MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia Athletics is excited to announce the Homecoming Kickoff Concert priror to the WVU football home game against Kansas State on Oct. 19 will feature West Virginia's own Philip Bowen. The Homecoming matchup with the Wildcats, presented by Diversified Energy, kickoff time will be announced in the coming weeks as well as the timing of the Kickoff Concert. The concert is free and open to the public will take place in the Almost Heaven Village, on the East Side of the Puskar Stadium, between the Light Blue and Teal parking lots. Full details on the concert will be released on game week. Tickets for the Kansas State, Homecoming game are still available and can still be purchased at WVUGAME.com. Born and raised in West Virginia, Philip Bowen’s uplifting sound is heavily inspired by Appalachian roots. The dynamic, internationally touring singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist began playing fiddle at the age of four, & his virtuoso skills have become quite popular, with over 1.5 million followers online. His popularity on socials even propelled him to win TikTok’s Greatest Talent competition, beating out thousands of other competitors. He's played iconic venues like The Bluebird Cafe, 3rd & Lindsley, and been a featured performer on NPR's "Mountain Stage." 2023 was a breakout year for Bowen and saw him share the stage with legends like Darius Rucker, finish as a semifinalist on Season 18 of America's Got Talent, earn a spotlight at Americanafest and release his debut album, "Old Kanawha." 2024 has seen him tour nationwide as well as open for artists like 49 Winchester and Wyatt Flores.In addition to his work as a touring artist, he is an accomplished session player hundreds of credits to his name for a wide range of artists including Noah Kahan, Zandi Holup, Sam Barber, Brandon Davis, Styles Haury, Jenna Paulette, Josiah & the Bonnevilles, & more.