Southern Arkansas University’s ninth-annual free spring concert will feature Grammy-nominated rapper Wale with DJ Ryan Michaels opening, at the SAU Story Arena on Thursday, April 13, 2017.
The concert is free and the public is invited to attend. No bags, purses, or backpacks will be allowed. No alcoholic beverages, bottles, or drinks will be permitted.
“The annual SAU Spring Concert has really grown in popularity and each year we welcome well-known artists for a free performance for fans from across our region. With this year’s R&B/hip hop artist being the talented Wale, we know that this event will be as entertaining as those in previous years,” said Kandice Herron, assistant dean of student activities.
Doors will open at the Story Arena, located on U.S. 82 on the north side of Magnolia, at 6 p.m. The opening act will be at 6:45 p.m., and Wale will take the stage at 8 p.m.
Wale is described as one of the most idiosyncratic talents in hip-hop on the Paradigm Agency website. The Washington, D.C. native began unleashing his distinct mixtapes in 2005, with his debut album, “Attention Deficit,” arriving in 2009. After signing with Rick Ross’ Maybach Music Group imprint in 2011, he released his breakthrough sophomore album, “Ambition,” which spawned the Grammy-nominated hit single “Lotus Flower Bomb (feat. Miguel).” This album was followed by 2013’s “The Gifted,” which debuted atop Billboard’s “Top 200 Albums” chart. Wale released his highly anticipated fourth studio album, “The Album About Nothing,” on March 31, 2015, which is his most eclectic, entertaining and personal album to date, and features the hit single “The Matrimony (feat. Usher).”
This album sees Wale continuing his famed “About Nothing” mixtape trilogy, inspired by his favorite TV show, Seinfeld – a relationship that has since blossomed into a real life friendship between Wale and Jerry Seinfeld himself. The legendary comedian is prominently featured on “The Album About Nothing,” serving as the album’s conscience, according to Wale. In addition to being one of the most prominent figures in music today, Wale has become a thriving entrepreneur. He serves as the CEO of hat and accessory line, “WRKNG TITLE,” as well as also recently being named creative ambassador for the NBA’s Washington Wizards.
The spring concert series at SAU began during the University’s 2009 centennial celebration. Previous performers have included former SAU student and country music star Tracy Lawrence, Eric Hutchison, Sean Kingston, Thompson Square a, pop duo Karmin, DJ Pauly D, Jesse McCartney and the Casey Donahew Band.
For more information on the concert, contact the Office of Student Activities at (870) 235-4925.
