Days after the Student Association announced an all rap and hip-hop Spring Fest, students are split over the single-genre format, but nonetheless impressed with the big-name lineup.
Some students said they believe the acts have limited appeal, which will affect attendance for the annual Student Association event. SA is still looking for a fourth act, but Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss and The Game have all accepted offers to perform on April 30.
Other students, like Amberlee Libertone, said they are thrilled with the lineup and have no problem with the decision to stick to a single genre.
"I am definitely excited. It's going to be a good show," said Libertone, a junior exercise science major. "I've never been to a Spring or Fall Fest before, but I'll definitely be at this one."
Simone Hicks, a sophomore political science major and president of the Black Student Union, also said she is excited and impressed by the number of big-name acts SA has secured the past few fests.
"Snoop and Jada are going to put on a great show," Hicks said. "I went to Fall Fest 2003 and that was pretty good, too. I think SA is doing a great job of bringing in all kinds of acts. They're working hard to please different students on campus with different groups and they're doing a great job."
Students not into the hip-hop genre said their lack of interest will affect their decision whether attend Spring Fest.
"The only performer that I know of is Snoop Dogg," said Andrew Johnston, a senior American studies major. "I don't really care for that type of music, so I'm probably not going to go."
Kevin Garvey, a senior computer science major, said he also would not be in attendance.
"I'm really not excited about this year's lineup because I don't listen to that kind of music," Garvey said. "I won't be going to Spring Fest this year. Then again, I honestly don't remember if I've ever been to any of the fests."
SA's ability to bring in big-name performers has impressed many students, regardless of whether they found the acts to be personally appealing.
"I think it's pretty amazing they can keep bringing in these headlining acts," Johnston said.
"It's definitely impressive, but you have to ask how much money SA is spending to bring these guys in," Garvey said.
According to SA President Burgio, he can't yet release the cost of Spring Fest 2005, but Snoop Dogg and Jadakiss together "cost less than any of the rock bands we've had the last five years."
The only exception is Hoobastank, which performed at a budget-tight Spring Fest last year. Burgio said even he was surprised at the low cost of this year's acts, but every year there are unique variables that affect the cost of performers.
SA officials hope to have Spring Fest outside this year, in which case up to 10,000 tickets could be sold and distributed, Burgio said.
If the show held in Alumni Arena, which holds about 6,000 people, one-third of the tickets would be sold to the general public with the rest going to students.
"We're excited," Burgio said. "Hopefully they'll mark it on their calendars and get ready for a great show. That's what they're paying us for."
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
