A unique venue and multiple artists are some of the things you can look forward to if you attend Dixie Fest 2016.
The concert changed venues from year to year, but the event will return to the old airport March 18. The headlining act will be hip-hop artist Kid Ink, with additional performances from local hip-hop dance crew Kalamity, and disc jockey Marcus Wing.
Sarah Ramaker, a senior dance major from Midland, Michigan, and Dixie State University Student Association vice president of student life, said she and other members of DSUSA are excited for the concert because it is different from other concerts in the area.
“Dixie Fest is unique because of the venue, the timing, and the artist,” Ramaker said. “Being up at the old airport above the city is so exhilarating.”
Planning for Dixie Fest 2016 began last summer, Ramaker said. After narrowing it down to a few artists DSUSA felt the students would love, Ramaker said they sampled a diverse population of the student body and some community members for more feedback.
Ramaker said that DSUSA can not officially confirm that the new mascot will be announced at the concert.
Patrick O’Boyle, a sophomore theater major from Pasadena, California, said he hopes Dixie Fest will have more of a festival feel with multiple groups performing and food trucks.
“I remember seeing awesome artists like Yellowcard, Andy Grammer, Macklemore and American Authors come to Dixie,” O’Boyle said. “I think Kid Ink will be an awesome artist for the event.”
Even Stevens, a local sandwich shop, will be sponsoring the event. According to their website, the restaurant was originally founded in Salt Lake City, and is known for donating food and donations to nonprofits. Ramaker said there are no plans for other food trucks to attend the event.
McKenzie Dunford, a freshman art major from Herriman, said although there have been two hip-hop groups in a row, DSUSA has done a good job of mixing up the genres of visiting artists.
“Everyone says that it’s a lot of fun and worth the money,” Dunford said.
The Dixie Fest tradition began in 2013 with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis as headliners. Although community members spoke out about the rowdy nature of the concert, DSUSA has continued to invite an artist to perform at Dixie Fest every year since then.
Tickets for Dixie Fest are being sold for $20 at the bookstore and online at SmithsTix.com.
