California rapper and singer Bryce Vine will return to Northern Michigan University in early April for the first major event sponsored by Northern Arts and Entertainment in two years since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vine will make his second appearance at NMU on Saturday, April 9 in The Northern Center’s Grand Ballroom.

“It’s not going to be the largest concert Northern has ever put on because it’s in the ballrooms, but tickets are going fast, so it will be full. Overall we are just excited to be able to put on a real concert again. It’s been two years since we had a concert, and now that some mandates have relaxed, we are hoping for a fun night,” said Anna Watson, president of NAE.

NAE is a student organization at NMU whose members are known for bringing big-ticket entertainment such as artists, concerts and comedians to campus. Past events that NAE has hosted include Jesse McCartney, Maddie and Tae, The Mowgli’s, Waka Flocka Flame, Dustin Lynch, Bryce Vine and more.

NAE decided to invite Vine after creating a list of musicians within their budget and that they thought students would enjoy. Vine was the most well-known artist on the list, said Watson. Although Vine had already performed back in 2014, NAE extended the offer to him again.

“We actually didn’t know he had already come [to NMU] until after we signed everything. It was kind of cool for our group to learn that too because we got to go back and see how he has grown as an artist since the last time he’s been here,” said Watson.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and the opening act, Liquid Mike, a local band, will begin soon after.

“We are excited to play with Bryce Vine and we are excited to get our music out to so many new people – hopefully something sticks,” NMU student and Liquid Mike drummer Cody Marecek said.

Some students are already making plans for the night.

“Bryce Vine is one of my favorite artists; his songs never fail to put me in a good mood. His music has a summer vibe, and I am excited to go with friends before break,” Patty Antolak, senior fisheries and wildlife management major, said.

Tickets for this event can be reserved on The Hub or purchased at the door that day of the event. Tickets are free with a student ID and $10 for the public.

“We suggest getting your ticket on The Hub before you get to the door. We have sold just about half the tickets already and want to make sure students get in first,” said Watson.