Band search for spring events still moving on
Regatta and Movin' On organizers face an uphill battle in their search for bands

By JAMES DOOLITTLE
Collegian Arts Writer

With the scheduled dates for Movin' On day and the 21st Annual Beta Sigma Beta Sy Barash Regatta quickly approaching, organizers seem rather relaxed despite the frustrating position they now find themselves in.

As director of Movin' On '95, the annual day-long extravaganza sponsored by the Association of Residence Hall Students to celebrate all those who are "moving on" in life, Mark Shulman has being fighting an uphill battle this year in trying to land a headlining musical act for the April 22 event.

"Booking a headlining act this year has been next to impossible," Shulman said. "I've honestly never seen it this bad."

As director last year, Shulman brought college radio darlings Belly to the outdoor event on the HUB lawn, in turn drawing one of the largest crowds in the event's history. But even with increased funding, a better sound system and a bigger stage, Shulman still is without a headliner.

Although acts from Rusted Root to the Gin Blossoms have been courted this year, locking down an act has been difficult because Shulman has to find an act whose tour schedule coincides in both time and location with the event's fixed date.

"Because of the fixed date, if they're not in the area or passing through, then it's very hard to sign a band to play here," Shulman said. "Not to mention that 50 percent of the bands out there won't play colleges. There seems to be a serious attitude on the part of management against college venues because they see playing at a college as a step down."

Shulman is not the only one having band troubles. Jordan Rutberg, co-chairman for the regatta, said because many bands are trying to move beyond the "college scene," finding a headlining act for the regatta has been equally difficult. With the event scheduled for April 23, Rutberg said although he has come close, the regatta is still, at the moment, bandless.

"Because of our budget, trying to find a band within the $15 to $30,000 price range is difficult," Rutberg said. "Most of the bands which draw a large crowd fall somewhere between $40 to $75,000."

Although past shows were headlined by national acts such as Blues Traveler and Arrested Development, Rutberg said many bands refuse to play outdoor concerts, which both the regatta and Movin' On are.

"Most bands want a bit more order, which an indoor event provides, although I do believe that when push comes to shove, we will land a band for this year's concert," he said.

Although the intended dates for announcement of lineups for both days are past, Rutberg is hoping to make an announcement tomorrow about who will play the regatta.

For now, Shulman's immediate attention is focused on next week's Movin' On 1995 Battle of the Bands, scheduled for March 28 at Crowbar, 420 E. College Ave. A panel of judges, along with the audience, will decide which band will get a slot on the Movin' On roster. After receiving more than 20 audition tapes, Shulman and company narrowed the list to four contestants -- Requiem, The Meanwhiles, Absence of L. and Vineyard Pilgrim.

"We were looking for up-and-coming bands -- not total unknowns, but not those who are well established," Shulman said. "This is an effort on our part to make this year's lineup a little more diverse."

Paul Hagin, bassist for Requiem, said the event will be an added plus for an original band like Requiem, which is sometimes lost amid the cover-heavy State College atmosphere.

"The public has been generally unreceptive to us because we don't play covers, so next Tuesday will be a good opportunity for us to play to a crowd," Hagin said.

The Battle of the Bands will also provide ARHS with it's first definite band for the event.

"As frustrating as it has been, I do believe that if anyone thought last year was good, this year will be better," Shulman said.