WASHINGTON (October 8, 2019) - The 2019 Annual International Yardfest will be a complete surprise according to Howard University event planners. Yardfest, presented by Amazon Studios, will take place on Friday, Oct. 11 from noon – 5 p.m. on the upper quadrangle of the main campus. Several acts are scheduled to grace the Pepsi Mainstage which will be hosted by celebrity guests. The event is free and open to public.

“Every year, students and alumni are always curious who will be a part of Howard’s legendary concert,” says David P. Bennett, vice president of Development and Alumni Relations. “The rumors begin in early summer and grow in size right until the night before the event. This time, we are purposefully deciding to keep the audience in suspense. Guests will have to be here to see which performers will grace the stage. For a free concert, we promise everyone will get their money’s worth!”

In year’s past, The Hilltop, Howard’s student newspaper has been provided the line-up the night before to unveil on their social platforms. This year, Editor-in-Chief Jaylin Paschal says the paper will join in maintaining the artist anonymity until showtime at Yardfest.

“I’m intrigued by the mystery of waiting to see who is going to take the stage,” said Paschal. “Yardfest is not just about the artists after all. It is a combination of the music, atmosphere, fashion and fellowship. I think students will have a good time no matter who performs.”

A cherished tradition, Yardfest will continue to reinvigorate Homecoming with a live stage, featuring a diverse range of campus performers, top tier artists and entertainment that reflects the Howard diaspora. In addition to the celebrity musical appearances, Yardfest attendees will also have access to a variety of food and merchandise vendors. Howard University welcomes alumni, students, and friends from the community to enjoy the event.

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ABOUT HOWARD UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867, Howard University is a private, research university that is comprised of 13 schools and colleges. Students pursue studies in more than 120 areas leading to undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University operates with a commitment to Excellence in Truth and Service and has produced four Rhodes Scholars, 11 Truman Scholars, two Marshall Scholars, one Schwarzman Scholar, over 70 Fulbright Scholars and 22 Pickering Fellows. Howard also produces more on-campus African-American Ph.D. recipients than any other university in the United States. For more information on Howard University, visit www.howard.edu.

Media Contact: Sholnn Freeman, Office of University Communications, sholnn.freeman@howard.edu