Unless a free ticket appears in my mailbox or John Legend himself knocks on my townhouse door, I will not be attending the FUSA concert this December.
It’s not that I think the ticket is too expensive.’ It’s not that I have to study for finals.’ It’s not even that I dislike his music.
It’s just that I would much rather hear an entirely different kind of sound than what the members of the FUSA concert committee consider to be popular.
I applaud FUSA’s recent efforts to bring more diverse musical styles to campus instead of the typical college-touring groups like O.A.R. or Third Eye Blind. Securing Ludacris last spring and John Legend for December was a step in the right direction.
However, I think the committee needs to look beyond the music of the clubs, bars and z100 to something more eardrum friendly.
Let’s hear it for the country fans!
Though you may be seen partying to T.I.’s ‘Live Your Life’ or lip synching Coldplay in Barone, I know the CDs in your car are more likely to read Tim McGraw or Kenny Chesney.
Judging by the fact that the Mohegan Sun Arena was sold out for a Rascal Flatts featuring Taylor Swift concert this past Halloween weekend, you are not alone in Connecticut.
We country fans are an undeniable presence in the tri-state area, as well as on this campus, and I think our taste in music has a right to be represented by our concert committee.
Maybe the down-home sound of Garth Brooks or the gravelly tone of Josh Turner is not likely to attract Fairfield students.’
Still, how many Fairfield women have belted out Carrie Underwood’s ‘Before He Cheats’?’ Who here has rocked out to Rascal Flatts’ remake of ‘Life is a Highway’?’ What about my personal favorite, ‘Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy,’ by Big and Rich?
There are plenty of country singers today who appeal to a broader audience than the old stars of Nashville did.
Taylor Swift, for one, is an up-and-coming teenage country artist whose music has recently been attracting major attention from fans of all ages and musical preferences.
Sugarland, whose lead singer, Jennifer Nettles, collaborated with Bon Jovi for the hit ‘Who Says You Can’t Go Home,’ and Kellie Pickler, from the fifth season of ‘American Idol,’ are both fantastic groups that draw a wide audience.
Some famous country artists are even crossovers from mainstream music. Michelle Branch, for example, performed for several years as part of The Wreckers, producing three top 40 country hits.
So, to FUSA, I say, good work.’
But maybe next time, instead of choosing an artist like John Legend whose music appeals to a more sedentary crowd than college students, look to the CMT Top 100.
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Do something unexpected, and make Sacred Heart jealous of Fairfield’s concert for once; bring in a country artist.
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