American music producer and DJ Justin “3LAU” said he was expecting at least 550 excited attendees at his show in Duo Nightclub on Wednesday night. But to 3LAU’s surprise, his performance didn’t take place at Duo.
A last-minute legal issue moved the show’s venue from Duo, 129 S. Pugh St., to Levels Nightclub, 420 E. College Ave. Nearing his 11:30 p.m. performance time, about 100 people graced the dance floor.
“I’m a little disappointed,” 3LAU said. “I hope people show up and really get into the show.”
The 21-year-old producer/DJ –– and Washington University in St. Louis junior –– recently earned respect and recognition from the house music scene after getting praise from other electronic dance music moguls like Tiesto.
The lower-than-expected attendance at the show, though, was likely a result of the last-minute switch of concert venue. The two nightclubs have similar atmospheres, so Levels was still conducive to the DAYGLOW-esque event. Those who bought tickets were still granted admission into the nightclub, although getting in proved to be a harder task for those younger than 21.
Despite the smaller crowd, the energy of the frenzied attendees –– who were decked out in hipster glasses, neon garb and knee socks, of course –– was tangible as the electronic music blared from the speakers. One 3LAU fan, Julia Martino (sophomore-public relations) said she couldn’t wait to hear the intense buildups and drops of 3LAU’s re-mixes and bootlegs, which include the most recent and popular songs.
“I try to accommodate to the crowd and to cater to the school,” 3LAU said, adding that colleges and universities are his favorite venues. “For this one, I don’t mind throwing in Zombie Nation.”
Wednesday night was 3LAU’s first time at Penn State; the school’s party reputation made it an obvious choice for his tour, he said. Students seemed to appreciate his effort to make it to Happy Valley.
“I wanted the performance to just be hardcore and nuts with the stress of finals coming up,” Nate Meyers (sophomore-criminology) said.
