There are many things for which we criticize Marquette Student Government. One recent criticism has been the lack of popular bands brought to campus. When even seasoned music elitists can't complain about the concerts because they simply don't know the artists, well, that's a problem.
Much to the chagrin of said elitists, MUSG has wisely chosen to bring a popular band with a good-sized following to the Varsity Theatre: Jack's Mannequin. Or, as MUSG put it in a press release, a "hot and happening band" that will create a "rockin' night." Tickets for the April 19 concert go on sale for $15 on Feb. 26.
Jack's Mannequin probably strikes a chord with fans of Something Corporate, as the former is the side project of the latter's lead singer, Andrew McMahon. The band toured with Panic! At the Disco this summer, performing on a side stage at Summerfest last year.
Alternatively, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee will bring Flogging Molly, another band appearing at Summerfest, to its campus the following week. Though one could argue Flogging Molly has a more devoted following, Jack's Mannequin has a broader appeal. We don't want to be too optimistic, though. Jack's Mannequin will have a good attendance, but will naturally not appeal to students who don't listen to emo piano rock. We suggest offering another concert to appeal to this remaining faction of campus. Why not use the Reserve Fund? After all, 19 weeks have passed on the academic calendar and the fund remains unused. We have one pretty good band but still about $140,000 that MUSG President and College of Business Administration senior Dan Calandriello promised to spend during his term.
"The money is the students' money from the student activity fee and it should go back to the students," Calandriello said in a Nov. 28 Tribune article.
When we hear students, we think all current students – some of whom have been paying the Student Activity Fee, and therefore the Reserve Fund, for up to five years now.
We applaud programming with wide appeal to current students and suggest the Reserve Fund be used accordingly.
It would be a shame to see plans announced otherwise.