While some would argue that Godsmack, Busta Rhymes and Lil' Kim are some of the hottest faces in the music scene, the recently announced eclectic lineup for Fallfest drew mixed reactions from UB's student population.
Some would rather see a different kind of variety, while others say they would rather stay home. Still others cannot wait to check out the Sept. 12 concert, which will be held at Baird Point or Alumni Arena, depending on Buffalo's ever-changing weather.
"I like Lil' Kim, so I'm pretty excited to see her. I think it's a pretty good line up," said Urvish Tamakuwala, a senior business major. "Lil' Kim just came out with her new album so she's popular right now."
Like many previous years, the buzz around campus seems to be the eclectic style of the performers.
"I think Busta Rhymes is good. A lot of people listen to him, because he's a little more mainstream, so he should draw a crowd," said Dave Rutsky, a senior business major. "For Godsmack, maybe I'd be excited if I was in junior high. And I think the reason they got Lil' Kim is because maybe they had some extra money and asked her to come along."
Joe Latorre, a senior business major, agreed.
"The Student Association should have saved their money and booked a really good act for Springfest instead," said Latorre. "I think the Fallfest lineup is kind of boring and should have been used maybe three years ago. If they saved their money for Springfest, they may have been able to book a major-name act like 50 Cent."
Despite some lackluster response, many students say they still plan on attending the show.
"Yeah, I'll go," said Rutsky. "Mostly because it's free. I can't really think of a reason not to go, except for Godsmack."
Thomas Szopinski, a sophomore management major, said he was confused about why this particular lineup was selected, but still thinks he will attend Fallfest.
"I don't know how Godsmack fits in with Lil' Kim and Busta Rhymes. Maybe more people will come, maybe not," he said. "I probably will go."
Student Association President George Pape offered an explanation as to why this year's Fallfest includes such diverse genres.
"I think what (SA) was looking for was the best deal for UB," said Pape. "The show is obviously two different genres of music that this campus appreciates. In the past, there were alternating genres for Fallfest and Springfest, which isn't a true fest. A true music festival is a celebration of different genres of music."
According to Pape, a fest committee consisting of three SA officers selected the Fallfest performers. In years past, the Fest Committee included Sub-Board I representatives, as well as the three SA officers.
"I don't think that the same people are going to see Godsmack and Busta Rhymes," said Rutsky. "It will probably end up being a very awkward atmosphere."
The show is initially scheduled outdoors at Baird Point, but if there are any concerns regarding the weather, it will be moved indoors to Alumni Arena.
Ian Kardys, a senior psychology major, thinks that UB's fests would work better if it were guaranteed that the shows would take place at Baird Point.
"SA should make sure that it's outdoors. Maybe they should put up a tarp, like how it is at Darien Lake. That way, it won't be too hot either," he said.
According to Pape, deciding the location of the event is not that simple.
"In the artist's contract, there is a specific point about the temperature that the artist will perform. So if it's a little chilly out, Godsmack may not perform, and then we'd be screwed," said Pape. "The decision is made about 48 hours in advance."
Fallfest is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. with a slate of unannounced opening bands kicking off the festivities. The tentative schedule for the three headliners has Lil' Kim opening, Busta Rhymes playing the middle slot, and Godsmack closing the show.
