Indie pop band AJR to perform at Cornell College

If the cold has got you feeling down, the Big Event will heat up campus as Cornell College welcomes American indie pop band AJR.

AJR will play at the Small Multi-Sport Center at 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25. The band, which consists of three brothers, Adam, Jack, and Ryan, are known for their hit song “Weak.” The opening act is rap and hip-hop artist, Kamau. The committee selected these performers based on the budget, availability, and students’ interest.

“The Big Event is a really exciting time at Cornell and makes us stand out as a liberal arts school in Iowa,” said Big Event Marketing Chair Jessica Meis ’19. “Some students travel to bigger cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, or Des Moines for concerts, but the Big Event brings those fun things to campus, for free. It gives the opportunity to students who don’t have the budget or means of transportation to experience popular live music.” 

The Big Event is funded by a donation from alumnus Richard Williams ’63 and his wife, Marlene. The Williams Fund has been established to bring special events to campus which will stimulate students and enliven the Cornell community. Student Senate co-sponsors the event.

“The Big Event was designed to give Cornell students the opportunity to experience a larger, social event to keep them motivated and having fun during the winter,” said Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Life Angie Bauman Power. “Prior to this year, the event was held every other year, but due to the success of last year’s concert featuring Daya, the donors have made it possible to do the Big Event annually.”

A team of college leaders and students collaborate to organize the event, including Student Senate, PAAC, Greek Council, and KRNL. Several additional students volunteer during the event to ensure everything runs smoothly.

The 2018 Big Event is open to the Cornell community and the public. The concert is free for students, faculty, and staff with a Cornell ID. The public can get into the concert by paying $10 at the door. Advanced tickets for the public will not be available. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact abaumanpower@cornellcollege.edu.