Union Board planning better Little 5 acts

The excitement that Little 500 evokes in each student at IU can only be surpassed by its concerts. \nLast year the shows were intended to be spectacular, but from the lack of turnout to the angry performers, the students paid in full expecting an incredible show, only to walk away disgruntled and disappointed. \n"I was really upset about the Bone Thugs Concert and would like my $15 back!" junior Lida Coalter said.\nThis year, however, the Union Board and the IU Auditorium are already looking into booking concerts worthy of a poor college student's hard earned money.\nLast year's shows were actually sponsored by fraternities and sororities since the Union Board was unable to bring a show. In fact, the shows were not affiliated with the Union Board.\n"I would really like to see Nelly; he puts on a great show!" Coalter said.\nDoug Booher, director of the IU Auditorium, said simply picking a performer and having him perform is a difficult task. \nBooher said a process must be followed. This responsibility rests upon the shoulders of Jeff Hasson, director of the Union Board. \n"Student Director Jeff Hasson is already negotiating with agents about getting something," Booher said. "It's always a challenge for any booker -- professional or student -- to hit a show in the springtime."\nWith this in mind, fall booking is still underway and very promising. Spring is simply an extremely busy time, Booher said. \nBooher said most performers are usually in the studio working on an album or taking time off before the summer concert frenzy begins; but he admits it was more difficult than usual to book bands last semester.\n"Last year, industry-wise, was a disappointing time for sales and attendance because the economy was not strong," he said \nIf record sales are low, performers are not going to be touring, or even promoting very much, Booher said.\nAs a result, performers such as Guster and Layzie Bone, who was representing Bone Thugs N Harmony, were chosen for last year's concerts. \n"Last year was a different time for the industry, none of the bigger bands were touring at the time, and if they were, they did not want to go on a college tour," Hasson said.\nWith the economy improving and more bands touring, Hasson and Booher said they promise a great show this year. \n"There will definitely be some new music for students to check out," Booher said.\nNeither would say with whom exactly they have been negotiating, but more information will be available soon.\n"I don't want to ruin the surprise," Booher said.\n-- Contact staff writer Sabina Bhasin at sbhasin@indiana.edu.