Campus News
MIKE to headline exclusive hip hop concert for UCSC students
New York–based rapper and producer MIKE will headline a student-only hip hop concert at the UCSC Quarry Amphitheater on Saturday, March 7, as part of After Hours, a new event series designed to create more opportunities for student connection, creativity, and engagement. The concert marks the first live music event in the After Hours series and is envisioned as the start of an annual concert tradition for UC Santa Cruz students.
MIKE will headline a student-only hip hop concert at the Quarry Amphitheater on Saturday, March 7, bringing live music to campus as part of After Hours, a new event series designed to expand opportunities for student connection, creativity, and engagement. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show beginning at 8 p.m. and Lil Kayla opening the night.
Tickets are $10 and available online to UC Santa Cruz students while supplies last.
Launching a new tradition for students
After Hours is a newly launched initiative created by the Division of Student Affairs and Success Leadership and Involvement Team, a professional staff–led team focused on expanding opportunities for student involvement, connection, and engagement beyond the traditional campus experience. The series is designed to offer dynamic, high-quality programming that brings students together in new and meaningful ways outside of typical campus hours.
This hip hop concert marks the first After Hours live music event and is envisioned as the beginning of an annual concert tradition at UC Santa Cruz.
“Our goal with After Hours is to create experiences that feel exciting, relevant, and student-driven,” said Paola Lopez, coordinator for the DSAS Leadership and Involvement Team. “This concert is a celebration of student culture, music, and community—and the beginning of something we hope will grow every year.”
About the artists
MIKE, a New York–based rapper and producer known for his introspective lyricism and influence in contemporary hip hop, brings a critically acclaimed catalog and national fanbase to the Quarry Amphitheater. His recent albums, including Disco!, Beware of the Monkey, and Burning Desire, have been praised for their emotional depth, raw storytelling, and experimental production. MIKE has toured nationally and appeared at major festivals and high-profile venues, further cementing his reputation as one of the most compelling voices in modern hip hop.
Lil Kayla, a San Francisco–based rapper known for her upbeat hip hop and trap sound, will open the night with a 30-minute set. She has gained widespread attention for her single “Make His Pockets Hurt,” which has earned millions of streams, and has performed at major festivals including Rolling Loud Bay Area and Hiero Day Festival, sharing the stage with artists such as A$AP Rocky, Future, Migos, Too $hort, and E-40.
Event details at a glance
- What: After Hours hip hop concert featuring MIKE and special guest Lil Kayla
- When: Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Doors Open: 7 p.m. | Show Starts: 8 p.m.
- Where: UCSC Quarry Amphitheater
- Who: UCSC students
Tickets on sale now for UCSC students only.
Follow DSAS on Instagram (@ucsc.dsas) for ongoing updates.
For questions, please contact involved@ucsc.edu.