Guster, Brett Dennen share the bill as part of Homecoming weekend.
Grammy Award-winner Kanye West will headline the sixth annual Commodore Quake on Oct. 12 as part of this year’s Homecoming activities.
Also performing are pop-rock band Guster and singer-songwriter Brett Dennen. Both have previously performed at Rites of Spring.
David Silverstein, a co-chair of the Music Group, which is responsible for coordinating concerts on campus, said he is excited for this year’s Quake and is confident other students will look forward to the concert.
“Every year, we strive to bring the best talent to Vanderbilt’s campus and the Nashville community,” he said in a press release. “We are looking to put together compelling and unique lineups, blending genres and talent to give students and the general public the ultimate music experience.”
Another co-chair, Emma Starks, emphasized the broad appeal and rarity of the lineup.
“We’re really excited for this Quake. Last year we had Ludacris, and while that was groundbreaking, this tops him,” she said. “Having Kanye and Guster is incredible. This has never been seen before, especially on a college campus. … It’s really exciting to have this caliber of artist.”
Rumors of West’s performance have circulated around campus for several days, but students still said they are excited about the confirmation of his appearance.
“I heard rumors that (West) would perform, and I heard rumors about Guster too, but I’m looking forward to Quake. I think it’s going to be really fun and diverse,” said senior Sam Schreiber.
“I haven’t really heard any rumors,” said sophomore Nancy Tan, “but I’m so excited for Kanye. I can’t wait, and I’ll definitely be there.”
Neither Silverstein nor Starks could comment on the budget for Quake, but Silverstein said the expenses will not affect the Music Group’s ability to attract big names for April’s Rites of Spring.
“All the money in the Music Group’s budget is for the year, and we don’t operate on an event-by-event budget,” he said. “There will be ample funds for a stellar Rites.”
Although some students are already speculating about specific artists they would like to see perform on Alumni Lawn in the spring, others said they hope for a diverse lineup like Quake’s.
“I think Rites should have a lineup that attracts a lot of different fans like (Quake) will. I think these venues should bring new experiences for the artists as well as the fans,” Schreiber said.
Starks said events like Rites and Quake are important to the campus, and a varying lineup attracts a greater number of students.
“We want to get the whole campus out for Quake,” she said. “It’s about school spirit and bringing everyone together.”
WHEN: Oct. 12, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
WHERE: Memorial Gymnasium
HOW MUCH: $15 for Vanderbilt students, $35 for members of the Vanderbilt and Nashville communities; tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 14 at 10 a.m. at all Ticketmaster locations.
