Sean Kingston set to burn up Luther dance floor

A new type of concert will take the stage this fall as SAC Concerts presents hip-hop star Sean Kingston. Kingston will perform Friday, Nov. 13 in the Regents Center, along with opener New Boyz.

Kingston, who fuses hip-hop with elements of reggae, has had Billboard hits such as his first single “Beautiful Girls” and most recently his summer release “Fire Burning.” His sophomore album is set for release Sept. 22, just in time for students to prepare for the concert.

Kingston is still relatively new to the music scene, but is quickly gaining popularity.

“Although it seems like Kingston is a rather large name compared with many of the acts we’ve brought in recent years, it is important to note that he is incredibly young and his star is on the rise,” SAC Concerts co-chair Matt Olson (‘10) said. “One of the primary goals of SAC Concerts is to bring in artists who are up and coming.”

The upcoming fall concert breaks the mold for the types of bands that typically play at Luther.

The past few years have brought bands like Guster, Ben Folds and OK Go. Kingston is a dramatic change, and SAC Concerts co-chairs Olson and Laura Forst (‘11) hope people are ready for something different.

“I hope that this concert attracts a large number of students who have not attended our concerts in the past,” Forst said. “We’re bringing in an artist who plays a completely different genre than we’ve had on campus recently, so my hope is that we reach a broader audience.”

SAC Concerts was thrilled to book a popular performer like Kingston. It was a surprise that they were able to do so, but when their agent suggested Kingston, the co-chairs decided to go for it. So far, the student response has been mostly positive.

“The students seem to be very excited to have such a big artist perform here,” Forst said. “Most people are also happy that we are bringing in a different type of artist.”

Her co-chair echoed those remarks.

“I think this concert has potential to be entertaining for any student who comes with an open mind and the willingness to have a good time,” Olson said.

Bringing something new and different also helps to get students involved in the event.

“I hope that this concert spreads awareness about SAC and all the great events that the SAC committees bring to campus,” Forst said. “I hope it inspires people to get involved in SAC.”

Kingston concert tickets can be purchased at the Box Office roughly one month before the show, but no specific ticket sale date is set yet. Tickets are free for students with Co-curricular Activities Fee and $25 for anyone without.