SPEC-TRUM announced last night that rising hip-hop artist Wale and R&B; producer and vocalist Ryan Leslie will headline its annual fall concert on Nov. 20.
The acts have been compared to big names - Wale is often likened to Kanye West and Leslie has been called "the next John Legend," said College sophomore Ferrell Townsend, a director of the Social Planning and Events Committee to Represent Undergraduate Minorities.
But they also bring unique styles and stories that reflect SPEC-TRUM's mission of representing minority students.
For example, Leslie graduated Harvard at age 19 and has produced albums for artists like Beyonce and LL Cool J.
And Washington D.C.-native Wale, a child of Nigerian immigrants, has performed at the MTV Video Music Awards and collaborated with a number of high-profile artists - including the Roots, a hip-hop group that performed at last year's fall concert.
Townsend said this year SPEC-TRUM wanted to change the pace by highlighting "new and fresh" musicians that are still on the rise.
"These guys are up-and-coming," he said. "In a few years, they're going to be the biggest stars."
Engineering sophomore Erik Re Veal said he is excited about both performers.
"They're not as well-known as the Roots, but I still think people will enjoy it," he said.
College sophomore Matt Elridge said he has not heard of either acts, but would still consider attending the show.
"It's important to balance engaging students with fostering new ideas and new discourse," he said.
Elridge added that having an artist with more name recognition accompany lesser-known musicians might help SPEC-TRUM attract a wider audience.
Townsend said the concert primarily caters to minority students at Penn, neighboring colleges and the Philadelphia community.
The group plans to advertise through radio spots and street teams at Temple, Drexel and Villanova universities, in addition to creating Facebook events and flyering on Locust Walk.
About 1,000 tickets are available.
The event will take place at Zellerbach Theater.
Advance tickets are $10 for PennCard holders and $15 for the general public. Day-of-show tickets are $15 for PennCard holders and $20 for the general public.
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