by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Hunter Hayes became the youngest male performer to reach the top spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart when his single “Wanted” sold more than 3.5 million copies, and now, Hayes will perform at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 2024 Homecoming “Salukis on the Frontier” concert on Oct. 9 at Shryock Auditorium.
The doors open at 6 p.m., and Tiera Kennedy will open the concert at 7 p.m. Tickets go on sale in person and online to the general public, when the link goes live at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25. Tickets are $60 for pit level, $40 for floor seats and $20 for balcony. Purchase them in-person through Saluki Athletics at the Banterra Center or get tickets by visiting the website siusalukis.com and clicking “Tickets,” then “Buy Tickets” and “SIU Special Events.”
Hayes is a hit-maker
A talented singer and songwriter, Hayes is a platinum-selling artist known for memorable melodies and catchy tunes, and he plays all the 30+ instruments featured on his albums. The Louisiana native has country roots but a musical style that embraces multiple influences.
Fans have logged on for more than 2 billion on-demand global streams of his tunes since the release of his debut album. He has headlined sold-out shows across the United States and Canada as well as Europe and Asia and toured with stars, including Taylor Swift and Carrie Underwood. He’s earned more than 50 award nominations and wins, including five Grammy nominations, with one for Best New Artist.
Kennedy making waves
Kennedy is likewise a singer/songwriter and the host of Apple Music Country’s “The Tiera Show.” She earned a role on the USA Network series “Real Country” in 2018, where superstar Shania Twain was her mentor, and she went on to win. By 2021, she had debuted at the Grand Old Opry.
She has previously toured with notable artists such as Kelsea Ballerini. Kennedy can be heard as a vocalist on Beyonce’s 2024 album “Cowboy Carter” on the track “Blackbird,” and her 2023 single “Jesus, My Mama, My Therapist” and her recent debut album “I Ain’t a Cowgirl” have gotten ample attention from fans and critics. Spotify’s “Hot Country,” “Teen Vogue,” CMT and others have named her an “Artist to Watch” in recent years.
The concert is one of the highlights of SIU’s weeklong Homecoming celebration Oct. 7-12. Visit the SIU Homecoming website for the complete schedule of events and additional details.
For information, email homecoming@siu.edu or call 618-536-3393.