Konvict commits to UNH

This year's homecoming weekend concert will feature Grammy-nominated singer and record producer Akon, SCOPE announced Thursday.

The singer known for chart topping hits like "Beautiful," "I Wanna Love You," and "I'm So Paid," will be taking the stage at the Whittemore Center on Thursday, October 8 for a season-opening performance.

    Tickets for the show go on sale next Wednesday, September 16 at 10 a.m. in the MUB Ticket Office. Tickets will be $15 for students and $35 for non-students.

    This year's homecoming performance differs slightly from previous years. SCOPE usually has a comedian slated for the homecoming show, but this year they ran into a little trouble. A last minute cancellation forced the members of the organization to scramble and find an act to fill the spot.

    "Because of our contract agreement, they're allowed to cancel up to 30 days before the show, and at the last minute, they had to cancel," said Krysty Pringle, publicity director for SCOPE.

    Due to contract obligations, SCOPE cannot release the name of the comedian originally scheduled, or any other artists in consideration for the homecoming show.

    Jared Dobson, Director of SCOPE, said there were a few other artists considered for the show.
   
    "There were two or three in particular we were talking about, but they were either finishing up a tour or weren't accepting any dates for the Fall." Dobson said.

    Despite the minor setback, SCOPE pulled through and brought an even bigger show than past homecoming performances. While previous acts like Demetri Martin, Jimmy Fallon, and Dave Attell performed in the field house, this year's concert will take place in the Whittemore center.
   
    "We decided to start a new tradition," Pringle said. "We really wanted to put on an awesome show."

    Pringle believes the bigger show will lead to faster ticket sales.

    "We expect the tickets to sell out fast, so everyone should make sure they get theirs quick," Pringle said.


    Akon has been featured in over 200 songs with artists such as Young Jeezy, T.I., Lil' Wayne, and Gwen Stefani. He is also the first solo artist to ever reach the number one and two spots simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 twice. His 2006 album "Konvicted" has been certified "triple platinum" by the RIAA, selling more than 3 million copies in the U.S.

No stranger to area performances, Akon will be sure to fill the seats in the Whitt.

    As with previous concerts, an opening act will be sure to go on before Akon.

    "We can say who it is or how big they will be, but there will be an opener," Dobson said.
   
    While the club's budget dictates how many shows they can put on throughout the year, Pringle said SCOPE still plans on putting on more performances, this year, especially the ever-popular Spring Climax.