The popular hip-hop artist Ludacris will perform at the University April 12 as a focal point for Spring Fling.
Spring Fling is a series of events held annually for prospective African-American students and their families.
The Lambda Zeta chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and PK German, a wing of the University Programs Council, are sponsoring the concert in an attempt to unify the community and to reach out to the visiting prospective students, group representatives said.
The concert will be held at University Hall, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets will cost $25 for students if purchased in advance.
There has not been a major hip-hop concert in Charlottesville since Method Man and Redman performed three years ago, said third-year College student Okem Nwogu, an event organizer for Omega Psi Phi.
"The concert [will] be a perfect medium to unite masses of all races in common enjoyment and to foster racial cohesion, [while creating] a positive experience for prospective students," Nwogu said. "An event of this magnitude will be a tremendous highlight for the University."
Nwogu and Rowland Webb, also a member of Omega Psi Phi, polled a variety of students on Grounds and citizens of Charlottesville to aid in their decision of which performer to choose for the concert.
"Everyone loves Luda," Nwogu said. "He is very popular in the South. He has that cross-cultural appeal."
PK German member Bradford Walker and UPC Advisor Dawn Gurganious, along with Nwogu, have made the major decisions for the concert, including booking Ludacris, setting prices and reserving the location for the concert.
Nwogu said that the $25 price should make the concert more accessible to students. However, additional proceeds will go toward charity and toward service initiatives of Omega Psi Phi.
PK German Chair Genevieve Smith said this concert is a good opportunity for their organization to work alongside the administration and Omega Psi Phi to reach out to different parts of the community.
"Our hope for the Spring Fling concert is to provide an entertaining event for University students and also to draw African-American students who are considering coming here," Smith said.
Nwogu agreed, emphasizing the concert's unique opportunity in offering something to everyone.
"The Ludacris concert will support the University's aim of greater minority recruitment and retention of qualified students," Nwogu said.
UPC and Omega Psi Phi encourage students and Charlottesville residents to buy tickets this week in order to receive a five dollar discount. Tickets for the event go on sale today and may be purchased at the Newcomb Hall Box Office, Plan 9 Music Store or at www.uvaupc.musictoday.com.
Nwogu said that he believes this concert will be a big event for the University community.
The concert "will leave a good lasting impression on students and will be good for the community, especially in this volatile time in terms of race relations," he said.
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