Lil Tecca headlines welcome back concert for Conestoga students

Over 1,050 Students and guests packed Lot 42 to watch Tyler-Justin Anthony Sharpe, (aka Lil Tecca), perform on Jan. 30 in Kitchener, Ont.

Sharpe, 17, of New York, came all the way from the U.S. to perform. All 2,000 tickets were reserved on the day of the show, but only roughly 1,050 students attended the show. 

Despite the smaller attendance, the crowds still felt quite large. Students chanted along to the music as they pushed and shoved for a front-row spot.

Three days before the concert, roughly 500 people had purchased tickets. Conestoga Students Inc. (CSI), then announced they were making the show completely free. Refunds to those who already bought tickets were issued the next day.

“With the state of the GRT strike, our organization was actively working on numerous supports, communications and resources to help out our student community through those challenging times,” said Zack Dodge, CSI Marketing and Events Manager. 

“We made the decision in the days leading into the show that both the Welcome Back Concert and the CSI Leadership & Career Conference would be opened to free tickets to support our students and provide a positive outlet during a tough time.”

CSI also provided transportation to both events to those who needed it. 

“The strike was limiting the ability for students to attend work, school, and social engagements – this was a great call to help the community out,”Dodge said. 

‘The show tonight was insane’

With that, not everyone was too familiar with who all the performers were, but still enjoyed the first few hours of the show before Lil Tecca erupted from backstage.  

“The first couple (artists) were alright considering I didn’t know any of their songs. They were good performers though,” said Colton Bugdale, an accounting student from the University of Guelph. 

DJ FL3MO played music mixes as people filled the building between 7 and 8 p.m. — he also played in-between performers. KVNE started off the night and was followed by Snotty Nose Rez Kids. 

At one point in his set, Kevin Edworthy, aka KVNE, gave away a t-shirt by throwing it into the crowd. An audience member then threw it back. KVNE said on stage that his actions were disrespectful.

In an interview via Instagram, he commented more on the situation.

“It really ain’t a thing to me, hahaha,” he said. “Maybe it didn’t fit, maybe he didn’t like it, but bottom line, he’s gonna wish he kept that and got it signed this time next year (laughing emoji).”

“The show tonight was insane, y’all really know how to welcome artists into your home,” said Edworthy.

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