2008 Woodie Awards
Fans witness Fiasco in the gym
Grammy-nominated Lupe Fiasco attracts 800 to Webster
By: Mallory Skinner
Issue date: 4/26/07 Section: LifeStyle
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The three-time Grammy nominee performed to a crowd of 800 April 20 in the University Center's Grant Gymnasium with opening acts DJ Needles and Fallout and Friends.
Josh King, a junior sociology and psychology double major, said he was compelled to attend the concert after seeing a clip of the music video for Lupe's song "Kick, Push" on MTV.
"In 15 seconds, the guy had completely captivated me," King said.
Meanwhile, Jessica Callaway, a junior advertising major, said she first learned of Lupe Fiasco after hearing the song "Touch the Sky," a collaboration between the rapper and fellow musician Kanye West.
"I don't own any of his stuff," Callaway said. "But I like what I've heard, and I'm excited for his performance."
The evening's performance included material from Lupe's debut album "Food & Liquor" as well as a eulogy for the Virginia Tech victims. After observing a moment of silence, Lupe told audience members "We are all brothers and sisters." He also said the mass shooting in Virginia should serve as a reminder of the carnage those in Iraq suffer daily.
Katie McComb, Campus Activities graduate assistant, said Shay Malone, former MCISA program coordinator, booked Lupe Fiasco when the latter was still working at Webster.
After Malone's departure, Curtis Conrod, current program coordinator of the Multicultural Center and International Student Affairs, assumed the responsibility of planning the concert. Conrod said he acted as a liaison between Lupe Fiasco's booking agent and campus officials. He also designed fliers and other advertisements for the concert.
The event was organized by the MCISA in conjunction with Campus Activities. The organizations advertised the concert with posters and promotional postcards, which were distributed around Webster as well as at other universities, including Fontbonne, Washington University, St. Louis University and University of Missouri-St. Louis.
Concert tickets were free with valid photo identification and were available to the general public as well as college students. Off-campus advertising attracted an estimated 525 non-Webster attendees, mostly from the St. Louis community and Washington University, McComb said.
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