Claire Leslie brings ‘honest, relatable, real’ music to Foster Pavilion ahead of Forrest Frank
On April 22, Baylor’s Foster Pavilion will host its first public concert event, featuring GRAMMY-nominated Baylor alum Forrest Frank (BBA ’17) — but Frank technically won’t be the first artist on the Foster stage that night.
That honor will go to Claire Leslie, a 23-year-old performer from San Antonio, who will perform as the concert’s opening act. In her day job, Leslie leads worship at Max Lucado’s Oak Hills Church, as she finds her way as an up-and-coming Christian singer-songwriter.
“I feel called to write honest, relatable, and just real music,” says Leslie. “I get paid to do that for a living, and I have to pinch myself every single day — ‘Oh my goodness; this is too good to be true!’ I do believe that the Lord has a calling on each and every one of our lives, and this is what I get to do.”
Leslie grew up in the church, and began leading worship for her church’s youth group at age 14.
“Worship leading is one thing in my life that hasn’t changed,” she says. “That’s where I started, that’s my roots… Even throughout college, I would travel around Texas and worship lead. That’s personally where I feel God the most. I love it; it’s connecting, it’s inviting people to worship and praise our Creator. I love getting to do that.”
Eventually, Leslie began covering music and posting it to social media. That led her to Nashville, where she splits her time as she works her way into the Christian music business. Her debut EP, Twenty Something, debuted in March.
“It’s just a collection of honest songs about navigating life’s growing pains as a 20-something-year-old,” Leslie says. “There are fun songs on there, songs about my questions and doubts and insecurities, but also my faith journey and dreams, and also songs to just dance to. It’s for all ages!”
On April 22, she’ll open for Frank — a big step in her career.
“I’m so honored that Forrest and his team believe in what I’m doing and want to give me a moment and a platform to get to sing alongside people my age. We’ll get to just have a fun night that’s full of hope and energy and the best times.”
Get your tickets now to see both Frank and Leslie — April 22 at Foster Pavilion!
Sic ’em, Claire!