Diana Ross to Receive Key to the City

Vice Mayor Willie Shaw will present the Key to the City to music legend Diana Ross following her 8 p.m. performance at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, Wednesday, September 11.  

“For many years, I’ve admired Ms. Ross and her tremendous achievements, so it will be an honor to present her with the Key to the City,” said Vice Mayor Willie Shaw.  “When someone is given the Key to the City, it recognizes an outstanding contribution or accomplishment.  It also symbolizes that the person is always welcome in our city.  And, Ms. Ross certainly always will be welcome in Sarasota.”

Ms. Ross has sold over 100 million records and recorded 18 #1 hits. She is an Academy Award nominated actress for her unforgettable role as Billie Holiday in Lady Sings The Blues, a Tony and Golden Globe winner, a bestselling author, winner of 8 American Music Awards and a recipient of The Kennedy Center Honors. Her reputation as a woman of great style and beauty has put her on the covers of hundreds of magazines.  Her music became the sound of young America in the ‘60s soon after she signed with Motown Records in 1961 with The Supremes. She embarked on her extraordinary solo career in 1970, and has not stopped since.

For more information contact Julia Mays, Van Wezel Marketing Director:  941-955-7676 ext. 2226; or Jan Thornburg, Public Information Officer:  941-650-9693.