Press release from Lewis Dellinger ’25, chairman of the Student Senate National Act Committee
The day we’ve all been waiting for has arrived – it’s time to reveal this year’s National Act performer! Our team has poured their hearts into generating fresh ideas to elevate this year’s experience and to address challenges observed in previous National Acts. After careful consideration, we’ve opted for a major shift by bringing in a big-name artist, changing the venue and aiming for the largest attendance in Wabash National Act history.
Acknowledging the issues with packing Chadwick and creating an atmosphere that felt less like a true concert, we’re taking a bold step this year. The National Act is moving outdoors to a venue that will allow students to gather for a pre-concert tailgate, bring in food and beverages to satisfy any country concert thirst and accommodate a significantly larger audience than Chadwick Court allowed.
Without further ado, mark your calendars for April 13, 2024, when we’ll have the immensely popular Hank Ruff opening the show. A recent graduate from Indiana University, Hank Ruff has been making waves throughout the state. After his latest EP, “Hellbender,” claimed the #1 spot on the iTunes all-genre chart, Ruff is expanding his reach, playing across the Midwest and beyond, alongside country stars like Jordan Davis, Michael Ray and Conner Smith.
Hank Ruff’s neo-traditional brand of country music, influenced by classic elements, is taking the United States by storm, and his journey is only just beginning. Born and raised in Southern Indiana, Hank’s musical roots date back to the age of 11, playing the mandolin and eventually picking up the guitar. Collaborating with his dad in “The Dew Daddies,” Ruff’s catalog, including hits like “If the Boot Fits,” encapsulates a blend of traditional country sounds with modern influences.
Following Hank, get ready for an artist with an impressive resume: six number one records, eight top-ten records, the most played song of the decade on Country Radio and an ACM Award. To top it all off, he’s commonly referred to as the “backbone of country music.” We proudly announce that Rodney Atkins will grace the stage at the 2024 National Act here at Wabash. Rodney Atkins is as authentic as they come, embodying values of family, making the most of life and staying true in a rapidly-changing world.
Rodney, with over 14 million records sold, 1.5 billion on-demand streams and multiple number one hits, has become a cornerstone of country music. A heartfelt thank you to the National Act team – Reilly Granger ’25, Connor Thompson ’25, Karston Runge ’25 and Patrick Countryman ’26 – as well as Vic Lindsay, Juli Smith and John Bannec. Their hard work is the driving force behind making this April 13th an unforgettable night.
As always, we are an open group, eager for feedback and suggestions. While we understand that musical tastes vary, we aim to make as many people as possible happy and excited for this new kind of National Act. Even with limited resources, we believe this will be an incredible evening for everyone on campus, regardless of their taste in music. Let’s make it a night to remember – show up, show out and bring as many friends as tickets allow. Stay tuned for updates on tickets, timings and VIP opportunities for a meet and greet with Rodney after the show.