Kansas Governor Sam Brownback says he isn't worried about the potential presence of Taylor Swift on his state during her upcoming tour date.
Entertainment
Taylor Swift Visits Kansas to Meet Fans and Promote Upcoming Tour
KANSAS CITY — The president and members of staff of Taylor Swift’s management team, the country music superstar has visited two Kansas cities this weekend, and many are calling for caution ahead of her upcoming tour dates because they say it was not their idea to welcome fans to the city or even that she should perform at all. After hearing from members of the music industry group the Recording Academy at their annual Grammy Awards last year, Swift and co-founder Scott Borchetta decided to host a meet-and-greet event in both Kansas City, Mo., and Wichita, Kan. By Sunday night, more than 50 of the superstar’s diehard fans had already traveled to the cities where she performed Saturday night and Sunday morning. “I heard that Taylor Swift was coming to Kansas,” said Jeff Swanson, co-owner of The Barbershop in downtown Manhattan, who said he and his band planned to perform a special set with the singer following her show in Kansas City. “We are very excited to have her visit us.” At least a dozen other local business owners told KCTV-Channel 4 they were looking forward to meeting the artist as well. Among those hoping to see her perform were several politicians, including state senator Dave Kuchera and Assemblyman Ryan Jones. “It was great to meet Taylor Swift, and I just wanted to say how proud I am of her as an individual and as someone who represents our community,” said Kuchera, R-Cherokee. “She is doing so much good for Kansas and Kansas City as an artist. She will be bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars for the city.” For her part, Swift thanked the city of Wichita for allowing her to come, but she also made it clear she was concerned about the state of affairs there. “As you know, the city of Wichita has had its share of controversy, and we do not support or condone violence in any form or manner,” she wrote on Twitter. “My hope is that we can find solutions that promote unity and understanding while bringing people together, rather than dividing them further.” Her statement drew criticism from some Republicans and conservatives in the Wichita area who claimed Swift’s concerns were inflammatory and unfairly divisive. But the president and members of staff of Swift’s management team say there is nothing to worry about, and they believe the pop star should not only be welcome in the state, but should even play concerts there once her upcoming tour stops. “Our number one priority is to ensure everyone involved, especially those who may be impacted by the nature of this event, is treated with dignity, respect and kindness,” Borchetta wrote in a letter sent to the governor. “We are deeply committed to safety, and it is our top priority that everyone involved comes away feeling safe and secure.”
