With Homecoming weekend coinciding with the celebration of 125 years of women at Penn, Grammy nominated musician Me'shell Ndegeocello, the first female artist to headline at Penn in several years, will star in this fall's Homecoming concert.
The Social Planning and Events Committee made it a priority to headline a woman in light of Penn's upcoming anniversary.
"In my four years here, we haven't had a woman," said SPEC Concerts Co-Director Miriam Ackerman, a College senior. "I felt it was important to get a female performer, especially since it coincides nicely with the 125th anniversary."
Ngedeocello, known for her critically acclaimed debut album Plantation Lullabies and her collaboration with John Mellencamp on the hit song "Wild Night," is on tour promoting her third album, Bitter.
She is not only recognized for her unique blend of rock, jazz and funk, her smoky voice and her impressive talent on the bass guitar -- she was Bass Guitar Magazine's first female "Bassist of the Year" -- but also for her outspoken views on race and sexuality.
"She's garnered quite a bit of respect in the music industry," Ackerman said. "Everyone is very impressed that we are hosting her."
Some students said they are not familiar with Ngedeocello, but many are nonetheless enthusiastic about her upcoming performance.
"She sounds really good," Engineering sophomore Rachel Webre said. "If she did a duet with John Cougar Mellencamp, then she must be good."
Ngedeocello will perform at 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 in Harrison Auditorium, located at Penn's Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology. Ticket prices are $12 with a Penn ID and $18 to the general public, and are now available on Locust Walk and Ticketmaster.
Russell Simmons' Def Comedy Jam will also come to Penn on Homecoming weekend, featuring such renowned comedians as Ricky Harris, Hope Flood, Jay Lamont and Melanie Comarcho.
This will mark the comedy show's second performance at the University. The group performed at last year's Homecoming as well.
Def Comedy Jam, hosted by the Social Planning and Events Committee to Represent Undergraduate Minorities, will perform in Harrison Auditorium at 8 p.m. on Nov. 3. Tickets are $10 for Penn students, $15 for other college students and $25 for the public, and will be available soon on campus and through Ticketmaster.
