A bit of “Magic” is set for the Benson Auditorium stage this spring. Singer-songwriter Ben Rector is bringing his national tour “Magic” to campus on March 7, 2019, making it the artist’s fourth time to perform at Harding.
Logan Light, director of Campus Activities Board (CAB), said Rector’s music resonates with Harding students because of the authentic, relational way he writes his music.
“As college students, you are still trying to figure out what you’re going to excel at, but when you have a singer-songwriter come in — maybe it’s a stripped-down performance or someone who writes songs that are very relatable — I think it just really clicks with this age group — the idea that we’re on that journey together,” Light said.
Rector first came to Harding in 2012 when he opened for NEEDTOBREATHE, then returned in 2013 and 2015. Light said Rector’s success with his latest national tour and album made it an easy choice to bring him back.
“Ben Rector has done so well here because he can establish that connection and he’s done it repeatedly, and I think that’s a real gift,” Light said.
Harding isn’t the only place Rector has seen success. “Magic,” his latest album, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk chart and peaked at No. 44 on the Billboard 200.
Light said one of the greatest things about his job is getting to host events that create shared experiences that uplift and encourage — events like this upcoming concert.
“I would like people to leave that concert together,” Light said. “When they look back at the end of the year and think about the things they will remember this year by — the musical, Homecoming, Spring Sing — I want them to remember the Ben Rector concert and have that be a touchpoint for them for this year. That would make me really happy.”
With the concert set the Thursday night before Spring Break, Light said he cannot think of a better way for students to kick off their Spring Break.
Tickets are $10 or $5 with a CAB Pass. Tickets can be purchased tomorrow beginning at 10 a.m. on www.hardingtickets.com using ticket password “OhItsMAGIC”. A Spotify pre-sale begins tomorrow as well, and VIP tour packages will also be available on www.benrectormusic.com.
