Common

More Info: Common 

Description

The rumors are true. Grammy-winning rapper, writer, and activist Common will join us for a discussion and signing live at the Englert on Saturday, October 6 at 2:30 p.m.

Common will take part in a day-long residency in Iowa City including student engagements, a discussion with Linn County supervisor Stacey Walker and book signing at the Englert, and a presentation at Hancher Auditorium later that evening at 7:30 p.m. Presented by the Iowa City Book Festival and University of Iowa Lecture Committee with support from a number of community organizations.

Discussion and Signing
2:30 p.m. show / 2 p.m. doors – The Englert Theatre
Common will appear live at the Englert for a discussion with Linn County supervisor Stacey Walker around Common’s New York Times best-selling memoir, One Day It’ll All Make Sense. There will be a post-discussion signing.

Common holds nothing back in this gripping memoir, both provocative and funny. He tells what it was like for a boy with big dreams growing up on the South Side of Chicago. He reveals how he almost quit rapping after his first album sold only two thousand copies. He recounts his rise to stardom and talks about the challenges of balancing fame, love, and family. Through it all, Common emerges as a man in full. Rapper. Actor. Activist. But also father, son, and friend. His story offers a living example of how, no matter what you’ve gone through, one day it’ll all make sense.

Admission is free and open to the public and first come, first served. No ticket is required. We are anticipating a large turnout to this event, so we request that all attendees arrive together. Patrons waiting to enter will be lined up outside regardless of the weather. Once inside, please do not save seats. Those arriving late will be seated at the house manager’s discretion.

“Greatness” Lecture
7:30 p.m. show / 6:30 p.m. doors – Hancher Auditorium
Common will appear live at Hancher Auditorium to present a lecture titled “Greatness.” More information can be found at Hancher’s website.

Free Reserved Seating ticket is required for admission. Tickets will open to UI students only first on Friday, September 21 beginning at 10 a.m. CT at the Hancher Box Office. A valid UI student ID is required. Tickets will open to the general public beginning Monday, September 24 at 10 a.m. Limit of two tickets per person.

Supported by:

Sponsorship was provided by the University of Iowa Office of Equal Opportunity & Diversity, Carver College of Medicine Office of Diversity and the Office of the Vice President for Student Life.

Additional support has been provided by community sponsors: The Englert Theatre, UNESCO City of Literature, City of Iowa City, West Music, M.C.Ginsberg; and the University of Iowa School of Music, SCOPE, School of Journalism, Athletics, Provost Engagement, African American Studies, Theater, Communication Studies, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., National Association of Black Journalists Unity Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., African American Council.