The All-American Rejects to Headline Spring Concert
It seems that Manhattan College students can’t get enough of middle school-era music nostalgia.
Following the acoustic performance by members of Boys Like Girls for this past fall’s Quadstock, alternative rock band The All-American Rejects is set to take the stage for this semester’s spring concert.
The All-American Rejects/Courtesy
After receiving over 40 percent of the vote in an online survey for the concert’s artist, the group was secured to perform by the office of student activities. “They were voted number one by the students,” John Bennett, director of student activities, said.
While the two bands share a similar musical style, and have even toured together in the past, the fact that both will have played at the college by the end of this academic year was not planned. “It’s a total coincidence,” Bennett said.
The All-American Rejects are best known for their hit singles “Swing, Swing,” “Dirty Little Secret” and “Gives You Hell.” In total, they have produced four studio albums since their formation in 1999.
In addition to The All-American Rejects, the survey administered in the fall offered a diverse group of possible artists available to perform for the concert. Rounding out the top five vote-getters were Matt and Kim, 3OH!3, Neon Trees and B.o.B.
Country artists Kellie Pickler, Craig Campbell and Brynn Marie performed in Draddy Gymnasium for last year’s spring concert, part of the events collectively known as Jasper Days. The 2014 weekend also included a stand-up performance by comedian Brooks Wheelan and student tickets for a New York Yankees game.
The annual weekend of festivities celebrating warm weather and the end of classes had undergone a name change last year after previously being called SpringFest.
Numerous incidents related to drug and alcohol use surrounding the performance by DJ Alesso for SpringFest 2013 led the college’s administration to reformat and rebrand the events.
As of now, the formal name for this year’s spring concert and its related activities is still being decided by the office of student activities. “It’s up for discussion,” Bennett said.
The All-American Rejects are set to play around 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. In addition to the concert, a barbeque has once again been confirmed for students after being absent from the schedule last year. “That’s something the students really enjoyed,” Bennett said.
As previously reported by The Quadrangle, the total cost of the spring concert and its related activities will be $120,000. “The budget has remained the same since last year,” Bennett said.
Of that sum, $55,000 will be used to pay the band, according to Bennett. The rest of the funds will go towards items such as lighting, security, the stage and related events surrounding the concert such as the barbeque.