This year’s Juice Jam will host two headlining acts: Swedish house-electronic artist Avicii and American rapper B.o.B., University Union officials announced Wednesday.

‘This is one of the most exciting events that I’ve put on at UU,’ said Harry Roberts, UU director of concerts. ‘We really got the artists we were aiming for. They’re both very high-energy performers.’

The eighth annual fall concert on Sept. 11 starts at 4 p.m. on Skytop Field. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and go on sale at 11 a.m. Aug. 25 at the Schine Box Office or online via its website.

Roberts said more than 8,000 tickets will be available for Juice Jam, a significant increase from last year’s concert, which sold out 5,000 tickets. The event is open to all faculty, staff and students at Syracuse University and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Students who attend universities nearby can purchase tickets for $20 with valid college IDs.

Each semester, UU releases a concert survey that polls students’ general interest in music. For Juice Jam, UU received 3,146 surveys, said Rob Dekker, UU president. A majority of students designated B.o.B as a good headlining choice, he said.

‘These artists are definitely recognizable on campus,’ Roberts said. ‘Rap and hip-hop have been the most popular genres on campus while the electronic genre is the fastest growing in the world.’

With five Grammy nominations, B.o.B quickly climbed the music charts following the debut of his first single ‘Nothin’ On You.’ The rapper, singer, songwriter and producer has since released singles ‘Airplanes’ and ‘Magic,’ both reaching top 10 spots on the Billboard Hot 100.

Since 2008, Swedish musician Avicii has risen through the ranks of the house-electronic genre. The 21-year-old, whose most recent hits include ‘Levels’ and ‘Fade Into Darkness,’ is known for producing and mixing music by artists like Enrique Iglesias, David Guetta and Tiesto.

‘He really is the hottest act right now,’ Roberts said. ‘He’s blowing up, he’s selling out shows everywhere and we’re just really fortunate to have him on campus.’

UU officials will announce the opening act closer to the start of the semester, but it will absolutely maintain the energy of the day’s events, Roberts said.

‘When we were planning this, we had this idea of high energy,’ Roberts said. ‘We didn’t want any low points, just a constant up-tempo event. And this [act] definitely fits into that picture.’

More than 100 clubs and organizations have signed up for tables at the Student Activities Fair, hosted by SU’s Division of Student Affairs. Given the date of the concert, UU will incorporate commemorative events to appropriately pay tribute the 10-year anniversary of the national terrorist attacks. The group has partnered with Hendricks Chapel to ensure a successful launch of SU’s chapter of the Better Together for 9/11 initiative. Created by the Interfaith Youth Core, the campaign aims to unite America’s youth through promoting dialogue about multiculturalism and various faiths from around the world.

‘The opportunities for dialogue on these issues are vast,’ Dekker said. ‘The bottom line is that we have the chance to align our event with some good and some charity.’

Attendees are encouraged to talk to the various groups represented, create care packages and participate in other service-related activities. Most, if not all, of the proceeds from Juice Jam will be donated to a local charity, Dekker said.

Dekker said he hopes this year’s Juice Jam will strike the delicate balance between respecting the 10-year anniversary and delivering a solid concert that targets students’ interests.

‘Juice Jam is definitely going to have a different feel from other years, but in many ways it’s still going to be Juice Jam,’ Dekker said. ‘The fact that we can have upwards of 8,000 students really provides an incredible opportunity to bring people together.’

mainthia@syr.edu

Published on August 16, 2011 at 12:00 pm