Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Drake will perform at the West Virginia University Coliseum on Friday, April 16 as part of the “Away From Home Tour,” presented by Campus Consciousness.

Special guests K-OS and Francis & the Lights will open the show, which begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 26 at 9 a.m. and may be purchased at the Mountainlair Box Office, ticketmaster.com and by phone at 304-293-SHOW.

Drake originally burst into the world of pop culture with his acting role as Jimmy Brooks on the popular TV show “Degrassi: The Next Generation.” In 2006, he began releasing a series of mix tapes that gained major exposure when one became featured on Black Entertainment Television’s “106 & Park” as its “Joint of the Day.” After a bidding war between labels, Drake eventually signed with rap superstar Lil’ Wayne’s Young Money label in a joint venture with Cash Money Records and Universal Republic.

In 2009, he released the smash single “Best I Ever Had,” which earned him Grammy nominations for Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Song. His popular collaboration with Eminem, Lil’ Wayne and Kanye West – “Forever” – earned him a No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Rap Songs and led to an explosive performance at the 2010 Grammy Awards. The 2009 Rookie of the Year at the BET Hip-Hop Awards, Drake’s first studio album, “Thank Me Later,” debuts this spring.

K-OS has been making a name for himself since his arrival on the music scene. His first album, “Exit,” was an ambitious mix of traditional hip-hop elements, singing and inventive instrumental tracks. “Exit” won the International Album of the Year from the 2003 Source Awards. His subsequent three albums—”Joyful Rebellion,” “Atlantis: Hymns for Disco,” and the 2009 record “Yes!”—all reached the top ten on Billboard’s Canadian Albums and spawned the hit songs “4-3-2-1,” “Sunday Morning,” and “I Wish I Knew Natalie Portman.”

Led by engaging frontman Francis Farewell Starlite, the New York City band Francis & the Lights gets its unique sound from a combination of two drummers playing alongside sequenced percussion, guitar and synthesized parts. The band self-released the acclaimed “Striking” EP in 2007 and was named one of the Best of Emerging NYC Artists in 2008. That year also saw the release of their album, “A Modern Promise,” and the “LIME/WYN” single. The band was featured on the collaborative album “Guilt by Association Vol. 2” with a cover of Kanye West’s “Can’t Tell Me Nothing.” Francis & the Lights have been called a “supreme excellence in fulfilling the pinnacle of our wildest pop-funk fantasies” and “a band to be experienced live.”

Reverb presents the Campus Consciousness Tour to provide entertaining music alongside an environmental event. Returning to WVU this spring with Drake, K-OS and Francis & the Lights, the tour will work to inspire and inform students on ecological issues and how they can have a positive impact on their community and college. Working to be eco-friendly, Drake will be touring with the use of biodiesel fuel and biodegradable and recyclable products backstage and on his bus. Concertgoers will have the opportunity to experience a great show and get an education on eco-friendly lifestyles.

Tickets range in price from $32 to $42, depending on seat location and $44 for general admission floor. Tickets go on sale Friday, Feb. 26 at 9 a.m. Tickets may be purchased at the Mountainlair Box Office, ticketmaster.com and by phone at 304-293-SHOW or 800-745-3000. Tickets may also be purchased at any Ticketmaster outlet, including Giant Eagle on Greenbag Road. and FYE in the Meadowbrook Mall.

WVU students will receive a $10 discount on all price levels with a valid Mountaineer card. One discount will be allowed per card.

This event is produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment. For more event information, call 304-293-SHOW, or visit us online at events.wvu.edu.

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CONTACT: Ali Daly, WVU Arts & Entertainment
304-293-8222, Alison.Daly@mail.wvu.edu