egillis@manager
Fri, 07/07/2023 - 15:40
Edited Text
Tia Fuller presents:
Ariana Grande and
Micki Miller Tribute Show

Ariana Grande and Micki Miller are two of the most prominent artists in their respective genres.

As we kick off March commemorating Women in Music Month, this special two-in-one show celebrates
both artists who have risen to an extraordinary level of influence. Both Grande and Miller have owned
their artistic platform to be conscious of not only empowering the self, but to better the world we live
in. Grande, for example, raised over $13 million for the victims in the Manchester bombing, saying
during the fundraising concert, “the kind of love and unity you are displaying is the medicine the world
needs." Micki Miller, on the other hand, writes songs lifting up humanity with lyrics such as, "put down
our hurtand pride/make it right again,” and song titles such as "Try Again” and "Believe."

While performing the music of these artists, tonight's concert will serve as a platform for the students
to remind us of the racial and gender injustices in our lives. From the race riots in Charlotte, North
Carolina, to the #metoo movement, we need to hold each other accountable, and help our humanity
rise, and the next generations thrive. Furthermore, this platform will depict the importance of self and
communal improvement, in correlation to the three-step process of becoming a diamond, which is:

1) recognizing your purpose, upon inception, 2) enduring extreme pressure and temperature to rise,
and 3) reflecting the brilliance of light and love upon others. Collectively, this discussion has enhanced
the life skills of the students, and it is my hope that they carry these skills with them as they pursue
their professional careers; in essence, to encourage us all to etch further into our "diamond-ness,”
greatness, and purpose.

As the director of this concert, and as an artist, it is my purpose to be a light for others. Similarto a
diamond, | see it as my obligation to shine and reflect all of the love, inspiration, and positivity that has
been poured into me throughout my journey. | pray that this cyclical process of becoming a diamond
is a concept that we are able to pass along and encourage in future generations. The exploration of
self-love and communal acceptance is imperative to meld our cultural differences, as well as reshape
and redefine our individual and collective experience. Please join me in the celebration of reflecting
the brilliance of light and love.

Tia Fuller