Although they’ll be swinging through town on a weeknight, country music stars Jerrod Niemann and Lee Brice are looking to bring the party to Ohio University.
“(OU) is definitely going to be the No. 1 party school when we come through,” Brice said. “So get your partying boots on and get ready.”
The university’s Performing Arts Concert Series booked the two country music artists in December.
“We try to put together a series directed to all audiences, and this is another piece of that equation,” said Andrew Holzaepfel, associate director of the Campus Involvement Center. “We’re very excited. I think it’ll be a great show, and it’ll be a good break for Ohio University students to go out and have some fun. “
Throughout the past two years, the two musicians have dominated the U.S. country music scene, including last spring’s Higher Education Tour where the duo visited colleges throughout the states.
“While traveling you never really get to see your friends so we decided to do a tour together,” Niemann said. “This year we might be able to do a couple shows, but I don’t think we will be able to tour again.”
Holzaepfel said the committee of the Performing Arts Series originally selected the duo with the expectation of filling just the main floor of the venue. However, the high amount of ticket sales have already surpassed the limitation of the main floor’s 1,000 seats, forcing the event’s organizers to open to balcony for the concert.
“They have already far exceeded my expectations on the sales end of things,” Holzaepfel said. “It was about $18,000 for the event, but we have already covered those expenses so no university funds will be needed to be used for the show.”
Both Niemann and Brice said they’re excited for the show and are ready to party, even if they were previously unaware of the school’s recently acquired reputation as No. 1 party school.
“I look forward to visiting OU; I’ve never been,” said Niemann. “It looks like I’ve met my match because I’ve been known as the No. 1 partier in the U.S. I’ll make sure to play all my party songs.”
lf328610@ohiou.edu
