DJ Diplo and two unannounced opening acts will perform to a sold-out crowd in Goldstein Auditorium on March 26.

The concert, co-hosted by University Union and Hillel at Syracuse University, sold all 915 tickets by 1 p.m. Tuesday, said Michael Weiss, president of Hillel.

‘It feels amazing to have sold out within 27 hours,’ he said. ‘To see such an amazing student response so quickly shows that we really picked the right person and chose someone with such campus-wide appeal.’

Diplo, a Philadelphia-based American DJ, has worked and collaborated closely with artists such as M.I.A., Sleigh Bells, Britney Spears and Linkin Park, according to a UU press release. The two opening acts are finalized and will be announced within a week, Weiss said.

The concert is part of Hillel’s weeklong 60th anniversary celebration and will be a great way to increase Hillel’s exposure, Weiss said. Chancellor Nancy Cantor, whose financial contribution will help fund the show, said she was happy the event has the student body buzzing, Weiss said.

‘I think this really proves that Hillel does more than just religious programming,’ Weiss said. ‘We’re showing that we really know how to put on a good show and get our name out there.’

Fifty percent of the concert’s profits will be donated to Hendricks Chapel to help fund its new interfaith programming curriculum. This marks the sixth Bandersnatch Music Series show to sell out, including the most recent Big Sean and Donnis performance in Schine Underground on Wednesday.

Jeff Bieber, who is familiar with Diplo and his two-man group Major Lazer, bought eight tickets for the show just 30 minutes after they went on sale.

‘For me it was a no-brainer,’ said Bieber, a sophomore marketing major. ‘It’s going to be a high-energy, very electric show.’ Four of the tickets are for Bieber and a few friends who asked him to buy tickets. The other four tickets may be given away to other friends, he said.

Tickets for only the first level of Goldstein were available to ensure all students can stand during the show and dance. As of now, UU and Hillel officials have not considered selling balcony tickets. Second-level seats would confine students to sitting down and may take away from the atmosphere of the show, Weiss said.

‘It’s a constant buildup,’ said Bieber, describing Diplo’s performance style. ‘He’ll wait to get a crowd going, and once he starts he doesn’t stop.’

mainthia@syr.edu

Published on February 22, 2011 at 12:00 pm