How to Rock Out Penn State!

Why hello everyone! As you start to adjust to life at Penn State, you will quickly discover that State College is not only home to an awesome University, but also is a frequent stop for musicians and concert tours.  I wanted to share with you music lovers, some events you can look forward to this upcoming year, and perhaps buy tickets in advance for!

State Theater:  Located right on College Ave, this community owned theater houses everything from local dance companies to documentary showings to small concerts.  This fall you can look forward to performances by Blue Sky Rider, Jodi Benson, and Randy Travis.  For more performance and ticket info check out http://thestatetheatre.org/

SPA Concert Series:  The Student Programming Association (a Penn State organization) puts on various concerts for us students (usually free of charge) throughout the year. Every Friday at noon in the HUB, a local musician performs.  I have seen everything from a Penn State a capella group (which are awesome) perform to an acoustical guitar player.  Although they have not announced their concert series yet for this upcoming year, SPA brings a variety of bands to campus and they usually perform in the HUB on the weekend. This past year FUN., Yellowcard, and Vanessa Carlton all gave free concerts.

BJC:  The Bryce Jordan Center (where the basketball team plays) always has a series of concerts.  This fall you can look forward to performances by Tiesto (a DJ/electronic dance music) and Carrie Underwood.  Make sure you get your tickets early, because they often sell out quickly!  http://www.bjc.psu.edu/Events/2013/04.aspx

Movin’ On: Every year on the last Friday before finals a music festival is held out by the football stadium. It’s free for students and this past year featured Ludacris and the Avett Brothers.  Mark it on your calendars now…it’s a great way to celebrate the completion of another school year with your friends!

And finally, don’t forget that State College is only 2.5 hours from Pittsburgh and 3 hours from Philly.  Much fun can be had by piling into a tiny car and heading onto 322 towards a concert for the evening!

Can’t wait to meet you all in a few weeks J

Getting upgraded to 2^nd row tickets for free at the Coldplay concert was totally worth the drive to Philly! Yayy! 

Rachel Schartner is a senior in Chemical Engineering. She is a mentor for WEPO 2012.