Doors 5:30 PM

Show 6:30 PM

Seated Show

What does it mean to find home—and to help create a place where others can belong?

Home Again: An Evening of Story, Song, and Belonging brings literature, conversation, and live music together for a one-night benefit supporting the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee

Rights Coalition (TIRRC).

The evening begins with Chattanooga author Mariah Friend reading from her debut novel, The Pattern Shop, followed by a conversation led by Hope Henchey, exploring identity, migration, community, and what it means to belong to one another. Then Ghanaian-born Chattanooga musician Kofi Mawuko and his eight-piece Ogya World Music Band take the stage for a high- energy performance drawing together the rhythms of West Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.

A singer, dancer, multi-instrumentalist, master drummer, and longtime Chattanooga teaching artist, Mawuko began performing in his native Ghana as a child and later toured internationally

with the Kyirem Cultural Troupe. After living and teaching in London, he relocated to the United States and ultimately made Chattanooga home.

Friend is a former ICU nurse turned debut author of The Pattern Shop—inspired by her experiences backpacking around the world in her mid-twenties, including spending several months in Ghana. Her writing is inspired by the twin vocabularies of loss and healing, and what it means to belong to each other. Based in Chattanooga, Mariah thrives when cultivating moments of depth, connection, and building community.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, a statewide, immigrant- and refugee-led nonprofit working through community organizing, policy advocacy, belonging initiatives, and direct resources for immigrant and refugee families.

Community Ticket — $10

For those for whom the Standard ticket price would be a barrier to attending. A limited number are available so that cost doesn't prevent members of our community from joining us.

Standard Ticket — $25

Our standard admission price and the best choice for most attendees.

Supporter Ticket — $50

For those able to contribute more. Your additional support helps offset lower-cost Community Tickets and increases the impact of the evening.

Pay-It-Forward Ticket — $100

For those who want to make an additional contribution through their ticket purchase. Your support helps keep the event accessible while increasing the funds raised in support of TIRRC.

All ticket levels include the same event experience and general admission seating.

Please choose the level that best fits your circumstances.

Unable to attend this event in person but still want to make a difference? Make a donation here.

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Venue Policies (Please Read):

No large bags or backpacks. Small purses or clutches only. Outside food and drink are not allowed unless otherwise noted. Exceptions may be made for medical or infant needs. All bags are subject to inspection. Concerts are 18+, and we ID everyone at the door. Ages 17 & under are allowed IF accompanied by a parent/guardian. All ticket sales final unless the show is cancelled by the venue. If you have questions, please contact the venue in advance.

Please be aware that we are contractually obligated to charge a minimal service fee for show tickets, online and in person, by our ticket provider. Thanks for supporting Songbirds!