Round Rock High alumnus to open for Diana Ross at benefit concert Saturday
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Round Rock High School alumni Grace Sorensen is set to open for Diana Ross at a special benefit concert on Saturday at the Circuit of the Americas.
The performance in Austin by the 77-year-old Motown legend and former member of the Supremes is one of just two U.S. shows this year listed on Ross' website.
"Being able to hear (Ross) in person is already such a privilege, and playing on the same stage as a global icon is such as great honor," Sorensen said. "A little over a year ago I played my first gig in a coffee shop and I thank God for paving the path to this stage."
Sorensen, 19, released her new single, "Pretty Boy," in February. She said she is proud of having been able to pursue a career in the arts despite coming from a city where that wasn't seen as a realistic option.
Talking about the inspiration for her new single, Sorensen says she is not a confrontational person and that this was an opportunity for her to tell her point of view. The song tells the story of a failed relationship.
"The way I write is rather retrospective and self reflective and helps me identify how I really feel and the lessons I've learned from others," Sorensen said.
The concert at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater, which is fundraiser for the Austin Child Guidance Center, begins at 8 p.m. The center aims to increase access to individual, family and group therapy, psychological assessments, psychiatric workshops and educational events for children and families in need of mental health care and treatment.
"This is an opportunity for us to create more awareness about ACGC and lets people know who we are, what we do and why," said its executive director, Kristen Pierce Vreeke.
The guidance center will also host a family festival at the Circuit of the Americas' in-house amusement park, COTALand. That portion of the event takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes music, games and amusement rides. Unlimited ride tickets are $25 for 16 and up, $10 for ages 6-15 and free for children 5 and younger.
Nikki Lofton, the manager of special events for the center, said that even with an icon headlining the concert, the event has historically focused on the local music community and was looking for someone in the Austin area to open the show.
"Grace is phenomenal, and overall an amazing musician and person," Lofton said, "so we thought she would be a great role model for the kids who come out to family fest, too."
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Round Rock High grad to open for Diana Ross at benefit concert Saturday