A group of students is putting on a concert tonight that it says is the beginning of "big plans" for the music scene on Ball State University's campus.
Red Revolution, an all-ages concert showcasing a variety of music from local and out-of-state artists, is tonight at 7 p.m. in Pruis Hall.
Senior music technology major Kevin Ray said an immersive learning program in the School of Music organized the event.
"We came together and utilized our student resources to bring about the best aspects of a live show without sacrificing the value of the artist," Ray said.
The immersive learning group, which shares a name with the event, has 16 members from various majors working on the show.
Midwest Hype, a funk band from La Porte, will headline the event. Drummer Max Kepler said smooth trumpet melodies, funky sax solos and driving percussion makes the band popular.
"A lot of people like us because we're a lot of fun to watch," he said, "and with a lot of room to move around and a really great light show, it's just going to make the whole thing visually awesome. This is an opportunity for anybody to come see talented musicians at a nice venue with a great atmosphere."
The show will also feature Ball State's own Cameron Halberstadt, or DJ Killa Cam. Halberstadt has been mixing music since his freshman year and is the house DJ for Dill St. Bar and Grill. Although he has experience entertaining huge dance parties, he said he is excited for the event.
"What I'm hoping is that people come down front and make it a dance party," Halberstadt said. "I'm going to mix stuff up a whole lot more than I usually do at Dill Street. Instead of playing a minute and a half or two minutes of a song, I'm going to chop it up a lot more and get everything from a typical genre in there."
After Halberstadt performs, Columbus, Ohio, hip-hop artist Devin Thomas will take the stage as Trek Manifest. Thomas said this will be his first big show in Indiana.
"I'm definitely going to bring some good hip-hop, because I think a lot of people don't really know about that kind of music," he said. "I'm hoping to bring the true essence of hip-hop to this show."
Senior James Richman said the group's goal with the concert was to give students good bands for a low price.
"We designed this show thinking, 'What would be the most fun and easy for people to come and enjoy without shelling out a lot of money?'" he said. "They can just go with their friends and have fun for a couple of hours."
Richman said each student involved in the program also has a full course load, and finding time to balance school and the group has been challenging.
"Balancing the time in the group with everything else you've got going on with school is the hardest part," Richman said. "Everyone in the group spends time putting together graphic designs for posters, going out and selling tickets and getting all the technical equipment arranged for ahead of time."
Ray said Red Revolution has plans for more shows next semester.
"This is just one drop in the bucket," he said. "There's a lot to come. We've got big plans for next semester and it's going to take a while to prepare, but we're on it."
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and tickets are $2 for upper seating and $3 for lower. After the concert, Doc's on Dill will have an after party.
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