Arlo Guthrie headlines event honoring Fletcher Bright

Show, a benefit for WTCI-TV, also previews downtown development at Chestnut and Eighth streets

Legendary folk singer Arlo Guthrie will visit Chattanooga on Saturday, Sept. 24, for an event honoring musician/philanthropist Fletcher Bright, benefiting local PBS station WTCI-TV and previewing a new downtown development.

“Remembering t he Past, Celebrating the Future” also will feature Bright’s band, The Dismembered Tennesseans, in performance, along with Priscilla and Little Rickee.

Guthrie, the eldest son of Woody Guthrie, is best known for “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree” and a cover of Steve Goodman’s “City of New Orleans.”

Hosted by real estate developers the DeFoor Brothers, the evening of fine dining and entertainment will introduce guests to the newly revitalized intersection of Chestnut and Eighth streets. The evening will showcase the upcoming dining and retail establishments and will feature the redesigned and repurposed Pioneer Building alleyway.

Guests will enjoy a seated fine-dining experience along with a steak and raw bar provided by Shula’s Steakhouse, a highend restaurant that will be a part of the new venue. Shula’s was founded in 1989 by Hall of Fame football coach Don Shula. His son, Dave Shula, a former NFL player and coach, serves as company spokesman, partner and brand ambassador.

Todd Womack, chief of staff for Sen. Bob Corker, will serve as master of ceremonies for the evening, which will include featured and surprise entertainment, as well as door prizes and raffles. Among the speakers are Cherie Martinez and Dave Shula.

VIP ticket holders will have a 1:125 chance to win prizes, including a 2016 convertible Porsche 911, Rolex watches, MacBooks and a signed 1972 Miami Dolphins helmet.

The DeFoor Brothers, Byron and Ken, have been involved in Chattanooga real estate development for many years. Their current Chattanooga hotel, Embassy Suites Chattanooga, Hamilton Place, was chosen as the 2014 Hotel of the Year from among more than 200 Embassy Suites Hotels throughout the United States, Canada and Latin America. The Westin hotel, slated to open in 2017, is under construction in Chattanooga’s gold building.

The purchase of tickets and tables for Saturday’s gala benefit WTCI.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Arlo Guthrie, the folk singer best known for “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” will headline “Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Future” on Saturday, Sept. 24.