First name: Luda.
Last name: Cris.
And he’s putting on a concert many won’t want to miss.
The Champaign, Illinois, native and adopted hip-hop mogul of Atlanta is headlining this year’s “Hydrate Heroes” and MWR’s Fourth of July Fest for Fort Campbell and 101st Airborne Division.
A free concert to soldiers and visitors alike, it all starts at 6 PM that Thursday on the Division Parade Field, where the 101st Army Rock Band and Echosmith will open up festivities before he takes center stage.
Regina Maloney, MWR Marketing Director of Fort Campbell, said officials are expecting more than 45,000 in attendance.
Bringing in big names isn’t uncommon for the installation and its officials. Just last year, concert goers embraced essences of the Stone Temple Pilots and Lynyrd Skynyrd — a show Maloney called “amazing.”
Ludacris, however, has just as much staying power — and currently splits his time as a promoter and actor while continuing to produce rap beats after successful tunes like “Southern Hospitality,” “What’s Your Fantasy?” and “Rollout.”
Maloney said it’s not common for Fort Campbell to host a rap star, but an all-call survey came back with overwhelming results.
Maloney said Ludacris is scheduled to play a 90-minute set from 8:30-10 PM, with fireworks following, and multiple exits available after the concert.
In order to create a safe environment, Maloney added that all vehicles entering the installation are subject to searches — and certain rules must be followed for non-Department of Defense cardholders.
Sponsors include: Pete Olson Injury Law, White’s Auto Mall, Ryan Homes and USAA. Sponsors are still being accepted — and a carnival will be up and running at 1 PM July 2-6.
Many restrictions and advisory also apply to the Division Parade Field: no personal fireworks, no firearms, no outside alcohol, glass bottles, pets or grills, patrons can bring blankets, folding chairs and safe light-up toys, sunscreen, hats and bug spray are recommended, and umbrellas can be used for shade until 5:30 PM — when they must be stowed before the concert.
