Hoo wants Harper tickets?
Ben Harper first picked up a guitar when he was 6 years old. When he was 12, he played in front of his first live audience. Now, 19 years later, he is ready to rock University Hall with his signature blend of folk and blues melodies.
Tickets go on sale today at 9 a.m. for the March 3rd concert, organized by PK German. PK German, a University Programs Council committee, acts as the booker and promoter of the University's concerts with major-label artists and local bands. PK German members talk to agents, go backstage with performers and usher the events.
"We went through the typical process where we research and try to bring shows here that appeal to as wide of a range of students as possible," said Jbeau Lewis, PK German chairman and third-year College student. Ben Harper is the type of artist who attracts a college crowd "and University students especially," he said.
First-year College student Sarah King agreed.
"He's a great artist," King said. "I think a lot of people will go to the concert, because right now his type of music, acoustical, is really popular, especially with our age group."
Steph Wilson, a third-year Commerce student who is in charge of hospitality for the band, said she expects Harper to be well received at the University.
"One major way we decide who to bring here is to try to reach different demographics of the University," Wilson said. "This is a little bit different from stuff we've done in the past."
Second-year College student Mary Brittingham attended Harper's concert last year at Trax and is looking forward to his return in March.
"I've listened to him for three or four years now, and a lot of people think he's selling out with his new CD," Brittingham said of his increasing popularity. "But I like a lot of his old stuff. He's different from most artists."
Lewis said he hopes the rest of the University community will respond as positively.
"We're always looking for a sell-out," Lewis said, admitting he was looking forward to a full audience.
Shelby Meade, a publicist for Ben Harper, noted that her agency is "really excited that he's performing" at the University.
"He's amazing! You guys are in for a treat," she gushed. She added that the opening act, Jack Johnson, is tremendous also.
One thousand floor tickets, standing room only, will be sold for $20 to students and $25 to the public. Four thousand general admission balcony seats will be sold to students for $18 and to the public for $23.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Newcomb Hall Box Office and at Plan 9 or by phone with a credit card by calling (804) 924-7314. And for the first time, tickets are also available online at www.upc.musictoday.com.
Compiled by Julia Salasky
Odds ideas?
Call Josie or Christa at 924-1092.
Read More
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
Perfecting the subtle art of the ‘sexile’
By Val Vixen | December 7, 2024Approach this sacred college ritual with a newfound confidence.
Top 10 ways to ring in the holiday season in Charlottesville
By Sam Saks | December 5, 2024With temperatures down, lights up and spirits high, not even pesky final projects and exams can dampen this holiday season.
