We live in a time when most entertainment is consumed through screens, at our fingertips, curated, and often watched alone. For many students, this is all they know. But there’s a type of performance that brings people together, creates unforgettable moments, and delivers energy you can feel: live entertainment.

And now is the perfect time to rediscover live entertainment on campus.

As event planners and programmers, you have a unique opportunity to reintroduce the next generation to the unmatched power of a live performance. Whether it’s comedy, music, poetry, or magic, your campus can be the space where students laugh, cheer, connect, and experience something they’ll talk about long after the event ends.

Why Live Entertainment Matters

There’s a real human connection that happens when we gather to witness talent in real time. Whether it’s a friend volunteering to be hypnotized, an unexpected lyric that hits home, or a moment of shared laughter, live events bring us out of our bubbles and into community.

They also make a lasting impression. Ask anyone who attended a standout performance during their college years, and you’ll see how those moments stick. Rediscovering live entertainment isn’t just about the show. It’s about the sense of community and memory it creates.

These Artists Bring Those Moments

Meet and Greet with Ryan Kelly (YouthPastorRyan)

Get ready to meet viral sensation Ryan Kelly (YouthPastorRyan) live and in person! With over 5.5 million TikTok followers and 2.3 million on Instagram, Ryan’s clean, quick-witted comedy has made him a favorite among students. But this isn’t just another scroll through your feed—it’s your chance to experience his interactive, laugh-out-loud storytelling up close. After the show, stick around for a casual Meet and Greet where students can snap photos, ask questions, and share a laugh with Ryan face-to-face. It’s a unique opportunity to connect beyond the screen and create a memorable moment with one of today’s most relatable comedians.

Music & Make and Take with Matt Jackson

As Matt Jackson fills the space with his raw, heartfelt music, students aren’t just listening—they’re creating. Known for his empowering lyrics and soulful voice, Matt has opened for major acts like Train, the Goo Goo Dolls, and the Wallflowers. But it’s his authentic connection with audiences in intimate, laid-back settings that truly sets him apart. His acoustic performance creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere that invites students to relax, unwind, and engage.

While enjoying Matt’s live set, guests design their own Custom Photo Mug, choosing a photo, design, or emoji that makes their mug uniquely theirs. It’s hands-on, personal, and the perfect complement to the emotional resonance of live music.

For ultimate success, place this event in a high-traffic or coffee area where students naturally gather drawing them in with music, creativity, and a free custom mug they’ll actually use.

This is more than a screen or a scroll—it’s a memory made in real time, blending music, creativity, and community. Perfect for campus events that aim to connect students, relieve stress, and send them home with something to remember.

Derrick Knopsnyder Stand-Up & Stuff-a-Buddy
There’s nothing like the energy of a live show, and comedian Derrick Knopsnyder is the perfect way to bring it back to your campus. With quick wit, spontaneous crowd work, and an inviting stage presence, Derrick’s interactive comedy reminds students what it feels like to laugh together in real time.

Paired with Stuff-a-Buddy, this event hits all the marks. As Derrick keeps the crowd laughing, students build their own plush animal, choosing from a variety of cuddly characters and personalizing them with a birth certificate. It’s fun, stress-relieving, and a great icebreaker for new students.

Stuff-a-Buddy will draw students into the event with the chance to create something cute and personal keeping them there for the energy, laughter, and connection of a live comedy show. It’s the perfect way to reintroduce students to the power of in-person entertainment, blending creative engagement with shared experience to create lasting campus memories.

Comedian Brandi Denise
Brandi brings TV-star power, Second City training, and high-voltage energy to the stage. She’s fresh off a Comedy Central feature, recurring roles on Starz’s Power series, and a wave of viral stand-up clips. Brandi was also featured in a 30-minute special on LOL Live!, Hulu’s brand-new stand-up series from Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat, showcasing top comedic talent in nonstop sets. Her performance style is bold, real, and hilarious, owning the room with stories that blend humor, social insight, and the kind of charisma that gets students on their feet.

Musician Andie Case
Andie Case is the definition of a powerhouse. With over 160 million views online and a sound that blends pop hooks with personal lyrics, she brings high energy and authenticity to every show. Students love her LGBTQ+ positive messaging, bold style, and undeniable talent. Her live sets are vibrant, emotional, and leave the room buzzing.

Hypnotist Paul Ramsay – “Mind Games”
Paul Ramsay’s interactive show Mind Games isn’t your typical hypnosis experience. Using audience polling software, students vote in real time to shape the show’s direction. This keeps the energy high and the audience invested. His performances are a balance of comedy, intrigue, and audience-driven excitement that keep students talking long after the final snap.

“If we can get students to attend live entertainment more and more, then we’re creating opportunities for them to connect with new people, be more engaged in their campus community, and get more out of their college experience. I know things have been really challenging for student activities since the pandemic, but we can’t give up. Programming is important and we have to rebuild the culture around live entertainment.” – Paul Ramsay

Magician Giancarlo Bernini
Giancarlo’s live shows are pure magic. A Penn & Teller: Fool Us winner, he’s known for combining world-class illusions with personal storytelling and mind-blowing mentalism. Whether performing close-up or on stage, Giancarlo creates immersive, shared experiences that make every student feel like the magic is happening just for them. His shows blend humor, wonder, and genuine human connection.

Spoken Word Artist Gabriel Ramirez
Gabriel’s performances are electric. A Queer Afro-Latinx poet and activist, he weaves topics like mental health, masculinity, self-love, and identity into every piece. His delivery is powerful and poetic, and his emotional resonance makes each performance feel like a collective release. Gabriel’s work inspires students to reflect, affirm, and engage with their world more thoughtfully.

Spoken Word Artist Jillian Hanesworth
Jillian is more than a poet. She’s a force. With an Emmy-winning background and a legacy as Buffalo’s Poet Laureate Emeritus, she uses the power of storytelling to spark real conversations about justice, literacy, and community care. Her performances are commanding, purposeful, and deeply rooted in social change, making her an ideal voice for events that aim to uplift, inspire, and educate.

Tips to Draw Students In

Getting students to attend a live show is often about creating a full experience. Here are a few simple ways to boost attendance and energy at your next event:

Add a Make-and-Take
Combine your show with a creative element. Offer Neon Entertainment programs like DIY Color Tote Bags or Create-a-Creature. These activities give students a keepsake to take home while enjoying the art of live entertainment.

Add a Photo Booth
A themed photo booth with props connected to your artist or event type makes it easy for students to capture and share the moment. It’s a simple way to boost both participation and visibility. Neon Entertainment has several photo fun events to choose from including classic photo booths, glow booths, 360 photo booths, and more!

Help Students Rediscover Live Entertainment

College is about exploring new ideas, meeting new people, and having experiences that shape who we become. Introducing students to live entertainment is more than just putting on a show. It’s creating memories that connect them to each other and to the campus in a meaningful way.

So let your campus be the place where students rediscover live entertainment. A space where laughter is shared, voices are heard, and the power of performance leaves a lasting impression.

The artists are ready. The talent is real. Contact Neon Entertainment be the ones to help your students rediscover live entertainment!