It might be cold in January, but come March, it will be “gettin’ hot” in the NIU Convocation Center.

St. Louis native Nelly will bring his brand of hip-hop to DeKalb for a show Wednesday, March 9 at the arena.

Nelly last visited NIU on April 23, 2001 for a performance of then hits “E.I.” and “Country Grammar” at the Chick Evans Fieldhouse.

Ticket prices were unknown at press time but are slated to go on sale to the general public Jan. 28.

Few details are known about the event – including possible opening acts for the performer, but a press release from the arena is due today.

Phone calls Wednesday night to Kevin Selover, convo center marketing manager, were not returned.

Nelly released two albums, “Sweat” and “Suit,” simultaneously on Sept. 14, and the latter recently garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.

For the latest information about the upcoming concert, visit the Northern Star Online at www.northernstar.info and look in upcoming editions of the newspaper.