University students will no longer have to choose between attending the Outkast or Dave Matthews Band concerts, both originally scheduled for April 21. Outkast was scheduled to perform during 2001 Spring Fling, which was scheduled for the same day as the DMB concert.
But the cost of having Outkast perform rose unexpectedly from $50,000 to $75,000, a price outside of PK German's financial limits.
PK German, the University Programs Council committee in charge of all on- Grounds concerts, usually books the musical group for a Spring Fling concert.
Spring Fling's is designed to acclimate prospective black students to social and academic life at the University. In addition, current students and visitors from around Virginia attend the activities, which range from guest speakers to concerts.
According to PK German Chairman Jbeau Lewis, the scheduling conflict between the DMB and Outkast had absolutely nothing to do with the price increase.
The price increase is probably due to Outkast's recent success with its new album "Stankonia," Lewis said.
Despite Outkast's cancellation the two events still may have to compete for performance areas, staffing and audience members.
Now that Outkast has been eliminated from the schedule, prospective bands include Ludacris, Juvenile, Rahzel, Common and Xhibit.
As part of Spring Fling, a step group was already scheduled to perform on Friday, April 20. To avoid having two conflicting concerts in one day, PK German may combine Friday's step show with a concert.
Mike Costa, president of Black Student Alliance, said the DMB concert would not overshadow the Spring Fling.
The two events have "different target audiences," Costa said.
Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and Zeta Phi Beta sorority both are sponsoring the step show.
The DMB concert is occurring on "the worst possible weekend," Alpha Phi Alpha member Michael McPheeters said.
This is the first time ever that Spring Fling and Black Alumni Weekend have occurred at the same time, adding greater significance to the event but also causing greater logistical challenges.
In order to fit everything in one tight weekend, PK German is "looking to alleviate tension," Lewis said.
Although moving the concert to Friday, April 20 is not final, some students said they would enjoy having two concerts in one weekend.
"When artists like that come through, you really can't pass it up," third-year College student Emily Gorman said.
"The two concerts would make for a really fun weekend," first-year College student Kristin Niver said.
PK German, Black Student Alliance and Alpha Phi Alpha said they are optimistic that the schedule will eventually work out for the best.
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