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'Idol' Finalist Mercado Returns Home For Concert

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Mercado has been working on an album since the 'Idol' tour ended.

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 14, 2009

TAMPA - Almost one year after her triumphant return to her Sarasota hometown, former "American Idol" finalist Syesha Mercado is coming back again for a benefit concert.

The 21-year-old singer, who has been exploring her options and working on an album since the live "Idol" tour ended in the fall, will headline a "Follow Your Dreams" performance at the Manatee Civic Center in Palmetto on Feb. 19.

Proceeds will go to Amer-I-Can, an program for at-risk students which faces an uncertain future in the wake of state budget cuts of educational programs. The program is offered to middle school students.

Manatee County school officials say the program is aimed at keeping young people out of gangs and in school. School officials say Mercado is performing for free as a way of giving back to her hometown.

Mercado, who grew up near Sarasota, is a former student at Daughtrey Elementary in Bradenton. She also attended the Manatee School for the Arts in Palmetto and went to Booker High School in Sarasota.

Just before her third place finish on last season's "American Idol," she was greeted by thousands of local fans when "Idol" cameras followed her home for a visit.

Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday. Premium reserved seats are $25, general admission $15. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at (800) 745-3000, or (866) 448-7849. Tickets can also be purchased at the Manatee County Convention Center box office (722-3244) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The Manatee Convention Center is at 1 Haben Blvd. in Palmetto. The Convention Center Box Office number is (941) 722-3244.

Walt Belcher can be reached at wbelcher@tampatrib.com

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