WVU students and their guests pack the Evansdale Fields for FallFest, Aug. 16, 2022. (WVU Photo)
(Editor’s note: This release was updated on Saturday (Aug. 12) to reflect an artist change. WVUToday will distribute a Media Advisory on Monday (Aug. 14) with details about FallFest credentials for media members planning to cover the event. See the full Welcome Week schedule.)
Flo Rida, The Driver Era and Chayce Beckham will perform at the annual West Virginia University FallFest concert Tuesday (Aug. 15) on the Evansdale Fields.
Coi Leray, who was previously announced as a FallFest performer, canceled her scheduled appearance due to an injury.
FallFest, held in conjunction with FoodFest as part of Welcome Week, is a free event open to WVU students with valid WVU student IDs. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and Chayce Beckham will start the show at 6 p.m.
Flo Rida established himself as the party king of the late 2000s with global smash hits like the T-Pain-assisted “Low” and the massive club banger “Right Round” featuring Kesha. That success continued when his 2012 album “The Wild Ones” earned him a handful of multi-platinum singles that included the title track in collaboration with Sia, “Good Feeling” and “Whistle.” Flo Rida's dynamic approach of rapped and sung lyrics combined with his larger-than-life personality has allowed him to find success in both rap and pop. In 2022 he collaborated on the single “High Heels” with country music's Walker Hayes. Earlier this year, the five-time Grammy nominee headlined the 2023 Grammy Celebration, the Recording Academy's Official After Party. Flo Rida will take the stage at 9 p.m.
The Driver Era is the pop/rock band fronted by brothers Ross — of the popular Disney Channel original series “Austin and Ally” — and Rocky Lynch. Known for their live shows that double as parties full of dance and funk vibes, the band has sold out shows across the globe, reaching audiences everywhere from Asia to the U.S. to Europe and South America. The Driver Era’s current and third studio album “Summer Mixtape” is steeped in summer vibes, paying homage to those moments in life that are equal parts freeing and fleeting and experiences that are formative and intimate. Their set is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
Chayce Beckham is one of the most buzzed about newcomers in country music. He is the first American Idol contestant to win with an original song, the semi-autobiographical “23,” that is now climbing the country radio charts. Fans will remember Katy Perry’s characterization of his gravelly vocals as “the heart of America.” Since his Idol Season 19 win, Beckham’s debut album “Doin’ It Right” has skyrocketed to No. 1 on iTunes All Genre and country charts. His captivating performances, powerhouse vocals and songwriting skills landed him an opening slot on Luke Bryan’s current summer tour. Beckham will open FallFest at 6 p.m.
FallFest is free to WVU students with valid WVU student IDs. IDs will be swiped at the gates. Students with valid WVU student IDs are permitted one guest, 17 and older. WVU students with guests may enter any gate. Guest tickets are not required, but guests should be prepared to show proof of age.
Gates will open at 5:30 p.m. There are three gates — Gate A is located at the Rec Center Tennis Courts, Gate B is located at the Towers PRT station exit, and Gate C is located on Rec Center Drive between the Student Rec Center and the Applied Human Sciences Building.
The University’s clear bag policy will be enforced. Only bags that are clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC and do not exceed 12”x 6”x 12” in size, small clutch bags (approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle/strap and no larger than 4.5”x 6.5”), or plastic storage bags (one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag, Ziploc bag or similar) will be permitted.
Buses will run continuously between the Mountainlair and the Braxton Tower portico from 4 p.m. until one hour after the concert concludes. The PRT will also run until one hour after the concert ends. If you are using Uber, Lyft or a taxi for transportation, drop-off and pickup will be at the intersection of Morrill Way and Rec Center Drive near Short Term Lot ST1. Free parking will be available beginning at 4 p.m. in Short Term Lot ST9 across from the Art Museum and in Short Term Lot ST1 off Patteson Drive.
This is an alcohol-free event. Concertgoers should note that no smoking will be permitted in accordance with the Tobacco and Smoke Free Campus policy. Glow sticks, selfie sticks, professional cameras, video and audio recording devices, coolers and hard containers are also prohibited.
As an additional safety measure, all concertgoers will be subject to a random security check and wanding before entering the gates.
See a complete list of event guidelines and restrictions.
FallFest is a rain-or-shine event and is produced by WVU Arts and Entertainment. For additional event information, call 304-293-SHOW (7469) or visit events.wvu.edu. Stay connected with the latest event updates on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram by following @wvuevents.
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ksg/08/12/23
MEDIA CONTACT: Kristie Stewart-Gale
Marketing/Advertising Manager
WVU Arts and Entertainment
304-293-8221; kristie.stewart-gale@mail.wvu.edu
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