Former Phish lead man Trey Anastasio will add to this semester’s Convocation Center powerhouse of acts when he plays the arena Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets will go on sale Friday at noon and will cost $35.50 for general admission. A student discount is not available for the show.

Students may purchase tickets at the Convocation Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, via www.ticketmaster.com or by phone at 312-559-1212.

Tickets also may be purchased through a real-time pre-sale today at 4 p.m. through Thursday at 11 a.m. at http://treytickets.rlc.net, according to the band’s official Web site, www.phish.com.

The show has been in the works for some time, as the Convo approached Anastasio about the performance almost a year ago, said Kevin Selover, marketing director for the Convo.

“We try and get [bands] to have something for everyone,” Selover said. “[Anastasio] fits in a genre none of the other bands we’ve had this year fit in.”

Anastasio just released his fall tour dates and NIU is the only venue in the area, besides Ohio, to feature the performer, so crowds should be big, Selover said. The Convo is marketing the show as far south as Urbana-Champaign and Normal.

A special guest, yet to be announced, also will accompany Anastasio, according to the Convocation Center’s press release.

NIU’s Phish fan base is large, even warranting two different groups on www.facebook.com.

“I really admire Trey for his musical ability,” said Brian Feldkamp, a freshman jazz piano major and facebook fan. “I can appreciate good music [because of my major].”

Some fans also were surprised Anastasio was coming to DeKalb and not a larger city like Chicago.

“I’m pretty surprised he’s coming to NIU,” senior sculpture major Melissa Bruck said. “It’s cool he’s reaching out to a college crowd.”

Feldkamp also expressed excitement the Convo was able to book Anastasio.

Still yet, some supporters enjoy Anastasio’s music because of the feeling they get when he is on stage.

“He’s very passionate about his music,” said Tim Meyering, a junior environmental geoscience major.

Anastasio’s performance begins a busy first weekend of November for the Convo, as rock band 311 is scheduled to perform the following Sunday.