Attendees at the Ghostface Killah concert should “protect ya neck.” This phrase comes from ‘90s hip-hop group Wu Tang Clan, of which headliner artist Ghostface Killah was a former member. Killah, as well as opener Blanco Suave, will take the stage at the Northern Center ballroom at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1. This concert is brought to NMU by Northern Michigan Artist Discovery (NOMAD), an NMU student group specializing in bringing non-mainstream artists to campus.
Overheard from conversations on campus, most NMU students don’t believe that such a notable hip-hop musician is coming to Marquette. But, Ian Schenkel, NOMAD president and junior outdoor recreation major confirms that Ghostface Killah is in fact coming.
“Ghostface is something we’ve never put on before, especially within the rap genre. The ability to bring a member of the Wu Tang Clan is amazing because of the influence they have on today’s music,” Schenkel said.
NOMAD has one main goal when considering bands they bring to campus: to bring acts that fly under-the-radar but still produce quality music. Being a former member of a notable band makes Ghostface anything but mainstream, but his music is new to an indie-dominated NMU crowd, said NOMAD Productions Manager Abby Szukalski, junior environmental science major.
With a “Beatles” tattoo prominent on her right arm, one could say Szukalski is a music fan.
“I like to do my own thing and listen to my own music, and that’s the general vibe of NOMAD. It’s our goal to find artists that no one knows and introduce people to it rather than everyone listening to the same thing,” Szukalski said.
Schenkel said the concert will bring community members out of the woodwork. A lot of people Schenkel has spoken with who are interested in this concert listened to Wu Tang when they were in college.
“It will be a fun balance between the older community and NMU students to come together. It’s cool that we have multi generations who are interested,” he added.
Schenkel is expecting Ghostface Killah to be the largest production NOMAD has hosted, which is evident by 160 people marked “going” on the Facebook event. If people aren’t coming for the headliner, Marquette-grown Blanco Suave is known for drawing large crowds.
“I love Blanco Suave. They’re my favorite Marquette band for sure,” Szukalski said. “[McKenzie’s] got a great voice with really unique vocals. The content of their songs are great and they know how to put on a good show.
Tickets will be sold at the door. Admission is free for NMU students with an ID, and $10 for the public.
