In what may become an annual announcement, Ohio University Vice President of Student Affairs Kent Smith announced via Twitter today the headliner for this year’s Spring Convo Concert.
“BREAKING--Wiz Khalifa will headline our Spring Convo Concert on 5/18. Tix on sale early February,” Smith tweeted around 11 a.m. today.
The rapper won Best New Artist at the 2011 BET Awards and is perhaps best known for his single “Black and Yellow,” which arguably became the anthem of last year’s Super Bowl.
The Pittsburgh rapper was last in Athens for a Sibs Weekend concert in Februray 2010.
Smith said the decision to bring Khalifa was a result of a survey sent out to students. Among the top choices, he said, was Khalifa.
“One of the things I’m most excited about is that this is the students’ choice,” he said. “Students spoke and we listened. I may not know all the music kids listen to, but I know this is a big one.”
The Black Student Cultural Programming Board, University Program Council, Student Senate, General Fee, Division of Student Affairs, Campus Involvement Center and the Performing Arts Series are all collaborating to bring Khalifa this spring.
The show is set for May 18, but other details — including an opener and ticket prices — have yet to be decided.
“We’re working with his agent to secure the details,” Smith said. “Ticket information should be announced early February, but we wanted to get it announced now and get people excited about this.”
Brian Heilmeier, UPC graduate adviser and coordinator of campus programs, echoed Smith’s excitement about the show.
“Wiz Khalifa was definitely the student’s choice,” he said. “We put out a big survey, and he was in the top three, so students definitely want him.”
