Soul funkstress Janelle Monae to play Skidmore

Posted by Jenna Postler

The college community is preparing to welcome soul funkstress Janelle Monáe as this year's Big Show. At 8 p.m. on Oct. 1, the Student Entertainment Committee will host the artist in the Sports and Recreation Center.

Similar to last year's act, Grizzly Bear, Janelle Monáe may be an artist who is unfamiliar to many students. Although rising in popularity, she is still widely unknown.

Some may recognize her single "Tightrope" featuring Big Boi of Outkast and the even catchier "Wondaland" remix featuring B.o.B. Currently touring and promoting her new album, The "ArchAndroid," Monáe has been a standard opener for indie pop band Of Montreal.

"The ArchAndroid," Monáe's sophomore album, tells the story of Cindi Mayweather, the heroine of her first album "Metropolis." Through imaginative songs and orchestral arrangements, Monáe paints the picture of Cindi as the ArchAndroid, sent to free the citizens of Metropolis.

The openers for Monáe, Eli "Paperboy" Reed and The True Loves, are equally soulful and play Sam Cooke inspired tunes.

"SEC is really excited about booking Janelle because she is such a unique female performer who has her own aesthetic and sensibility. Also, we know she will put on a great energetic and very danceable show," SEC President Hannah Ronson '12 said.

Monáe will be sure to get students and community members alike moving to her soul, funk and afro-punk inspired music.

Tickets are $5 for students and $20 for the public. Tickets are available for sale in Case Center and online at brownpapertickets.com.