Different college, same headliner, way better support. Proving that we're more than capable of snagging the best Buff State has to offer, UB is proud to announce the All-American Rejects as the headliner of Fall Fest '07.
With the likes of Jack's Mannequin, Reel Big Fish, Trapt, and OneRepublic offering their support, the Double-F's musical waters run deeper than the proverbial amount of excrement Michael Vick has found himself in.
A refreshing change from Fall Fest's hip-hop friendly past, this year's extravaganza, which falls on September 8th, promises a tastefully eclectic mix that's sure to appease UB's diverse musical interests, and fingers crossed, make the most of the end of summer weather.
"We had a list of nearly a hundred bands ranging from every different genre," says SA Entertainment Director AJ Paul, "but we tried to get bands that would cater towards an outdoor setting."
By holding the annual affair at Baird Point, students will be able to experience an end of summer concert as it was meant to be: outdoors, soaking up the sun, enjoying the carnival like atmosphere, and ending the day with the refreshing tunes of AAR.
And the word on the street is that this year there will be a beer tent...score.
"There is a beer tent, it was an across the board decision," Paul said. "We want to offer a safe and controlled place for people (of age) to drink at the show."
Not that beer isn't more than enough reason to go, a line-up this strong should not go unnoticed.
Manning up to their name and duties, the Student Association interviewed over 300 students throughout the past year and inquired about their Spring and Fall Fest aspirations.
Reaching out to students online, the SA created the Buffalo Concert Connection Facebook group, which did more of the same. It makes one wonder who exactly they interviewed two years ago when they booked Live and Our Lady Peace...presumably someone still living in the 90's.
Bands sweet enough to turn down UB's offers include nobody's favorite O.A.R., Akon, Say Anything, Rihanna and Dashboard Confessional. How unfortunate it is that students won't be able to see Akon and his concert staple "child toss" in person or hear Dashboard scream their infidelities.
The All-American Rejects have been atop the charts and on repeat in our heads since they swung, swung, swung there in 2002 and show no plans of moving along. Consistent touring and a non-stop cavalcade of hits prove AAR to be more than capable of manning the headlining duties. Drummer Chris Gaylor's Chuck Norris drum kit doesn't hurt either.
Andrew McMahon's post-Something Corporate group Jack's Mannequin will be offering direct support. Jack's piano-friendly take on power pop has earned them a spot in the hearts of countless followers across the nation, and the coveted job of opening for the likes of U2 and Dashboard Confessional. With scene-cred to spare and his victorious battle over Leukemia leading him to new heights in his musical career, McMahon's Mannequin is a must see.
Further adding to the fun-factor is Reel Big Fish, everyone's favorite ska "sellouts." With appearances in the hit comedy "BASEketball," an undeniably entertaining cover of Aha's "Take On Me" and members that are known to dress up as bumble bees in concert, its no wonder that RBF have remained a college staple for over a decade.
Smaller fish Trapt and OneRepublic round out the bill. Trapt's "headstrong" nature and willingness to echo their sentiments through their music has earned them a strong core following and the sole pure rock spot on the line-up. OneRepublic has remained one of MySpace's top bands for the last year and with connections to Timbaland, among others, their "OC" friendly style of power pop will undoubtedly be gracing your ears and radios shortly.
For those who want to pre-game the main show, local bands Colors in the Air, Room 30, and Bensin will be playing amidst a see of games, prizes, and free food in the events field located across from the Student Union from 1-4 p.m. With free tickets to UB undergrads and a respectable $35 to the general public, Fall Fest '07 is the first must-see event of the semester.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
