Electronic dance music DJ Calvin Harris and rapper Childish Gambino will headline this year’s Juice Jam concert, University Union officials announced Sunday.

“It’s no question that these are two artists that put on amazing live shows,” said Ken Consor, UU director of concerts. “We’re very excited about this lineup.”

The ninth annual concert opens Sept. 9 at noon, and music starts at 1 p.m. on Skytop Field. Tickets cost $10 and will go on sale at 11 a.m. Aug. 23 at the Schine Student Center box office and online.

The event is open to all Syracuse University and State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry faculty, staff and students with a valid ID.

Consor said pop, electronic dance music and rap were the top genres voted for on UU’s annual student survey. Harris and Childish Gambino were also designated as good headlining options, he said.

“They’ve played together at some of the biggest major festivals,” he said. “So, it’s a great opportunity for students to see them on a smaller stage. Calvin Harris isn’t like Avicii or Kaskade. You actually hear a lot of his music on the radio.”

Harris, whose third major label album is slated for an October release, has garnered mainstream appeal with crossover Top 40 hits, including producing “We Found Love” with Rihanna and “Feel So Close.”

Harris’ Syracuse concert date leaked on his website in July, but the announcement was removed within 24 hours.Consor said UU was not ready to make an announcement or confirm the announcement because not all concert details were finalized.

“It turned out to be fine,” he said. “It got people talking.”

Childish Gambino is the stage name for rapper, actor and stand-up comedian Donald Glover. He released his mixtape“Royalty” in July. Childish Gambino’s debut studio album, “Camp,” was released in 2011 and peaked at the No. 2 spot on Billboard’s R&B and rap charts.

“I saw him play a sold-out crowd in Central Park this summer,” Consor said. “And it was unbelievable. He’s bringing his backing band to Syracuse, so it will add a lot to his performance.”

The two headliners appeal to pop audiences, Consor said. The UU concert board researched both artists by watching live footage in person and in concert videos on YouTube. Both Harris and Childish Gambino have been nominated for this year’s MTV Video Music Awards.

This year’s Juice Jam is co-sponsored by the Division of Student Affairs, which will host its annual Student Involvement Fair during the event. More than 100 campus organizations will be represented during the concert.

Sarah Fleisher, UU’s director of public relations, said she hopes students will tweet with the #JuiceJam hashtag leading up to the show.

UU officials will announce the concert’s opening act closer to the concert date.

Said Consor: “There’s no question this is the kind of lineup students should really get excited for.”

Published on August 19, 2012 at 8:00 pm

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