The University of Tennessee offers many opportunities for students to attain some cultural enlightenment through frequent performances and exhibitions by notable artists hailing from the far reaches of the globe.
But even when dealing with a “cultural attraction,” that culture in name doesn’t necessarily have to be so foreign. Matthew “Matisyahu” Miller is a Pennsylvania-born Hasidic Jewish man whose combination of rock and reggae beats and soulful hip-hop delivery have busted college radio charts and opened hearts and minds through a spiritually-powered message.
“(Cultural Attractions Committee) is committed to bringing artists with unique cultural backgrounds in order to refresh the perspective of UT students through our programming,” said Ashleigh Moyers, an advisor with the CAC on campus. “Matisyahu is particularly important to us in that he presents not only a very appealing and popular sound, but also that his heritage and faith play such a dramatic role in his life. We hope that this high-profile artist will help draw attention to the varying cultures and religions at play on our very own campus.”
Friday night, students will have the opportunity to hear Miller and special guest Nathan Maxwell of Flogging Molly. But Miller’s success clearly has not gone to his head.
“The process for bringing any act to campus is a long and involved one,” Moyers said. “ We have had Matisyahu on our minds for some time now and were lucky enough to catch one of his available dates. His entire management team was friendly and flexible to work with. Though the contracting process is complicated, CAC and Hillel are both ecstatic that the commitment came through this summer.”
After the release of his first album, “Shake Off the Dust … Arise,” in 2004, Matisyahu rapidly gained larger audiences thanks to sets at Bonnaroo and other festivals, and he released two full-length albums, “Youth” in 2006 and “Light” in 2009, the former of which charted at No. 4 on the U.S. charts. Local fans are already buzzing about the show.
“I listened to rap and heard how they spoke about women and violence and was really turned off after a while,” said Mike Farrar of Knoxville. “But I heard Matisyahu and his
message and thought, ‘This is the most amazing music I’ve ever heard.’”
“We certainly hope that the venue and timing of the event will bring a large crowd,” Moyers said. “Being that the event is free and open to the UT community and that it is located in the Humanities Amphitheatre, a fairly central location, we hope that Matisyahu will provide people of all ages, grades, disciplines and persuasions to come together for a night of cultural enrichment and some serious fun.”
Matisyahu will perform in the Humanities Amphitheatre Friday night at 8 p.m. with Nathan Maxwell. Admission is free to all UT students.
