In a three-month rush, the Black Student Cultural Programming Board is bringing out the big guns as Machine Gun Kelly takes the stage at his first Halloween concert Friday.
“I cried when I found out (MGK) was coming,” said Jamie Hoffart, a sophomore studying nursing and seven-time MGK concert attendee. “When they finally said (he was coming) my phone was blowing up.”
In August, the crew announced the change in concert schedule from their usual spring date as a result of the semester switch.
“I think (planning the concert) went pretty good for the most part,” said Winsome Chunnu-Brayda, the advisor for BSCPB. “For it being such a short time, I would say (the process went) pretty good.”
The musician has recently released his new album Lace Up, from which a few tracks will be played at the concert. Tracks on the album include “Edge of Destruction,” “Stereo,” “Warning Shot,” “Wild Boy” and “Her Song.” The collection currently has an average rating of four-and-a-half out of five stars on iTunes and the track Lace up debuted as No. 4 on Billboard and No. 2 on the hip-hop charts.
“We wanted to keep it organic,” MGK said. “Everyone at the concert is going to get to hear (tracks from the album) and it’ll be one of the first times it’s going to be performed in Ohio.”
Pusha T, on the other hand, will be returning to the states after spending a lengthy stint overseas for his tour. One of his latest tracks, “Pain,” was released Oct. 8. The artist has also worked with recent Number Fest headliner Curren$y.
Though reports on campus claim the artists will be making an appearance the following night at the Halloween Block Party, MGK said he will not be able to join the festivities Saturday.
“I’m bummed I don’t get to see the block party but I 100 percent plan on continuing the party after the show on Friday,” he said. “When I see Athens on the calendar I plan my entire year around that date. (Number Fest) was one of my greatest concerts and the women are beautiful, the place is beautiful and there’s nothing to do there but rage.”
Derrick Holifield, BSCPB booking agent, said that BSCPB reached out to Pusha T and MGK because of the demand on campus.
“We knew what the students wanted and MGK is one of those people that a lot of people talk about,” he said. “We brought someone that would make everyone happy.”
Despite Halloween weekend’s infamous reputation as a wild rager, Chunnu-Brayda said she hopes fans have a great time, within limits.
“We are just kicking off the fun early,” she said. “Most of all I expect them to have fun and have a good time, and I expect students to act responsibly and enjoy Halloween.”
lf328610@ohiou.edu
IF YOU GO
What: Machine Gun Kelly and Pusha T
When: 7 p.m. Friday
Where: Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium
Admission: $15
