Update: Big Event artist, venue change
Update: WizTheMc will no longer perform on Saturday due to illness.
James Tutson and the Rollback will be the main act on Saturday night. James Tutson and the Rollback (JTRB) is a modern rhythm and blues/soul band from Iowa City, Iowa. The band features Cornell Professor Tyler Carrington on drums and vocals and has been a hit on campus in the past
Also, due to forecasted weather, The Big Event will be moved indoors to the Orange Carpet in the Thomas Commons.
Cornell College is excited to announce the return of The Big Event this year by welcoming singer-songwriter and rapper WizTheMc.
The concert will be held Saturday, April 23. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. on Cornell’s Van Metre Football Field at Ash Park.
Wiz’s 2020 viral single “For A Minute,” recorded during quarantine, introduced this German-raised musician to the world. The performer also recently released “Where Silence Feels Good,” an extended play record of seven songs.
Student leaders held a reveal event on the Orange Carpet on March 25 where they announced WizTheMc as the selected performer in front of a crowd of students. They built up excitement throughout the week by holding events like trivia, listening sessions, and prize drawings.
“The Big Event is such a great opportunity for students to come together and experience an up-and-coming artist on their own campus and at no cost, thanks to our generous sponsors,” said Associate Director of Student Life Rebecca Sullens. “The effort and excitement from the student planning committee has been incredible. They can’t wait to put on this type of large-scale event for their peers!”
The concert is free for Cornell students, faculty, staff, and community members. Students are encouraged to bring their IDs to access free or low-cost concessions and bring credit cards or cash to purchase WizTheMc merchandise.
The annual Big Event is made financially possible each year through The Williams Fund and Student Senate. The Williams Fund was established by Richard Williams ’63 and his wife, Marlene, in order to bring special events to campus to excite and enliven the Cornell community.
A team of student leaders and college staff collaborate to organize the event, including Student Senate, Performing Arts and Activities Council (PAAC), Greek Council, KRNL, Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC), Student Life, Facilities, Campus Safety, and Bon Appétit. Dozens of students will volunteer on the day of the concert to pull the event off and ensure everything runs smoothly.
“I am really looking forward to the Big Event,” said Max Ginsberg ’22, who represents KRNL Radio Station on the Big Event Planning Committee. “I have heard great things about the alumni opening performer and it’s exciting to host someone like WizTheMc who is gaining traction in the industry.”
Opening for WizTheMc will be rapper Armani Rogers ’21 aka Koifsh. Rogers served as the opening act for 2020’s Big Event.
Students can also be on the lookout for events, giveaways, and prize drawings the week leading up to the concert.
In the past Cornell has welcomed other big names such as comedian Vanessa Bayer, recording artist Daya, and Indie pop band AJR for The Big Event. With construction underway on the Sport Center and King Chapel, the concert will be held outdoors and later than normal this year.
