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts, the Minnesota State Fair, and the Eaux Claires Festival, along with performances for the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Timberwolves. Their growing résumé includes performing alongside and in support of nationally recognized artists including Josh Groban and Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, as well as appearing in Netflix’s 2025 NFL Christmas Gameday halftime show at U.S. Bank Stadium, featuring Snoop Dogg, Lainey Wilson, Andrea and Matteo Bocelli, and the singing voices of HUNTR/X from KPop Demon Hunters.
Beyond the stage, Known MPLS is committed to creating a space where young people are seen, heard, challenged, supported, and empowered to grow. Through music and mentorship, members develop confidence, leadership, artistic excellence, and a deeper sense of purpose.
More than a choir, Known MPLS is a community where young voices are developed, lives are impacted, and every person is reminded that they are known.
“Music has the power to heal, uplift, and bring people together. Our goal is to create a space where young people can find their voices, grow in confidence, and know that they belong. Through music, mentorship, and community, we’re developing young people who are prepared to lead, create, and make an impact wherever life takes them.”
— Courtland Pickens
IMPACT
Before joining Known MPLS I didn’t really have a sense of community. I struggled a lot with connecting with people and really putting myself out there. Becoming a part of Known MPLS not only gave me a place to connect with others that share similar experiences, but a place I could connect with myself and learn more about who I am. Being a part of Known MPLS taught me how to be a strong team member, and an even stronger leader.
This choir has been a safe space where I can show up exactly as I am. It’s a place where my voice is heard, my presence is valued, and my heart feels at home. In a world that can be loud and demanding, rehearsals are a breath of peace — a time to pour my emotions into music without fear of judgment. Here, we are more than singers; we are a community that listens, supports, and believes in each other. The love and acceptance in this room remind me that I don’t have to be perfect to belong. Being part of this choir has shown me that music can heal, and that sometimes the greatest harmony comes from simply feeling safe together.
Being a member of Known MPLS has impacted me in ways I didn’t know were possible before I joined in 2022. This choir has provided me with friendships and relationships that have taught me to be more empathetic, and be a leader among my peers. It’s helped me grow into a more confident performer, and more importantly, a worshipper. Through this choir, I’ve had countless life-changing opportunities to sing amongst incredible musicians, fellow believers, and in front of people whose lives have been touched by our voices. It’s a blessing to grow and thrive in a space where I can share my talent and do what I love, all while spreading the love of God with and for His people.
I’ve been in Known Mpls for almost 3 years now. Being adopted and going to a primarily white school meant that I didn’t have a lot of spaces with people that looked like me. Not only has being in Known encouraged me to grow in my faith, it even made me want to get baptized. Known has taught me that worship can connect you to God but it can also connect you to the people around you. Having a safe space like known is something that I’ll forever be grateful for. Being in Known has shown me that worship is a powerful weapon against the enemy and also an encouragement and act of praise. I’m so glad that I’ve been able to join this wonderful choir and not only that but that we have an amazing Director, Courtland, that encourages us in our faith and supports us in all aspects of our lives.