Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Thomas to perform March 25 at Eisenhower

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Now in his soulfully dramatic, rock-R&B era, Grammy Award-winning songwriter-singer-actor Leon Thomas will make his Penn State debut in a live concert at 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25, in Eisenhower Auditorium, to perform songs from his newest album, “Mutt.”

Tickets go on sale starting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 12, to Center for the Performing Arts members and at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 13, to the public. Reserved-seat tickets will be available online, by phone at 814-863-0255, or in person, weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Visit Leon Thomas online for more information about the artist as well as details for Penn State student buyers.

The event is presented with the help of the Center for the Performing Arts Student Advisory Council and arts engagement assistants. Learn more about the Student Advisory Council online.

The singer-songwriter, musician, pop-music producer got his start acting on the Broadway stage and in shows like HBO’s “Insecure” and Nickelodeon’s “Victorious.” Now developing his vocal prowess in Motown studios, Thomas will prove his soulful, rhythmic rock style with a performance of songs from his newest album, “Mutt.”

He also can boast six degrees of separation with powerhouses of the pop and hip-hop music circles. He’s written or produced songs for Ariana Grande, Toni Braxton, Jack Harlow, Post Malone, Rick Ross and Jay-Z. He’s collaborated on music with Freddie Gibbs and Pittsburgh-based rapper Wiz Khalifa. And in 2024, he won a Grammy Award for his work on the hit song “Snooze” by SZA.

“‘Mutt’ unites Thomas’ love of jazz icons like Art Blakey and Miles Davis with neo-soul and rock acts like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin to forge sleek jams with a contemporary edge,” said a reporter for the Grammy Awards.

Thomas released “Mutt,” his first single from Ty Dolla Sign’s Motown-adjacent label EZMNY Records, in September.

Not a CPA member?

Not only do members get first dibs at tickets to see artists such as Leon Thomas, member support makes a variety of programs possible that bridge artists and audiences. Student memberships start at $2. Visit the CPA's membership page for more information about levels and benefits.

Supporting the Center for the Performing Arts’ legacy is easy. Become a member, or renew your existing membership, online or by contacting the College of Arts and Architecture Advancement Office at 814-863-2142 or via email.

‘We embrace all forms of art and expression’

The event is presented with the help of the Center for the Performing Arts Student Advisory Council and arts engagement assistants. In previous years, the council presented a Campus Comedy Night, which brought top comic headliners, including Preacher Lawson and Marcello Hernández, to campus.

“Bringing Leon to Penn State feels like a pivotal moment for the auditorium and its connection to the student community,” said Noa Diggs, a member of the Student Advisory Council. She said the event should attract new faces and generate fresh energy.

The council, in its fourth year, features Penn State students from organizations and colleges throughout the University Park campus that represent various topic areas, including the performing arts, minority identities, STEM and student government.

The council’s goal is to help identify areas where students feel the center can offer programming with students in mind, whether in terms of the type of performance or identities represented in them. Thanks to feedback provided from the council, the performances aim to highlight diverse voices from a new generation of performers.

“This decision demonstrates that we embrace all forms of art and expression, including R&B, and are committed to strengthening our relationship with the diverse interests of the Penn State community,” Diggs said.

Learn more about the Student Advisory Council.

Acknowledgements

A grant from the University Park Student Fee Board makes Penn State student prices possible.

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