Success of Wyclef will shape spring budget for ViCE, future of large shows

Freddy Deknatel Arts Editor

Particular bands aside, many concerts arranged by Vassar College Entertainment share one thing: they are often smaller shows at venues like the Student’s Building, the Chapel, and the Mug with a more limited crowd size in mind. The now-annual spring ViCE-Versa concert is the exception. This Saturday, Feb. 11, that trend will shift as Wyclef Jean and Blackalicious perform at Walker Field House, the first act to do so since the Roots played there in 2002. The widely renowned Alpha Gamma Rho Step Team from Poughkeepsie High School will open the concert.

Long-time WVKR community DJ Artiste, who will emcee the event along with KISS FM’s DJ Mr. Vince, explained his personal interest in the show. “Me and Wyclef go way back, way before Lauryn Hill,” Artiste said. “Back in 1989, 1991, I met him through battling at dance parties in New York City.”

The attraction of Wyclef has tapped much of ViCE’s budget. Because of the size and cost of the show, tickets will be charged. Most ViCE shows, whether Death From Above 1979 or DJ Diplo last semester, are free. This concert, as with last year’s ViCE-Versa show headlined by Talib Kweli, has been advertised much more to the public. Posters for the show have been put up well-beyond campus, from locations around Poughkeepsie to SUNY-New Paltz.
The high cost of the show—ViCE CEO Jeremy Robinson-Leon ’07 and others on the ViCE board did not want to name specific numbers—presents a gamble for the organization. April’s ViCE-Versa concert budget, as well as funds for possible smaller shows, are directly tied to ticket sales for the Wyclef concert.

“I've heard a few people that have been upset that ViCE is charging $12 for the event,” said Robinson-Leon. “It's only a $2 more than a movie ticket! While we would love to have a free event, it just wouldn't be possible to both do that and be able to do other events during the year.” Urging everyone to come out for a show that ought to be expectantly “bananas,” Robinson-Leon stressed that “proceeds from the Wyclef Jean/Blackalicious show will enable us to do more this spring.”

As for Artiste, beyond his anticipation for his old friend—“I haven’t seen him in a minute”—the chance to host such a large concert on campus free of large commercial promoters is even more compelling. “I stand for independent radio,” said Artiste. “I do not like Clear Channel; I do not like payola type of music.” Neither of those will be a presence on Saturday, which will be a test for feasibility of large-scale shows on the Vassar campus.
Advanced tickets are available at the College Center Info Desk until 5 p.m. this Friday and at ACDC from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., $12 for students, $16 for non-students. At the door, tickets will cost $14 for students, $18 for non-students.