Scheduling conflicts cancel concert plans

March 19, 2007 —

A popular spring event for SVSU students is taking a break this year. Several scheduling conflicts are causing the Program Board to not move forward with plans to host a spring concert like it has in the past.

The Program Board made a couple of attempts at landing an artist for the spring concert, but was unable to come to terms.

This year's original decision was to place a bid for modern rock band Hinder, said Program Board President Crystal Dillard. The bid quickly came back, and the band was unavailable to appear at SVSU on the dates provided.

Dillard said that after another lengthy voting process, a $60,000 bid was placed for the band All-American Rejects. Two weeks later, that bid came back negative as well. One of the band members decided to pursue the film industry and was not available on any of the dates provided.

Dillard expressed her disappointment that the concert was no longer available as an option.

"One of my goals as Program Board President this year was to put on a good concert for the students to enjoy," Dillard said. "Not having one this year stinks."

There were two back-up plans ready for bidding, but it was the end of February and didn't leave much time for Program Board to continue with the concert, Dillard said.

Although plans didn't work out this year, Student Life director Janelle Hemingway doesn't think it is necessarily a bad thing.

"The process is a learning experience, and each time we go through it, both students and staff learn something new," Hemingway said. "We now have a few more tips for the next time."

In order to bring a concert to SVSU, a series of steps needs to take place. First, Program Board members decide on the band or artist they would like to bring. Then, the Program Board president and advisors place a bid they are willing to pay for the artist through a middle agent.

The middle agent works with the prospective artist in an attempt to coordinate dates and negotiate costs. If the band does not agree with the original offer, the middle agent works as a medium between the two in an attempt to reach an acceptable agreement.

Because the first step is choosing a music genre, Dillard would like to see an increase in participation of the process from the students. Last fall's concert survey only received feedback from two percent of the student population.

"More help from students will give us a sense of they want," Dillard said.

The Program Board is still interested in teaming up with Greek organizations to host a spring event. The event is to take place the weekend before exams, in hopes of providing a relaxing atmosphere before the year's end.

Program Board is looking to bring four small bands of different genres to the event. Food will be included, along with activities such as inflatable games and henna tattoos. Hemingway believes that the spring event will be just what SVSU students need the weekend before exams.

"The students of SVSU are much better served with a free day of live music, food, and outdoor relaxation," said Hemingway. "April 27 will be a great celebration for the Cardinal community!"

The funds left over from the spring event will be applied toward next year's concert. Dillard wants to make sure students know that this year's concert situation does not deny any chance of a concert next year.

"Students shouldn't worry about the concert being taken away," Dillard said. "It is possible to host both the concert and the spring event next year. And, depending on who next year's Program Board members are, a fall concert is not necessarily voted out either."

Students interested in joining Program Board may apply at the beginning of each semester by filling out a short application.

Program Board meetings are Mondays at 10 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose room. Any student may attend.