Many of us have strong connections to songs and artists, and others self-medicate with music. College is a stressful time, so we take any opportunity to have fun, jam out and let loose a little.
1. East Stroudsburg University—Panic! at the Disco
Yes, it’s true, and it’s “Time to Dance.” ESU’s Campus Activities Board scored a fun band that floods us with nostalgic middle school air and continues to surprise us with awesome music. CAB held an online survey with variety of artists for students to vote on who they wanted to watch live, and 60 percent of students voted P!ATD as their number one choice. P!ATD is an American rock band from Las Vegas, Nevada, that formed in 2004, but currently vocalist Brendon Urie is the last man standing as he continues to rock on and impress his fans. P!ATD will perform at the Mattioli Recreation Center on April 21. ESU students can purchase two tickets at the student price, which is $20. Others can buy guest tickets for $35. “I’ve wanted to see Panic! for years, and I’ve never had the opportunity to. So it’s pretty awesome that they’re coming to my university,” junior Kayla Sutter said. Are you ESU students ready to make a “House of Memories” in the Mattioli Center? Get there at 7 p.m. when doors open and be ready to rock by 8.
2. Sacred Heart University—Fetty Wap
The American hip-hop and R&B artist from Paterson, New Jersey, will will turn up at Sacred Heart University Friday April 8 (tonight!!!). The 24-year-old’s song “Trap Queen” blew up the charts and dorm room speakers all over the nation this past year. Tickets went on sale in February and sold out in two days—that’s 4,700 tickets sold. “When we made the announcement, you could literally hear the screaming in the hallways. It’s been quite the buzz on campus for the past few months, and now that we’re a few weeks away, I can only imagine how [students will] be when he hits the stage,” SHU’s Director of Student Activities Amy Ricci said. The concert will be at 9:00 p.m. in the William H. Pitt Center.
3. University of Arkansas—Diplo
Diplo (born Thomas Wesley Pentz), an American DJ who took home two Grammy Awards this year, will headline the University of Arkansas’ 2016 Springtime of Youth Festival. “[I’m] so honored that my community and future school is bringing my idol and inspiration to my back yard,” incoming freshman Ryan Tiffin said. Before doubling as a record producer and songwriter, Diplo worked with British musician M.I.A. Also on his impressive celebrity collaboration list: Britney Spears, Madonna, Beyonce, Usher Justin Bieber and Chris brown. The concert will take place at the Washington County Fairgrounds on April 30.
4. East Tennessee State University—Echosmith
Echosmith, made up of siblings Graham, Sydney, Noah and Jamie Sierota, will take the stage and perform to all of the “Cool Kids” of East Tennessee State University later this month. The band’s single “Cool Kids” became a major hit and reached No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Certified double platinum in the United States and Australia, the song also became Warner Bros. Record’s fifth-highest selling digital song of 2014. “I love Echosmith. I can’t believe my school scored them to headline our spring concert. Since I heard about it, I haven’t stopped listening to their music,” sophomore Katie Muller said. The concert will be Sunday, April 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City. ETSU students get one free ticket with their school ID and may purchase up to four discounted tickets for $10 each. Bring some extra cash because there will be concessions and merchandise, and who doesn’t like a new band tee?
5. Missouri State University—Young the Giant
Young the Giant will headline MSU’s spring concert. Roadrunner Records signed the band in 2009 and released its first album in 2010 and these guys have been killing it ever since. The band’s first three singles, “My Body,” “Cough Syrup” and “Apartment,” reached the top five of the US Alternative Songs chart. “I’ve always wanted to see Young the Giant. They’re sort of a low-key band, and I think they’ll gain a lot more fans after this show,” freshman Sarah Kaplan said. The show will be on April 19 from 7 to 10 p.m. The doors of Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts will open at 6 p.m. Student tickets are $10 and public tickets are $20. A giant concert for not-so-giant prices.
6. Santa Clara University—Sage The Gemini
You might not recognize his name, but his song definitely made it to your workout playlist. American rapper, songwriter and record producer Sage the Gemini, known for his single “Gas Pedal” featuring Iamsu!, excites students at Santa Clara University. His single made it to No. 29 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and hit No. 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hip Songs. Sage the Gemini will perform at Locatelli Activity Center on Wednesday April 13 with SCU student and DJ Connor Chiu as the opener. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. The tickets are $20, so get them fast because Sage the Gemini waits for no one.
7. University of Massachusetts—Logic, Tinashe and Fetty Wap
UMASS’s Spring 2016 concert pulled off an entire lineup of great artists that could all headline their own shows. Logic, Tinashe and Fetty Wap will all be playing. Logic recently-released album The Incredible True Story combines music and storytelling to tell a sci-fi adventure about a mission in space. Former model Tinashe signed with RCA Records after releasing mixtapes from her home studio. Her debut single, “2 On,” reached No. 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Not only is her music great, but as a dancer she really knows how to put on a show. The show is April 17 and $15 student tickets can be picked up at Mullins Box Office.
8. Lycoming College—The All-American Rejects
If you thought this boy band was irrelevant in 2016, then you’re all wrong. Their last album was released in 2012, but we still hold the Rejects’ first two albums, from 2002 and 2005, near and dear to our 12-year-old hearts. Nothing is quite the same as jamming to “Swing, Swing,” “Move Along,” or “It Ends Tonight.” Relive your middle school days on April 22 at 8 p.m. in the Keiper Recreation Center at Lycoming College. Even graduates are coming back to see this concert. “I can’t wait. It’s going to be so much fun. The last time I saw them I was about to graduate high school and now that I’m older I feel as if I’ll enjoy it even more,” recent graduate Josh Moore said. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board of Lycoming College and Pennsylvania College of Technology, tickets are free for students. Don’t keep this concert a “Dirty Little Secret.” Tell your friends, and enjoy the show.
