 "Photo: Courtesy of SUU")
For the second year in a row, SUU has managed to secure a big name band to perform during Homecoming Week.
Smash Mouth, a pop band from California, whose hit songs include "Walkin' on The Sun" and "All Star," will be performing at SUU for Homecoming Week.
SUU President Michael T. Benson said he hopes a big-name concert will become tradition for Homecoming Week.
"Last year when we had the Goo Goo Dolls concert, it was such an unmitigated success," he said. "I told (Alumni Relations executive director) Mindy Benson, 'wouldn't it be great if every Homecoming , as a way to kind of thank the students and get them jazzed about the new year, to do a big name concert?'"
Mindy Benson said she was excited about the concert.
"I like their music, I'm not a stalker or anything but I was surprised of how much of their music I know," she said.
Marty Lane of Canyon Media Broadcasting, the concert's promoter, said he was able to catch the band en-route to a larger show.
Booking a band is kind of like a car deal, Lane said.
A promoter must submit an offer to the band's agent, who chooses to accept or deny the offer, but the final decision ultimately rests upon the band itself, he said.
Lane said big-name concerts are extremely pricey, with expenses covering artist fees, catering, hotels, meals, lights, stage and other production fees.
The future of SUU concerts depends on the student and community response, Lane said.
"If people don't pay, the bands won't come," he said.
Canyon Media Broadcasting and other sponsors paid for the Smash Mouth concert, eliminating SUU's risk in the venture.
Mindy Benson said because SUU did not contribute any money to book Smash Mouth, it will not receive profits from the show.
Advertising hasn't been pushed much yet, but there are plans to do so in the next few weeks with ads on Power 91, posters, fliers and possibly e-mails and texts, she added.
Part of the promotion will include contests in which contestants can compete for free tickets from SUUSA, radio stations and other sources, Mindy Benson said.
Dean O'Driscoll, vice president of University Relations, said the low ticket prices are a good opportunity for students.
"It's another bargain," he said. "I mean, students can go to see Smash Mouth for $20. You can't even buy a drink at the concert in Vegas for that price."
According to fliers posted around SUU the concert will take place Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. in the Centrum Arena. Tickets are on sale at the Centrum Box Office and anyone interested in purchasing tickets can contact the box office at 586-7872 or www.smithstix.com 1-800-888-TIXX.
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