What is The Champ?
And why is it on campus?
By Noah Lopez
Knightly News Reporter
If you’ve noticed concert posters around campus or heard music coming from the Capital BlueCross Theatre on weekend nights, then you’ve stumbled on something you may like.
These events are part of The Champ, a concert series by independent entertainment group CI Productions.
The shows are held inside the Capital BlueCross Theatre, right in the heart of campus, but many students are unfamiliar with The Champ or how it works.
According to Joseph Caviston, Central Penn’s digital communications strategist, The Champ concerts are not college-sponsored events. Instead, they are organized by CI Productions, a longtime Pennsylvania music promoter that rents the space to bring in artists.
Caviston explained that the partnership began last autumn, after CI Productions reached out about using the theater for a single concert. Because the space wasn’t being used frequently, the college saw an opportunity to offer more live entertainment on campus without the college needing to plan or fund the shows.
“We just worked out a rental agreement,” Caviston said. “They handle everything, from booking to promotion. We just provide the space.”
Even though Central Penn isn’t involved in planning the events, the college made sure students could benefit. As part of the rental deal, students can attend any Champ concert for free by showing their student ID at the door.
“It’s a way to give students more to enjoy here,” he said. “And it doesn’t cost the college anything extra.”
CI Productions has a long history on the state’s music scene. The company previously ran a venue in Lemoyne also called The Champ, which was known for hosting rock, punk and alternative acts. While the original location closed due to rising rent, the team behind it still promotes shows throughout Pennsylvania and also runs CI Records, a label known for launching bands like August Burns Red and Texas in July.
Because CI Productions handles the booking, the lineup at Central Penn often features heavier music. Caviston said the group has hosted other styles too, including hip-hop, and encouraged students to speak with the event team directly if they have requests.
“They’re open to feedback,” he said. “If students want a different genre, they should go and let them know.”
Recent concerts have drawn strong crowds, including people from outside the college. Caviston said that helps raise awareness of Central Penn in the community.
“It brings new faces to campus,” he said. “It’s like free visibility for us.”
Saturday was the last August concert, but Caviston said CI Productions concerts are expected to continue.
Find details and ticket information at cirecords.com/thechamp or on The Champ’s Facebook page. All students need to do is bring their ID to attend for free.
As word spreads, The Champ is slowly becoming one of the more unique perks of life at Central Penn. For students who live on campus or commute from nearby, it offers a chance to experience live music without leaving school grounds.
Comment or story idea? Contact [email protected].
Edited by media-club co-adviser and this blog’s editor, Professor Michael Lear-Olimpi.
