Correction: The original version of this article published on August 30 contained an error. Bruin Bash is co-presented by the Campus Events Commission and the Cultural Affairs Commission.
Gym Class Heroes frontman Travie McCoy and rap group the Ying Yang Twins are headlining this year’s Bruin Bash concert, the Campus Events and Cultural Affairs commissions announced on Monday. Hip-hop duo The Cataracs will be opening the Sept. 19 concert.
“I’m really excited, I feel like we have a pretty balanced roster of artists,” said Charles Ma, campus events commissioner for the Undergraduate Students Association Council. “I think it’ll be a really energetic show, which is something we’re trying to shoot for this year.”
Bruin Bash, a free concert for UCLA students held every year during Welcome Week, is normally held in Pauley Pavilion. Because of construction, the festivities will take place in Drake Stadium this year.
A stage will be built for the artists and will reside atop the side of the track closest to the bleachers. With the seating orientation in Drake, no “floor access” wristbands will be distributed, unlike last year.
“The thing with Pauley is if you didn’t get floor seats, and you weren’t on the bleachers, you were either sitting sideways or very far away,” Ma said. “This is actually better for people, now pretty much everyone sits closer to the stage.”
The track stadium has an even larger capacity than Pauley does, Ma said. Similar to last year’s turnout, he expects more than 10,000 students to attend the concert. In previous years, the concert was headlined by artists such as LMFAO, T.I. and Estelle.
“I think it’s a decent lineup,” said Paige Scheckla, a second-year political science student, discussing this year’s artists. “I’m not super into hip-hop or rap “¦ but I think (the Campus Events Commission) did a pretty good job, and they did a good job of getting pretty big names.”
Travie McCoy is known for his pop hit “Billionaire,” which has been overwhelming mainstream radio waves for the last few months. Alternative rock group Gym Class Heroes, McCoy’s other musical endeavor, has released songs such as “Clothes Off!!” and “Cupid’s Chokehold.”
The Ying Yang Twins, on the other hand, has a relatively more recognized career, with a lengthy discography that includes the platinum album “Me & My Brother.” The rap duo released a number of popular singles, including Billboard hits “Wait (The Whisper Song)” and “Shake.”
“I actually have seen the Ying Yang Twins twice in concert,” said John Miklas, a second-year English student. “I’m excited about that ““ they’re really, really fun live.”
He added that he disliked McCoy’s music and was unfamiliar with The Cataracs.
More than a few students did not recognize The Cataracs, who will be opening the show. The Student Committee for the Arts, in its first year helping the CEC put together Bruin Bash, selected The Cataracs, according to Ma. Hailing from Berkeley, the hip-hop/rap duo released the song “Club Love” and was featured on the Far East Movement hit “Like a G6.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. for the concert, and wristbands will be given out on campus the day of, though the distribution points have yet to be finalized, Ma said. Following the concert will be a dance in the Los Angeles Tennis Center at 10:30 p.m., hosted by DJ Addict.
A sneak screening of action-comedy movie “Red,” starring Bruce Willis and Helen Mirren, will be shown in Ackerman Grand Ballroom at 11 p.m.
All events are free and require a valid BruinCard for entry.