IF YOU GO

What: Block Party 2008

Where: Carrier Dome

When: Tomorrow at 8 p.m.

How Much: $20 for students; $40 for general public

With this year’s Block Party, University Union tried to bring artists of similar genres opposed to the scattered variety of last year’s show. The outcome – hip-hop star Fergie and reggae maestro Sean Kingston – looks to fill that bill.

‘We decided to go with both of them this year because they are a crossover,’ University Union’s director of public relations Brittany Frederickson said. ‘The two artists have similar audiences.’

Fergie, who won three Grammy awards with the Black Eyed Peas, will headline University Union’s Block Party 2008. She will showcase her hit pop and R&B tracks at the Carrier Dome on Tuesday at 8 p.m. But the annual event will rely on Sean Kingston’s reggae and rap to complete the fraction.

Together, both artists will bring pop and rap to a stage that might have been hurt by too much variety last year. Both performers bring mainstream national musical success, which should make for a great event, Frederickson said.

Last year’s Block Party featured R&B artist Ciara, hip-hop singer Lupe Fiasco and rockers TV on the Radio.

Fergie began her career as a child actress, appearing on ‘Kids Incorporated’ and Nickelodeon.

But the artist’s rise to fame wasn’t all glamour. After her first band, Wild Orchid, failed to earn a record deal, she suffered a drug addiction marked by Ecstasy and crystal meth use until she joined the Black Eyed Peas during its album recording in 2003.

Fergie and the Peas found mainstream success with pop hits like ‘My Humps’ and ‘Where Is The Love?’ Her 2006 debut solo album ‘The Dutchess’ spawned six top-10 singles and sold more than 6 million copies internationally.

Eighteen-year-old Kingston’s mainstream success came with his hit single ‘Beautiful Girls’ in summer 2007. The song peaked at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Fusing pop with reggae and dancehall vocals, the Jamaican native released his self-titled debut in September of last year.

‘Both of (the artists) had a lot of hits recently,’ Frederickson said. ‘Both artists will bring a lot of energy.’

The event coincides with Syracuse University’s annual Mayfest, but the collaboration should further student involvement and attendance for both events, Frederickson said.

Remaining tickets are still available for $20 for students and $40 for general audiences of all ages. Tickets can be purchased online at suathletics.com, the Carrier Dome Box Office or Schine Box Office.

‘As it is every year, this is our big spring concert,’ Frederickson said, ‘so we hope for great turnout, and we think it’ll be a great show.’

Published on April 20, 2008 at 12:00 pm