Local Man Hopes to Bring Diana Ross to Simsbury

When Sean Lyons noticed a post on Facebook asking for location suggestions for one of his favorite artist's upcoming tour he decided to launch a campaign to bring the legendary entertainer to Simsbury.

Lyons, 26, a performing arts management student at the University of Hartford, noticed a post from Diana Ross' promotional company earlier this year that asked fans on their Facebook page where Ross should perform next. Lyons wasted no time and offered his suggestion for Ross to perform at the Performing Arts Center at Simsbury Meadows and promptly began a campaign to make it happen.

"I've always been a really big fan of Diana Ross," Lyons said. "And I think Simsbury would be the perfect venue for her."

First Lyons created a Bring Diana Ross to Simsbury Facebook page and began recruiting friends.

"At first there were only 5 or 6 of us," Lyons said. But in order to get the attention of Ross' promoters Lyons knew he had more work to do.

"It needed to get bigger," Lyons said.

Since the page was first posted on Feb. 1, 2013 it has gained over 500 followers and Lyons hopes to see it continue to grow.

"Right now it's mostly Diana Ross fans. My goal is to spread it within the Simsbury community," Lyons said.

Lyons has already discussed the possibility of a Diana Ross concert with Performing Arts Center officials.

"I spoke to Tom Vincent and he was enthusiastic about it and gave me the green light."

The campain Lyons launched isn't part of a contest and there is no deadline but the concert would be held sometime this summer.

Anyone interested in helping to bring Diana Ross to Simsbury this year can follow the progress of the campaign by 'Liking' the Bring Diana Ross to Simsbury page.

"I think it would be a really great event for the community and it will raise the bar for concerts," Lyons said.