A recent graduate of the College of Communications and former Penn State student-athlete takes the stage at the State Theatre in downtown State College, Pa., to play host to a wide-ranging night of music this week.

Mike Wallace, a 2012 telecommunications graduate known as “Mike Wallz,” is set to headline “A Night at the Theatre” on Friday, Jan. 18. The event, which will feature artists from various music genres, begins at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to attend in formal wear. Admission is $10 and includes a free glow stick.

Tickets can be purchased at The State Theatre box office daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. More information can be found at http://thestatetheatre.org/whats-on/a-night-at-the-theatre/ online.

Wallace developed, organized and marketed the event beginning last fall while he was completing his undergraduate degree after he was sidelined by a pectoral tear that ended his Penn State football career. In October, Wallace opened for Big Sean on the University Park campus. In the months leading up to Friday’s event, a documentarian has followed Wallace and his team, recording the day-to-day life of the artist to show his journey and all that it took to make “A Night at the Theatre” happen.

Featuring a little something for everyone, “A Night at the Theatre” will begin with the talented Columbus, Ohio-based alternative rock band, “Boomerang Kid,” and will also showcase local DJ “THE MXBB,” who will spin electro-trap house music between sets.

Wallace will end the show with his own original hip-hop music, mainly from his newly released debut solo album, “The Free Life.” His performance also will include a splash of classics from his band, Primary Element.

A native of Maryland, Wallace credits music idols Jay-Z and Kanye West as inspirations for his music and for being role models for how to be successful with the “business” part of the music business.

By the end of the night, Wallace -- who has more than 3,000 followers on his growing Twitter feed (@MikeWallz) -- is optimistic the audience will leave with an enhanced knowledge of who he is, what he stands for, and the importance of living “The Free Life.” Samples of Wallace’s music may be found at http://mikewallz.com/ online.

"I want people to take from the show what it means to follow your dreams and passions,” said Wallace. “I want them to know that you can accomplish great things, because we are meant to do that, it’s just a matter of harnessing that potential.”

Wallace says “The Free Life” symbolizes living the life you live, and loving the way you live it. He feels that in today’s world it’s difficult to find musicians who care about their craft and really pay attention to detail. Through “A Night at the Theatre,” Wallace aims to establish himself as an artist not driven by money or fame, but rather the inspiration that can be delivered to others through his craft.

“Positivity is contagious,” Wallace said. “Once you realize that, once you surround yourself with that you can’t fail.”