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• Assembly Hall holds blueprint to upcoming Jay-Z performance

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Address: 1800 S. First St. Champaign, IL 61820
Phone: (217) 333-5000
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• Assembly Hall announces upcoming show: Jay-Z

Have you ever wondered how someone would get ahold of one of the most successful hip-hop artists in America? For Assembly Hall’s Marketing Director Jennifer Larson, after months of preparation for Jay-Z’s concert, the event is now in sight. Jay-Z is currently on a fall tour that includes many visits to different campus communities across the nation as his music is popular among the college student majority. Although Jay-Z has never been to Urbana-Champaign, it will be a new experience for the CU community. “We are very excited to have booked a popular artist like Jay-Z to come to Assembly Hall! We cannot wait to see his brilliant performance right here on campus,” Larson said.

Get ready to run this town with Jay-Z on Thursday, Nov. 12 starting at 8:00 P.M. at Assembly Hall. Jay-Z’s concert will also feature performances by hip-hop artists N.E.R.D., Wale, and Jay Cole. Assembly Hall is currently selling Jay-Z concert tickets at a limited time offer of only $99 for 4 tickets. Students also get a discount of $5 off of $35 and $45 tickets.

Assembly Hall works with touring agencies that contact the venue whenever an artist is visiting the area. Concert arenas like Assembly Hall have to convince the touring agency to choose to have their artists perform at that arena. An important qualification that artists look for in the campus area they choose to perform in is how well known the University is and how this will affect the amount of people who attend the concert. “U of I is a very well-known University, not only because of our academic reputation, but for our excellent athletic reputation as well that also occur right here inside Assembly Hall. These types of popular activities, such as our basketball games, attract and encourage performing artists to come perform at our arena,” Larson shared.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for students and the CU community to come out and enjoy a Grammy award winning performer’s show. “It’s not every year that Jay-Z comes to visit us. We plan to welcome and thank him with novelty U of I items. Performing artists and celebrity guests love receiving U of I gear,” Larson said.

So what makes Jay-Z so popular with the youth population? Is it his cool vibe when we hear him rap on the radio, or is it his unique swagger when we see him in his music videos? Gusiman Suarez, senior in English and Spanish said, “I love Jay-Z’s music and the way it just makes me listen to his words. His music can be serious, but it can be fun too. Jay-Z is an amazing artist because he is original. There is only one Jay-Z.”

Community Health major Yesenia Mendoza shared her anticipation for Jay-Z’s concert. “I cannot wait to see his music come to life on stage. I’m actually really surprised that Jay-Z is coming to our campus, but very thankful. Now that it is my senior year, having a performer like Jay-Z come to campus makes this year extra special.” Jay-Z will have an unbelievable show in store for all his fans here at CU. Even though the artists that come perform on our campus are amazing at what they do, no show would be possible without the hard and dedicated work from everyone at Assembly Hall.