By Nick Forbes, Managing Editor of Design
This past weekend, Susquehanna University hosted their fall concert, featuring country artists “Dan + Shay” as well as special guest Devin Dawson. So, what did you think of the show? If your answer was something like, “Why would I want to go to that?” “I didn’t even realize there was a concert,” or “Who are Dan + Shay,” then you’re like me.
Listen, I had already made up my mind that I wasn’t going to this event. For one, i had other responsibilities on the night of the show, but secondly, I did not feel like dragging myself to watch an only mildly popular country duo, and I figured most of my peers would feel the same way.
All of them mentioned the low turnout. For an already small student body, drawing large crowds can be difficult, but everyone who I spoke to that attended the event said attendance for this show was noticeably low. And despite the fact that I wasn’t there in person, social media allows anybody to be at any event at any time. So, thanks to Snapchat I could see the trend I’ve observed over the past few semesters continue: low turnouts to campus concerts.
A once-a-semester event like a concert is supposed to bring the community together, and should promise a night of care-free fun, but that’s not what was delivered, and for several reasons.
The first, I believe, is budget. I realize that a school as small as ours is not going to have the large budget or appeal to draw high-profile artists like a big state school would book. But just look at the decline in artist quality. Less than ten years ago, this school was booking artists like T-Pain, All Time Low, and Snoop Dogg.
I’ve heard recent artists that Susquehanna had booked described as “washed.” Artists like Sage the Gemini, Nick Jonas, and Andy Grammar who all enjoyed commercial success years ago before hitting a down swing.
Instead, why not consider up-and-coming artists, who are riding a growing wave.
Another deterrent from the concert was the surplus of police presence. Not only were there about a dozen of officers there, but Public Safety showed out in full force too. Obviously, I get that the university doesn’t want to promote public intoxication or underage drinking, but c’mon guys, you don’t need SWAT-team numbers at a show like this.
Students should look forward to cutting loose and enjoying themselves at a quality concert once a semester, it’s a good thing for school spirit and morale, two things that I believe this school could use a lot more of. But the way the concerts are marketed and executed leaves a lot to be desired. We can do better, Susquehanna.
