Special 'Coming Home' Celebration to Honor Usher with Key to Hometown
Usher at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards at the Forum, Los Angeles, CA on August 24, 2014
Photo cred: Featureflash Photo Agency
By: Joshua Martin
R&B superstar Usher Raymond is set to receive a key to his hometown in a special ‘Coming Home’ celebration on Saturday, April 20th.
In partnership with UTC (the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga) and Chattanooga Business Elite (CBE), the city of Chattanooga and Hamilton County will host the special community-wide ‘Coming Home’ ceremony for their hometown hero.
In a statement, Usher thanked his childhood home for the continuous support and for providing the spark that ignited his music career.
“The city of Chattanooga provided a spark that ignited the fire in me to pursue my dreams as a singer and I’m thankful for the support I received from so many great family members, friends, and mentors so early in my journey. Thank you for the honor, I look forward to celebrating with you all.”
Prior to his iconic Super Bowl Halftime Show, Mr. Raymond received the key to the city of Las Vegas for his musical contributions to the city with his three year-residency. Prompting Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly to ecstatically praise the talented artist's many accomplishments.
“The pride in Chattanooga during Usher’s iconic Super Bowl halftime show was palpable. We know as a smaller city we punch way above our weight when it comes to the talent our city produces, and Usher is one of the finest examples of that talent. He’s going to feel the love when he comes home to McKenzie Arena on April 20th. I look forward to seeing y’all there.”
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp also spoke highly of Usher.
“From his days at Orchard Knob and Dalewood to the pinnacle of the music industry, Usher is one the great talents who have come through our public school system. I hope other young boys and girls across Hamilton County see Usher’s rise to the world stage and know that they have the same potential.”
The free celebration will be held at the McKenzie Arena on the beautiful campus of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Tickets are required for entry however and are limited to only two per person. 3,500 tickets will be available online beginning Friday April 12th at 10 a.m. ET on a first come, first served basis.
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