Watch Amos Lee receive a commendation from Mayor Michael Nutter at City Hall

Photo by John VetteseBefore headlining the Tower Theater last night, Philadelphia singer-songwriter Amos Lee stopped by City Hall to receive a commendation from Mayor Michael Nutter. In a short ceremony attended by Amos’s parents, managers and reps from concert promoters LiveNation, Nutter commended Lee:

…for his talent, his success as a singer, songwriter and performer, and for the pride he brings to Philadelphia as a musician who is giving back to the community at large. We commend him for his volunteer support of the WXPN Musicians on Call bedside performance programs, and for his efforts to raise awareness of the healing powers of music.

He also presented Lee with a Liberty Bell award, offering suggestions for its use: signaling the beginning or end of practice, or using it to rally his bandmates. Watch a video of the ceremony below.

After his mayoral citation was presented, Lee’s mother underscored how significant it was for the family, who are lifelong Philadelphians with roots in Kensington, while Lee himself spoke of the evolving perception of the city at large.

“People would ask me where I’m from, and when I’d say ‘Philadelphia,’ they’d ask ‘Where do you live now?'” Lee said. “But it won’t be long before this city is recognized as a major cultural center around the world, and I applaud [Mayor Nutter] for the work he’s done towards getting us there.”

Check out photos from the ceremony in the gallery below.