Usher returning for invitation-only show at Dalewood
Usher will be returning to his childhood home of Chattanooga for a performance Friday night, but those who were hoping to get a glimpse of the superstar will be disappointed — the event is invitation only.
A stage has already been erected on the football field at Dalewood Middle School in preparation for the event. The star, born Usher Raymond IV, attended the school before moving to Atlanta when he was 14 years old.
The performance is part of the State Farm Neighborhood Sessions series that features performances by artists in their hometowns or places that inspired them during their career.
Jennifer Lopez kicked off the series in the Bronx in 2014 followed by Toby Keith in Norman, Okla., last year. Dave Matthews recorded a TV special for the series in his hometown in Charlottesville, Va., that will air on TNT on Sunday.
As part of the series, State Farm offers seed money to local charities, and the beneficiaries of Chattanooga’s concert will be arts and education programs.
Sgt. Austin Garrett with the Chattanooga Police Department said a section of Shallowford Road between Talley Road and Wilcox Boulevard will be blocked off for several hours starting around 5:30 p.m.
And for those who were debating whether they should crash the party, he said, “they’re wasting their time.”
“There’s not going to be any kind of meet-and-greets. There’s not going to be any public appearances, any of that kind of stuff. It’s a concert being held specifically at Dalewood for specific people,” he said.
As for security, much like at events at the Riverbend Festival, off-duty police officers and EMS will be paid by the production company to provide support in conjunction with a private security firm, Garrett said.
“We’re excited Usher has chosen to shine a spotlight on education in Hamilton County,” said Jill Levine, the school district’s chief academic officer.
Along with the performance, money will be donated to art education in Hamilton County Schools, she added.
The regional spokesman for State Farm in Tennessee did not return a request for comment on the concert Wednesday afternoon.
Contact staff writer Emmett Gienapp at egienapp@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6731.