CSU’s Association of Student Activity Programming Names Openers for Fall Concert Featuring Macklemore and Ryan Lewis

Colorado State University’s Association of Student Activity Programming named Talib Kweli and Wasteland Hop as openers for its headlining artist, Macklemore.

“Through an ongoing partnership with SpokesBUZZ, ASAP has been producing local artists on campus and building a bridge for students to the vibrant local music scene,” said Kebrina Chirdon, one of the student concert coordinators for the ASAP show. "Presenting Wasteland Hop, a SpokesBUZZ incubator band, as first of three at the high profile Macklemore event is another example of ASAP’s willingness to support great local music and our community."

Wasteland Hop, a local Fort Collins band, integrates folk, rock and hip-hop into its sound. The six-person band features two singers – Mickey Kenny and Steph Jay – along with a bass guitarist, drummer, electric guitarist and classically trained violinist. Serving as the pre-opener, the band will perform as concert-goers arrive.

Brooklyn-born rapper Talib Kweli delivers lyrics around the world that represent his political and spiritual views. Performing for nearly 20 years, Kweli has released several hip-hop albums and collaborations with many well-known artists, such as Mos Def and Res.

“Talib Kweli has been iconic in American hip-hop for the past decade and can be enjoyed by both new listeners and longtime fans,” said Justin Greenstein, founder of Amplitude Entertainment. “We wanted to make sure students received a full concert experience and adding Kweli to the lineup was the perfect addition to keep the event high-energy and top-quality.”

Kweli will perform as the opener for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, who are known for their song, “Thrift Shop.”

This year’s partnership with Amplitude Entertainment allowed ASAP to bring in higher profile artists as well as continue to offer ticket prices at an affordable rate for students.

Student tickets for the show are sold out. About 1,000 community tickets are still available for $35 each. Tickets are available online at www.csutix.com, by phone at (970) 491-4849, or in person at the Lory Student Center North Box office.

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