The Big Event
The annual Big Event is funded by a donation from Richard Williams ’63 and his wife, Marlene. The Williams Fund has been established to bring special events to campus which will stimulate students and enliven the Cornell community. The Big Event typically showcases an up-and-coming performer, comedian, or musical artist during the cold winter months.
Student Senate co-sponsors the event so the performance is free for Cornell students, faculty, and staff with their Cornell ID. A team of college leaders and students collaborate to organize the event, including Student Senate, Performing Arts and Activities Council (PAAC), Greek Council, and KRNL. Several additional students volunteer during the event to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Some students travel to bigger cities like Chicago, Minneapolis, or Des Moines for shows or concerts, but the Big Event brings those fun things to campus, for free. It gives the opportunity to students who don’t have the budget or means of transportation to experience popular live music or concerts.
Interested in being on the Big Event Committee, volunteering for the event, or contributing ideas for who to bring? Contact Madison Dokter.
Past Events
Waka Flocka Flame
January 27, 2024
American rapper Waka Flocka Flame visited Cornell College to headline Cornell’s annual Big Event in the Richard and Norma Small Athletic and Wellness Center (the SAW). The show started with Cornell’s own DominiQuinn Wilcoxen, “KWIN,” performing original works and cover songs. Waka’s debut studio album, Flockaveli, was released in 2010 and his second album was in 2012. His hits include “No Hands,” “Round of Applause,” “Hard in da Paint,” and “O Let’s Do It.”
Bryce Vine
February 18, 2023
Rapper and singer Bryce Vine headlined in the new Small Athletic and Wellness Center. He started his music career in 2011 when he auditioned for The Glee Project TV show and is well-known for his singles "Drew Barrymore" and "La La Land."
James Tutson and the Rollback (filling in for WiztheMC)
April 23, 2022
Local Iowa City band James Tutson and the Rollback performed on the Orange Carpet in 2022 when WiztheMC had to cancel 5 days prior to the performance due to COVID. The concert (previously scheduled to be on the football field due to construction in the SAW and King Chapel) had to be moved indoors due to high winds. The Big Event committee was pleased with the last-minute pivots in order to still provide a high-quality show and fun event for students despite several complications.
James Tutson and the Rollback features Cornell German professor Tyler Carrington and performs such covers as "Watermelon Sugar" by Harry Styles and "Beyond" by Lion Bridges.
WiztheMC is a hip-hop artist and songwriter based out of Berlin who is known for his songs "For a Minute" and "Do it Over."
B.o.B.
February 22, 2019
Rapper B.o.B. performed at the Small Multi-Sports Center. He is well-known for his single “Nothin on You,” which featured Bruno Mars. Among many songs, he recorded hit singles “Airplane,” “Magic,” and “Strange Clouds.”
AJR with Kamau
February 25, 2018
American indie pop band headlined at the Small Multi-Sport Center. The band, which consists of three brothers, Adam, Jack, and Ryan, is known for their hit song “Weak.” The opening act is rap and hip-hop artist Kamau.
Daya
January 28, 2017
National recording artist Daya rocked the Small Multi-Sports Center. She has had three Top 40 hits since 2015: “Hide Away,” “Sit Still, Look Pretty,” and “Don’t Let Me Down” with The Chainsmokers, which won a Grammy in 2017.