Chris Young Honored With Namesake Cafe at MTSU
The MTSU alumni is giving back in incredible ways!
Country star Chris Young returned to his alma mater, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), and opened the Chris Young Cafe, a MTSU learning lab and live entertainment venue.
The newly-renovated cafeteria, which is tucked amidst MTSU dormitories along the university’s library, also features a stunning “Famous Friends” outdoor mural honoring acclaimed MTSU graduates, former students and faculty. The mural features fellow country artists such as HARDY, Mitchell Tenpenny, Hilary Scott and Eric Paslay. A brand new Tennessee Music Pathways marker also coupled the unveil on Wednesday (January 27) to mark Young’s career success.
“So many things have happened in my career that I never expected, and really and truly, this Tennessee Music Pathways Marker is one of those things,” says the “Gettin’ You Home” singer, who attended MTSU in 2005.
“I remember standing on this campus trying to write music, meeting other people that I’ve continued to work alongside in music, and I am absolutely blown away. It’s an incredible honor.”
Young added, “This is my hometown, and this (cafe) means the world to me. Whether they are musicians, comedians, entertainers, people who want to learn how to engineer and produce, videographers, photographers, anything, I hope everyone finds a use for this space. I really hope everyone enjoys it. It’s just been an honor to be a small part of this.”
The refurbished cafe, expanded from its previous 3,200 square feet of usable space to nearly 4,100 airy square feet, and features a single large stage along its distinctive east-facing windows, backed by a Department of Media Arts custom LED video wall.
Visitors will find two club-type seating areas for listeners and a VIP-type zone, near the audio and lighting control boards, that features artwork, framed gold and platinum records and other memorabilia.
“[We are] thrilled that the cafe bears the name of Chris Young, because Chris epitomizes what we hope to instill in our students,” shares Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment. “Not only is he successful professionally but he is also an exceptional man of character, integrity and generosity.
“This cafe is a game-changer for the college because it provides real-world, hands-on experience. It’s a wonderful place where they can shine and even make mistakes before they get out to the bigger stage.”
Inside the facility, students will learn skills from nearly every facet of the business of entertainment: music business, audio production, songwriting, venue management, sound reinforcement, and lighting and rigging, along with radio broadcasts, comedy shows and other events produced with help from all of MTSU’s academic colleges.
“Much like Chris himself, and the power of his music, this cafe will serve as a catalyst for bringing people together and building community,” says MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee.
“The Chris Young Cafe will encourage our students to dream bigger. Every time they see his name on the cafe, their aspirations will seem a little more obtainable, if they follow in his footsteps and work as hard as he has.”
Young is currently in the studio working hard on his eight studio album. Earlier in November 2020, the Sony/RCA Nashville recording artist released his new single, “Famous Friends,” which features fellow label mate and country star, Kane Brown.
Fans can watch the Chris Young Cafe’s hourlong opening ceremony ceremony HERE. And while you wait for more music from Young, listen to “Famous Friends” and other hit country songs on our Today’s Country playlist below.
