'Dreamgirls' star Syesha Mercado to perform in Sarasota at Van Wezel during Annual Principal's Recognition Luncheon

Syesha Mercado will make a homecoming appearance at the 10th Annual Principal's Recognition Luncheon.

The event will be held Nov. 17 in the grand foyer of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota.

Mercado, who finished third during season seven of "American Idol," will perform two songs and "share a message on the importance of arts education in Sarasota County school," reads the publicity release.

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The "Dreamgirls" star grew up in Bradenton and graduated from Booker High School in Sarasota. The Broadway musical featuring Mercado as Deena Jones plays at the Straz in Tampa Nov. 16-21.