Leon Thomas at Eisenhower Auditorium

From The Lion King on Broadway to Victorious on Nickelodeon and the HBO dramedy Insecure, Leon Thomas is moving from writing pop hits to developing his own vocal prowess in Motown studios.

Thomas has written or produced songs for Ariana Grande, Toni Braxton, Jack Harlow, Post Malone, Rick Ross, Jay-Z, and Drake. He’s collaborated with Pittsburgh-based rapper Wiz Khalifa. And he won a Grammy Award in 2024 for his work on the hit song “Snooze” by SZA. Thomas recently became the first artist to sign with Ty Dolla Sign’s Motown-adjacent label, EZMNY Records. Thomas released “Mutt,” his first single from the EZMNY imprint, in September.

“‘Mutt’ unites Thomas’ love of jazz icons like Art Blakey and Miles Davis with neo-soul and rock acts like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin to forge sleek jams with a contemporary edge,” says a writer for the Grammy Awards.

Accompanying Thomas will be Chris Payton (guitar, bass, and keyboards) and Deshaun Allen (drums).

The concert is presented with assistance from the Center for the Performing Arts Student Advisory Council and arts engagement assistants. Now in its fourth year, the council features Penn State students from organizations and colleges throughout University Park that represent various topic areas, including the performing arts, minority identities, STEM, and student government.

Penn State student ticket details

Students who wish to sit together should order together. One Penn State student-priced ticket per Penn State ID. There is a 4 ticket limit per transaction for PSU student priced tickets. You will be asked to provide the PSU email addresses for each student at checkout. To avoid the $4 per ticket handling fee, visit the Arts Ticket Center at Eisenhower Auditorium or call 814-863-0255 during regular business hours from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Monday through Friday.