Stella Lefty performed at the Student Activity Association’s (SAA) first fall concert since Maddie & Tae in 2024 this past Friday night. Indie singer Jake Scott and pop-soul band Lawrence opened for the breakout musician to a crowd of students and locals.
The free concert capped off SAA’s Welcome Week, an initiative welcoming new and returning students to the University of Mississippi. SAA hosts free events for UM students throughout the year.
Stella Lefkofsky, known professionally as Stella Lefty, is most popular on social media for her hit song, “Boston,” which has over 100 million streams on Spotify. The single became a viral sensation on TikTok and Instagram this past summer and secured a spot at the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 42, only a few weeks after its release on March 27. Most recently, the artist played at the Lollapalooza music festival earlier this month.
After Stella Lefty’s quick climb in streams and internet success, it is easy to understand why SAA invited her to perform at the University of Mississippi.
Caitlyn Callahan, a senior biological sciences major from Valdosta, Ga., is the entertainment co-director for SAA. Callahan offered insight into how the organization decides on the performers invited each year.
“During spring, we go through a list of singers to try to decide which artists the students would be most interested in having,” Callahan said.
When asked about the importance of having free or low-cost events for students, Callahan said it all came down to creating community and unity.
“It is important that every student has access to this, no matter their background in life and on campus,” Callahan said. “They don’t have to worry about spending a lot of money going to a concert.”
Mackenzie Mueller, a freshman studies major from New Orleans, was excited to discover the concert would be free. She saw it as a worthwhile opportunity to spend time with her new roommate and acclimate to campus life.
“I heard about it through Instagram, and I was super excited because I haven’t been to many concerts. I’m also in my new environment with my new friends, so it’s a great opportunity to experience campus life,” Mueller said.
Carlin St. Ledger, a law studies major from Albion, Ill., joined in the excitement.
“I heard about it on the ForUM website,” St. Ledger said. “I am a concert junkie, so I was very excited about dressing up and having a good time.”
Folding chairs and picnic blankets were scattered throughout the Grove during the event. More than a concert, this event was as a bonding experience where love for music brought an entire community together.
Kate Garrett, a freshman studying business management from Melissa, Tx., is not a regular listener of Stella Lefty’s music but said she enjoyed the concert.
“I have not been a huge fan of Stella Lefty, but I enjoy her music and definitely had a blast at the concert,” Garrett said. “I think the concert was a great way to end the first week and definitely brought a positive atmosphere to campus.”
The country star took the stage around 8:30 p.m. She sang a setlist similar to the one she performed at the numerous festivals she played at this year, including Lollapalooza in Chicago, where over 12,000 people gathered to see her perform.
Stella Lefty also announced her new album, “Long Way Home,” while performing in Chicago. She will embark on a world tour beginning in January 2027.
