After being forced online last year due to COVID-19 restrictions on gathering sizes, Vanderbilt’s annual Rites of Spring Music Festival will return this year, taking place on Apr. 22 and 23 on Alumni Lawn.
The Vanderbilt Programming Board (VPB) announced through a series of Instagram “clue” posts that the featured artists will include 2 Chainz, Waka Flocka Flame, Miguel, BLXST, Gayle and Muni Long. This lineup was officially confirmed with a February 11th press release to the student body.
Junior Safa Shahzad shared her excitement for the lineup, but did note she was jealous of previous year’s lineups that included RUN DMC or Chance the Rapper.
“I personally think that 2 Chainz and Miguel were fun choices; 2 Chainz is a throwback performer so that’s a good one. And I’ve heard Miguel is a good performer. Gayle and Muni Long are famous from TikTok so I’m wondering if the rest of the lineup will include famous TikTokkers,” junior Safa Shahzad said. “As a junior, none of us have had a Rites so I’m definitely going to go. It’ll be fun to be there with the whole Vandy community, and it’s so cheap for a full festival line-up.”
Tickets went on sale Feb. 25 at 10 a.m., both online and at the Sarratt Box Office, where a ticket kick-off event also occurred with free food and prizes. Prizes include meet and greet opportunities, a fast pass, framed autographed posters and food vouchers for the festival. Prices for students are $25 for early advance tickets and $40 if purchased the week prior. For the general public, ticket prices are $40 if purchased in advance and $50 if purchased the week before the performance, with single tickets going on sale April 1 for $35.
Before entering the festival on Alumni Lawn, attendees must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination in addition to prior to buying tickets.
Similar to the release of clues on their Instagram, VPB will keep up the social media blitz with prize giveaways including free tickets, meet-and-greet opportunities, and more. Follow along on Instagram or on TikTok.
