Concert brings chance to ‘Get Low’

Loud music, boisterous parties and countless events will permeate the IU campus this week, and now a new event has been added to the schedule. The Ying Yang Twins will perform at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity. The event will raise money for IU Dance Marathon for Riley Children’s Hospital. The “Off Beat” greek hip-hop dance team will serve as an opening act until Ying Yang takes the outdoor stage. \nThe rap duo, consisting of Kaine and D-Roc, first came to prominence with its 2000 single “Whistle While You Twurk.” The performers’ fame skyrocketed two years later from their collaboration with Lil Jon on the single “Get Low.” Three of their albums have been certified platinum. The group, known for its raucous and interactive performances, now brings its slick production and energy to IU. \n“I’m excited,” said freshman Ryan Orlowski, a Ying Yang ticket holder. “They’re crowd-pleasing and they play party music. It’s going to be crazy.” \nA big party and a big-name artist is what Phi Kappa Sigma Event Coordinator and Philanthropy Chairman Mike Zaremski and Concert Logistics Director Deepak Hadpawat had in mind when they started planning this event in October, but it was no easy ordeal, they said. \nZaremski and Hadpawat both said they planned the event without professional help, even though it’s common for fraternities to go through independent talent organizations to hire acts and coordinate concerts. \n“No mommies or daddies helped us,” Zaremski said. “We, ourselves, talked to the right people. Some of the brothers, including us, even put thousands of dollars of our own money into it.” \nOne might wonder why these two students put so much time, energy and money into such a project, but they have clear incentive. \n“People said we couldn’t do it,” Zaremski said. “We wanted to prove them wrong.” \nGreg Schultz, executive director of fundraising for IUDM, said the two organizers of the event were very driven. \n“Personally, I’m really impressed ... and I’m glad we have this opportunity,” he said. \nThe philanthropic undertone of the event provided additional motivation for the two students. \n“We have the potential to raise a lot of money for kids,” Hadpawat said. \nHadpawat and Zaremski also wanted a safe concert, they said. Zaremski said the fraternity consulted the IU Police Department to conduct the concert safely and legally. They followed IUPD’s recommendation that the concert end at 9 p.m. to avoid noise complaints, but the festivities will continue with an after party at The Bluebird. \nExpectations are high for the concert, and many are hoping that it won’t be the last. \n“We wanted to start a tradition,” Hadpawat said. “We are planning to have an annual concert for years to come.”