With songs like “Cute Without the ‘E’ (Cut From the Team)” and “A Decade Under the Influence,” Taking Back Sunday probably wouldn’t be the first band that comes to mind to headline a concert celebrating the pride of Penn State.
But according to Student Programming Association Marketing Chairwoman Megan Mansell, this is part of a plan to draw a larger audience to the upcoming fourth annual Homecoming Concert.
“I think every year we just try to reach as many people as possible, so if that means bringing in a different genre, then [we will],” Mansell (senior-public relations) said.
The concert is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Sept. 30 in Rec Hall and will be co-presented by SPA and the Penn State Homecoming committee.
Though the band’s “emo” label might be a turnoff for some, SPA Entertainment Chairwoman Heather Maggi (senior-film and video) cited the overwhelmingly positive response to the announcement on Facebook and Twitter as an indicator of the concert’s potential turnout.
“Rec Hall’s big, so you never know what’s going to happen,” Mansell said.
Prior to the concert, six student groups — Volé, Whiplash, Dance Alliance, Tapestry, the Belly Dance Club and the Urban Dance Troupe — will participate in a dance competition overseen by four “surprise” mystery judges, Penn State Homecoming University Relations Director Stephanie Radziminski said.
“The groups had a short amount of time this year to put their choreography together, [but] we’re excited to see what they come up with,” Radziminski (junior-finance) said.
Tickets will be sold in Heritage Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center starting from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m Monday, Sept. 17. After Monday, any remaining tickets will be sold on the first floor of the HUB-Robeson Center from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. every weekday leading up to the concert. Tickets are $4.99 for students and $15 for the general public.
