Rehan Ally
Online Editor
On March 29, 2018, Broward College will host its very first Seahawk Festival.
Seahawk Festival is an all-day entertainment event featuring musical performances by Grammy Award-winner Wyclef Jean, Walshy Fire of Major Lazer, and Miami native IRIE. The Festival will take place at BC’s Central Campus in Davie.
The festival is open to the public and ticket prices vary. BC students will acquire tickets for $15 using the code SEAHAWK and ticktets for the general public will cost of $25.
There is also a VIP option for $50, which includes an enclosed area, seating near the stage, two beverage vouchers, and a Meet & Greet with one of the artists.
The festival has been in the works for almost a year.
“Marketing has been working with the enrollment team and student affairs to create a new type of engagement and a new platform as a way to make the college ‘cool’ and to give students the traditional college experience,” said Don Cook, BC Executive Director of Marketing and Strategic Initiatives.
Cook said that they worked with Student Life and had conversations with students to find out what they wanted. Student insight helped them select artists to feature at the event.
“All we are looking for is the students to have a great time, to enjoy the Central Campus, and to know that the faculty and staff are looking for ways to make the college ‘lit,’” he said.
The festival will begin at 10 a.m. with campus tours and informational booths for prospective students. The festival will also feature student performers and local DJ performances throughout the day. The encore performances are set to start at 8 p.m.
There will also be a variety of food trucks on-site and activities for festivalgoers.
IRIE, who is the official DJ for the Miami Heat, will serve as the guest host.
“I am incredibly excited to be the special guest host of Broward College’s first Seahawk Festival… we are going to make the Seahawk Festival the event of the year!” IRIE said.
The Seahawk Festival will close out with performances by the Omari Hardwick bluapple Poetry Network, Wyclef Jean, Walshy Fire, and IRIE.
“We are going to continue to find ways to engage outside the classroom. Yes, we are here for the enrollment but also for retention and we want to create the experience outside the classroom,” said Cook.
Cook said they hope for Seahawk Festival to be an annual event. They also hope to expand it to the other campuses so that all students can enjoy the festivities.
“…We want to ensure the college experience offers extracurricular activities that celebrate culture, diversity, and inclusion. It’s also a great opportunity to open our doors to the community and further strengthen our relationship with its residents,” Cook said.
Cook is also encouraging BC students with artistic talent to reach out and inquire about performing at the Seahawk Festival.
Not only are they looking for performers, but also visual artists who would like to showcase their art pieces at the festival.
For more information on performing or showcasing your artwork, you can contact Cook at dcook@broward.edu.
For more information or to purchase tickets for the festival, visit www.seahawkfestival.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the Bailey Hall Box Office located on BC Central Campus.