The game of Deal or No Deal is over, get ready to be Young and Wild and Free.
Mayfest officially announced hip-hop artist Wiz Khalifa as Dillo Day’s headliner over the RHA Facebook page Friday evening. Khalifa will perform at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.
“The contract process was a little more involved than usual,” Mayfest co-chair Jeremy Shpizner said. The group has a policy to only announce acts after contracts are “absolutely finalized." This is the latest a headliner has been announced in at least 10 years.
“We know that Saturday is going to be a kickass day,” Shpizner said. “Please accept from the bottom of our hearts the deepest apologies for not announcing it sooner, but we announce it as soon as we possibly can.”
Khalifa is known for a number of hit songs, including “Black and Yellow,” which peaked at number one on the Billboard chart and spawned a Northwestern-centric remake. According to Mayfest, he was one of the most requested artists during the group's "Who Do YOU Want For Dillo Day?" campaign.
“I think this is a really relevant artist who will bring an amazing performace with a live band,” Mayfest director of concerts Xander Shepherd said. “A live hip hop act with a live band creates a really great energy. It’s a great way to round out the day.”
Mayfest also announced a second stage that will feature student bands and two headliners, Tuki Carter and Chevy Woods. The headliners were brought in association with For Members Only. Carter will perform at 4:00 p.m. and Woods will follow at 5:30 p.m.
Shepherd said that Mayfest worked with Khalifa and his agent to bring Carter and Woods to perform. Both second stage headliners have collaborated with Khalifa and are signed to Khalifa’s record label, Taylor Gang Records.
With weather forecasts calling for thunderstorms Saturday, Shpizner described the rain plan as “fly by the seat of our pants.” According to Mayfest, performances will only be cancelled in the event of constant thunder as determined by the fire chief.