No star-spangled controversy expected for Hick’s second ‘State’ speech

You can see Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper speak at the sixth annual business community’s State of the City luncheon Aug. 5 at the Hyatt  Regency for $65, or about the same cost as a show at Red Rocks.

It’s unlikely there will be singing at this event after the official State of the City address in July that was overshadowed by jazz artist Rene Marie’s swap of “The Star Spangled Banner” for “The Black National Anthem.”

The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce’s annual State of the City is open to the public at a cost of $65 per non-chamber member and is tailored to address the business community’s interests, according to Amanda Arthur, a chamber spokeswoman.

University of Colorado economist Richard Wobbekind, Mile High United Way president and CEO Christine Benero and Centennial Mayor Randy Pye will join Hickenlooper as speakers, according to the chamber’s press release.