If the Convocation Center was built to attract a higher level of music entertainment to the campus, some may agree it delivered its promise.

NIU has booked classic rock legend Styx to perform next month at the Convo Center. The band will be opened by long-running rock group, Kansas, as well as British pop rocker John Waite.

The musical sensation brought upon by Styx has lapsed decades of reinvention and hits, including chart-toppers such as “Renegade,” “Lady” and “Come Sail Away.” Kansas also boasts a three-decade shelf life with hits such as “Dust in the Wind.” John Waite will contribute a softer touch to this Valentine’s Day event with his signature ballad hits such as “Missing You” and “When I See You Smile.”

“I think Styx, Kansas and Waite will draw a lot of people to do something for a Valentine’s Day evening they’ll never forget,” said Joe Coots, marketing manager for the Convocation Center. “Styx is a classic rock group and they’re very popular among 18 to 25 year olds, that’s why we booked them.”

Frank Shipp, a junior corporate communication major was excited to hear about the performance.

“I’ve always hoped that Northern would bring in some classic bands like this,” Shipp said.

Tickets can be purchased at the Convocation Center as well as all Ticketmaster locations.

In addition to booking Styx, the Convocation Center has scheduled blues legend B.B. King to perform in April.

King has defied time with decades of musical innovations combining blues, jazz, swing and pop.

Special guests for King will include Bobby “Blue” Bland and NIU Alums Howard and the White Boys.

B.B. King and Bland are the first major blues artists scheduled to perform at the Convocation Center.

“Everyone young and old knows who B.B. King is,” Coots said. “We feel it’s a huge accomplishment to have B.B. King come here to NIU.”

Students are thrilled with expectation of seeing King this April.

“I hope I can still get tickets for the show, I think it’s unbelievable that we’re having B.B. King come to NIU,” said Armando Espinoza, a sophomore electrical engineering major.