High school honor student, varsity athlete, dancer, student body vice president, and iTunes recording artist—that is Calli Grace in a nutshell.
Calli Grace started writing her own music at eight years old, when she received her first guitar as a Christmas present. By 12, she was performing around town. “I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember,” Calli says. “But I really started to get serious about it when I got my guitar.”
Fast forward nine years and Calli, a senior at St. Mary’s High School, has released two EPs (extended play records) and three singles on iTunes, including her newest five-song EP titled Seventeen, a nod to the young artist’s age.
Calli’s style is singer-songwriter with a touch of pop. Her songs are inspired by her life, and everything that goes into being 17 years old, but her other inspirations are a bit deeper than that.
“Over the past few years, I have gotten involved with organizations including Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, and United Cerebral Palsy. I have written songs that all three have used to help promote their causes and share a positive message,” Calli says.
In addition to recording songs to support these causes, Calli performs at many of the local fundraisers, as well as other events in the community. Most recently she took the stage at the American Cancer Society’s Moonlight Gala and this month she’ll be performing at the Presentation Fall Fest.
“Her confidence really impresses me,” says Calli’s mother, Gina Ortega. “I’m really proud of her stage presence and her ability to go out there and perform.”
At a young age, Calli has achieved a lot, but she’s still not quite used to hearing her own music on streaming platforms. “It’s so cool to be riding in my car with Apple music on shuffle and one of my own songs comes on,” Calli shares. “I’d had this idea in my head for so long and to finally see something tangible was incredible.”
Find Calli’s music on iTunes by searching Calli Grace, or follow her on Facebook and Instagram to learn more about the young artist’s work and upcoming gigs.
Follow her Journey:
Calli Grace
@calligracemusic
So proud of you sweet Girl!! Love you
Hi, Calli. I remember you so clearly as a Freshman soccer player. Mark Kusanovich and I used to look forward to seeing your developing athletic and singing talents. And then came the sadness of your soccer injury. It was about then that Mark’s illness began to dominate his life and we both left the St. Mary’s program. It appears from the SJM article that all is well with you and I wanted you to know that all the best of success as your life continues to move forward.
Hi Bob, it’s so good to hear from you! Had another bump in the road, tore my other ACL last summer, just now getting ready to play in games again. It’s given me a lot of time to work on my music. Hoping for a great senior year back on the field, and playing gigs around town 🙂 Hope you’re doing well!
– Calli