Grammy Award-winning artist John Legend will be performing on May 4 at the Cullen Performance Hall, presented by the UH Auxiliary Services in hopes that it will encourage the community and renown artists to explore and share their talent with the University and its students. | Wikimedia Commons
On May 4, many Cougars will share the same soundtrack to their night as award-winning singer-songwriter John Legend takes center stage at the Cullen Performance Hall.
In recent years, the University has gone from an underrated to a nationally known institution. From administrators to faculty and students, it is not rare to hear someone boast about the current Tier One research status, the diverse student body and the state-of-the-art facilities that are distributed throughout the 667-acre campus.
Legend’s performance is just one more thing students can brag about.
“We are excited about hosting John Legend on our campus,” said Executive Director of Auxiliary Services Esmeralda Valdez. “It is important for the University to host meaningful activities such as comedy shows, concerts and lecture series. When we open our facilities to esteemed performers such as John Legend and others, students don’t have to go far to experience world-class entertainers. Also, the community can experience the great events happening at UH.”
As everyone prepares for the big night, it seems that there is nothing the “red nation” cannot do.
“We are very excited to have John Legend on campus; we look forward to having more nationally touring artists at the Cullen Performance Hall,” said Director of Booking and Sales Beckye Levin.
As part of his “All of Me” tour, the nine-time Grammy Award-winning artist will make it a night to remember.
The tour is in support of his fourth studio album, “Love in the Future,” which is a critical favorite and currently tops the Billboard music charts.
Students and members of the community were ready to pounce on tickets. Shortly after the tickets were available for purchase on Feb. 1, the concert sold out.
“I feel the University of Houston is giving us all another opportunity to see such a great and amazing artist,” said hotel and restaurant management sophomore Allie Megard. “It is not every day that a school hosts someone like John Legend. I cant wait to be a part of something this great.”
This will not be the first time that such a highly recognized celebrity has set foot on campus.
In November, actress Eva Longoria was the keynote speaker for the Center for Mexican American Studies’ annual banquet. Mayhem ensued when singer Beyoncé appeared at the M.D Anderson Memorial Library to support her mother, Tina Knowles, in an interview for the “Living Studies” series in 2011.
“I love how UH brings fresh talent like John Legend,” said accounting sophomore Cole Casillas. “I think it shows how much UH cares for its students and gives us a chance to take a break from all our hard work.”
The announcement of the concert put a smile on many people’s faces. Having access to high-caliber performances close to home is quite the treat for many.
