Department of Res Life to Host Matisyahu, Ry Cuming at UNA Oct. 1

Sep. 12, 2011

FLORENCE, Ala. – The Department of Residence Life and University Program Council at the University of North Alabama will host Matisyahu, an American Hasidic Jewish reggae musician, along with Australian singer-songwriter Ry Cuming Oct. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in Norton Auditorium.

The fall concert, which is free to UNA students and costs $12 per ticket for the general public, is the first of its kind at the university, according to Kevin Jacques, director of residence life. If tickets are left, they will cost $15 each at the door the day of the event.

“His music is different than anything we have ever had,” Jacques said. “He is a Hasidic Jewish reggae artist with a jam band and his shows are amazing. I think students are in for a treat.”

Matisyahu, who is well-known for his Top 40 hit “King Without a Crown,” has recorded three studio albums and is acclaimed for his musical style, which is a mix of rap, hip hop and beatboxing. He collaborated with Akon in 2009 for the track “One Day.”

Opening act Cuming, a professional surfer who takes inspiration from musical artists Jeff Buckley, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie, released his self-titled debut album in 2010 with Jive Records. He was recently awarded the Best Pop Song and Best New Artist from Australia’s Dolphin Awards.

Jacques hopes to have a crowd of up to 1,600 fans at the Oct. 1 show in Norton Auditorium, and has already had people from south Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina call about purchasing tickets for the show.

“We’re just trying to give back to the students and have fun,” he said. “We want to bring great music back to the Shoals and get people listening to music they may have never listened to before. After seeing his show, it really is an experience that the students and general public are not going to want to miss.”

UNA students can pick up tickets for free starting Sept. 12 at the Office of Student Engagement or Residence Life. General admission tickets can be purchased through the UNA Box Office at www.una.edu/boxoffice or 256-765-4248.

For more information, contact Kevin Jacques at 256-765-5558 or e-mail kljacques@una.edu.