UPC Shines Light Into Concert Process

NewsApril 15, 2010Unknown source

by Michelle Wilder / CAMPUS EDITOR

UPC doesn’t need a “crying shoulder,” because it successfully booked the Goo Goo Dolls for the annual spring concert.

The organization began searching for an artist last December and it has been an ongoing process ever since, said Paul Bagley, UPC director of major entertainment.

Bagley said UPC usually plans a larger spring concert and smaller fall concert, so the Goo Goo Dolls fit the bill for spring.

“We are allocated $230,000 for the year from SGA to cover two concerts,” Bagley said. “The Goo Goo Dolls actually fit into our budget.”

All of the money SGA gives out, including the allocated concert money, is from the $120 per semester student fees, Bagley said.

There are many different facets to the process of getting an artist to come to Auburn, said Sharné Rice, president of UPC.

“There is a lot more that goes into it than most people think,” Rice said.

To obtain artists, Bagley said UPC has a contract that is renewed every year in August with a middle agent.

Since 2004, that middle agent has been Southeastern Attractions.

Rusty LuQuire, vice president of marketing at Southeastern Attractions and talent buyer/booking agent for Auburn University, explained the steps he takes to obtain major artists for campus events.

“First of all, we look at the survey done by UPC,” LuQuire said. “Then we identify bands in the budget, dates available at the venue and on-tour bands.”

LuQuire said the outcome is usually 10 or 15 available artists, and from there his company narrows the choices down according to the fan base at Auburn. To be chosen, the three criteria of budget, dates available and tour dates have to all fit together, LuQuire said.

“Most of the artists are familiar with Auburn and the University because it’s a visible university,” LuQuire said. “As far as we know, the Goo Goo Dolls knew where Auburn was before we asked them.”

LuQuire also said the Goo Goo Dolls realize what a monumental event this concert will be for Auburn.

“This is the last concert to be held in Beard–Eaves Coliseum,” LuQuire said.

Although UPC usually tries to get an artist that is up-and-coming, Bagley said this semester he tried to get something that is a mix of both old and new.

“(The Goo Goo Dolls) have an album coming out at the end of the summer,” Bagley said. “But a lot of Auburn students grew up listening to them.”

Rice said the UPC committee members agreed upon the Goo Goo Dolls because that one band appeals to a large number of students.

“They are very diverse,” Rice said. “They reach Greeks, non-Greeks, different cultures, all types of students.”

Another aspect of completing the spring concert event is choosing an opening band, which is Sister Hazel.

“Sister Hazel is more of a regional band,” Bagley said. “It was a lot easier to get them.”

However, Rice said it’s more than just a matter of picking out someone to perform first.

“The Goo Goo Dolls had to accept the opening band,” Rice said. “We don’t just choose someone we want, they have to be accepted by the main artist.”

Since the Goo Goo Dolls will be the last to perform in Beard–Eaves, LuQuire said students should take advantage of this “legendary” band.

“It’s just ideal,” LuQuire said.

[source]http://www.theplainsman.com/view/full_story/7077908/article-UPC-Shines-Light-Into-Concert-Process?instance=home_news_1st_right[/source]

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