Natalie and Crew crank up the quality to earn opening act spot for Flo Rida show

Had best-selling rapper, singer, and songwriter Flo Rida somehow sneaked into the International Ballroom on Monday evening, he'd have been flattered and proud of how well the three bands competing in Dons Got Music performed selections of his music. After all, Mauve, Punching Lucky, and Natalie and Crew were competing to play the opening act of Flo Rida's concert on April 26 at Gates Sports Center. All performed with passion, skill, and lots of energy.

Though formed just within the current academic year, Mauve and Punching Lucky impressed during their 50-minute sets, but the veteran band Natalie and Crew was selected by the judges to kick off the main event in nine short days. They showed the most stage presence and drew the biggest response from the crowd. It's also a good sign when the competing bands dance and sing along to your songs.

After the announcement, Natalie and Crew promised they'd play even better for the concert, adding new songs and even more energy. The group is comprised of lead singer Natalie Dominiak, who's a junior, senior Eleysha Lee on bass guitar, senior Jesse Frausto on guitar, and senior Amara Wiley on percussion and vocals. Junior Michael Boyd plays drums, sophomore Noah Vaughn works the keyboards, and freshman Hailee Richmond handles guitar and vocals.

There's still time to get in on all the fun April 26.

Student tickets cost $10 for general admission to the main stands. Faculty and staff tickets are $20. Everything may be purchased through the Schatzlein Box Office or PFW's online ticketing platform. A $1.50 convenience charge is assessed per ticket for online orders. The concert is being offered exclusively to students, faculty, and staff of Purdue University Fort Wayne and Indiana University Fort Wayne.

All ticket sales will require a valid Mastodon Card or IUFW student ID, which will also be needed to enter the concert. For online sales, students will be required to enter their PFW or IUFW ID number and a valid PFW or IUFW email address. Faculty and staff will only need to enter their PFW or IUFW email. Once purchased, tickets can be texted, emailed, or picked up at the box office. There will also be a temporary box office located at Gates for tickets being picked up on the night of the show.

To get things started, a free pre-show party will take place in the International Ballroom at Walb Student Union beginning at 4 p.m. The event features DJ Key Lo, food, a photo booth, and oversized games. A concert ticket is not required to attend.

Since his debut album, 2008's "Mail on Sunday," Flo Rida has produced 11 Billboard Top 10 hits, including No. 1 songs "Low" in 2007, "Right Round" in 2009, and "Whistle" in 2012. In all, he's had 29 songs rank on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. His breakout single "Low" charted at No. 1 in the United States for 10 weeks and broke the record for digital download sales at the time of its release.

This exclusive event for members of the campus community is sponsored by Fort Financial Credit Union, the Student Government Association, the Division of Enrollment Management and the Student Experience, and the Student Activities Board.

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