Singer/songwriter Ben Folds will be the main act at this year's Springfest, hosted by the University Programs Council Special Programs Committee and PK German.
Fourth-year College student Jenn Root, chair of the Special Programs Committee, said a contract with Folds was finalized Tuesday.
Root explained that when selecting a main act for Springfest, her committee considered which performers might be available to perform on dates when the Springfest venue, Nameless Field, would be available for use.
Folds was the committee's first choice for Springfest's main act, Root said, adding that the committee has tried to sign Folds in past years.
Tenacious D was also on the list of possible performers, according to second-year College student Brandon Rothenberg, a member of the UPC Comedy and Variety Committee.
Springfest will be held from 12 to 7 p.m. March 31. Root said Folds is scheduled to perform an approximately 90-minute set beginning at 5 p.m.
Root added that Folds will also perform at James Madison University and Virginia Tech this spring, but noted that students at those schools -- unlike University students -- will have to pay to see Folds perform.
First-year College student Laura Rothenberg said she is excited by the news.
"I've never seen him [Folds] in concert," Rothenberg said. "You can't beat a free concert."
First-year Nursing student Carrie Walker said she will not attend because she is unfamiliar with Folds' music; however, second-year College student Colin Page noted that while Folds is not one of his favorite performers, he still plans to attend the event.
"I'm not a big fan, but I will definitely be there," he said.
Also performing at Springfest will be the winner of the University's Battle of the Bands, which is scheduled to be held in February.
-- Kristin Hawkins contributed to this article
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