AU is buzzing with the excitement of what Student Union Board Assistant Director Jason Geisinger is calling the "biggest show we've had in at least 15 years."
Folk legend Bob Dylan will perform his Grammy-winning music in Bender Arena on Saturday, April 3. The concert is being presented jointly through I.M.P and SUB.
AU students are happy that SUB is bringing such a big-name show to the University.
"I was in shock when I heard that Bob Dylan was going to play at AU," said sophomore Rachel Ichniowski. "I am amazed and impressed that SUB was able to get an artist as major and influential as he is."
Dylan, born in Duluth, Minn. as Robert Allen Zimmerman, has been a highly influential force on the rock music of today. His poetic folk music has been popular since the 1960s, and his appeal bridges generation gaps.
"[Dylan is] one of those musicians who everyone likes, even kids our age who didn't grow up on his music," said sophomore Tom Lewis.
Senior Melissa Price said she thinks there will be more parents than students in attendance at the show.
"I have heard so many people say that their father is coming for the concert," Price said. "It's great that SUB is putting on a show that has such wide appeal and doesn't just pull in a select audience, like the Ataris or Andrew W.K."
The members of SUB are also excited for the concert.
"Bob Dylan has one foot in the grave," SUB Director Aram Richard joked. "That's the standard that we want to set for our SUB concerts." In seriousness, Richard said that SUB is "glad to bring this opportunity to the AU community."
Bob Dylan is one of the last in a series of high-profile shows that SUB has brought to the Tavern and Bender Arena this year.
"April is our last month of programming with a big show [referring to Dylan] at the beginning and one at the end," Geisinger said. "There is a big Bender show in the works for the final show of the year."
The concert is open to the public, and tickets went on sale through Ticketmaster on Saturday. Tickets are $45 before service charges.
SUB, aware that many students may not have that much money to spend on tickets, has arranged special deals for AU students. Three hundred free tickets will be randomly distributed to AU students by SUB, and about 700 vouchers for $35 tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis after spring break. The vouchers will be distributed at the Student Activities desk and the SUB office, both on the second floor of the Mary Graydon Center.
To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
