Vans are kicking off a number of events this March to celebrate the brands 50th anniversary. The celebrations will include a number of concerts by prominent artists as well as numerous shops popping-up all over the globe.
The “Off The Wall” anniversary will kick-off on March 16 in six locations across five countries. Nas will be holding the fort in Brooklyn, performing alongside Questlove from The Roots, and Brooklyn locals, Yeasayer. In Mexico City, Wu-Tang Clan are going to keep the hip-hop heads occupied, along with indie rock band, The Kills, and renowned DJ, Jamie xx.
March 18 will have an additional three locations host their own parties, with the likes of Dizzee Rascal performing in London. Seoul meanwhile, will be hosting the legendary Californian skateboarder, Ray Barbee, who’ll undoubtedly be mixing it up on the turntables with his sometimes collaborators The Mattson 2.
The three-day festival will conclude on March 19 in Kuala Lumpur, with Ray Barbee and The Mattson 2 wrapping up the show, alongside John Cardiel, Misgive, The Fridays and Killeur Calculateur.
The 50th anniversary celebrations are looking to be more than just a global party, with Vans planning on using the events to set the tone for the brands future. April Vitkus, the senior director of the Vans global brand marketing, hinted as much in her interview with Billboard, suggesting that the celebrations will be seen as a way for the company to procure more global exposure.
“One of the key things about celebrating the 50th anniversary is that it’s not just about March 16th. This is really a pivot point for the rest of 2016 and beyond, we want to ensure that people are going to experience the House of Vans and interact with us one-on-one. This is really a time that we’re giving back and connecting with, and inspiring the next wave of Vans enthusiasts and creative thinkers.”
Image: consequenceofsound
If history is any indication, large big name concerts are definitely a stepping stone into providing your brand or cause with the global spotlight that it’s after. Regardless of your opinion regarding the brands clothing, if you’re in any of these places during the indicated dates make sure you check it out, as these shows will undoubtedly be an enjoyable spectacle.
Main Image: Vans