Carson City local Cedric Williams is performing the National Anthem tonight at the Reno Ace's ballpark vs. Fresno Grizzlies.
Carson City resident Cedric Williams led a performance of a lifetime at the April 28 Reno Aces game: to sing the National Anthem.
“I’m honored and blessed for the opportunity,” he said.
Last year, Williams performed music with Jack Clifton at Living the Good Life Lounge on Carson Street. Cedric then teamed up with Sunni Frost to complete the season, which led to a standing room only show on June 30, 2016.
He also represented Carson City in Winnemucca back in 2005. This was a Karaoke Competition, which consisted of five states and over 25 competitors. Cedric won not only the solo, but the duet championships as well, with trophies and $1,000.
The Aces organization kicked-off Nevada Employee Appreciation Week, May 1 – 5, by inviting all State of Nevada Employees to a game on Friday April 28, 2016. Cedric works as a Family Services Specialist II with the Division of Welfare and Supportive Services. It was also asked by the organization for volunteers to sing, “Home Means Nevada”. Initially, he and two others were chosen to sing the state song and scheduled a sound check at Greater Nevada Field.
This is where they met longtime regional entertainer Rick Radecki, who was scheduled to sing the National Anthem at the game, however he died unexpectedly on April 12, Williams said.
“Even though we had just met him, it was hard for us, Williams said. “Rick had a magnetic personality.”
Williams asked if he could sing the National Anthem in honor of Rick Radecki and the organizers accepted. Cedric gave a heart-felt performance on the field before the game against the Fresno Grizzlies.
"I enjoy singing as a hobby," he said. “I don’t really want to compete. It’s about having fun and being surrounded by camaraderie.”
When Williams takes a break from singing and isn’t working 40 hours a week, he commits and serves his time as president for Sierra Range Chapter, Local 4041, of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees at the office on East Musser Street.
The game began at 6:35 p.m., with Williams’ performance beginning at 6:30. Thatnight was the second game out of four for last week for the Aces against the Grizzlies.
