Concert anything but plain
By Kaitlin MacRae
Get ready to rock out, Rider: Plain White T’s are hitting up the campus during the band’s nation-wide “Three-Part Harmony” tour next month.
The Student Entertainment Council (SEC) announced Monday that its annual spring concert will feature the Grammy-nominated rock band, known for hit songs like “Natural Disaster,” “Our Time Now” and, most recently, “1, 2, 3, 4.”
“Plain White T’s are a good choice for Rider because they appeal to a wide variety of students,” said senior Jenny Benack, SEC president. “They put on a great show.”
Rider is the first stop in a string of college dates the band will play.
Other possible contenders for this year’s concert included Metro Station, Three 6 Mafia, Augustana and Sara Bareilles, but a student survey showed Plain White T’s as the top pick.
“I think Rider will really enjoy [them],” said Helen Mannion, SEC Films chair. “Most people know ‘Hey There, Delilah’ and they have a new song on the radio that’s starting to catch on. I know we’re really excited about it.”
The band will join the select group of performers who’ve taken the stage at Rider, which includes last year’s entertainers, Gym Class Heroes, Tyga and I am the Avalanche. The bands Single File and Danger Radio will open the show this year.
Rider students are already getting excited about the show. According to SEC Special Events co-chair Marie Baker, the reactions and feedback they’ve received so far have been “positive and enthusiastic.”
“We’re looking forward to a fun show,” said Susan Zabrocky, SEC Special Events co-chair.
Sophomore Suzanne Swinarski agreed, adding that having Plain White T’s at Rider is also a “great way to discover new music.”
Hailing from Villa Park, Ill., Plain White T’s have released five CDs in their nine-year career, nabbing a Grammy nomination along the way for their song “Hey There, Delilah.” They’ve also been honored with a Teen Choice Award and an mtvU Woodie Award for Best Emerging Artist.
Plain White T’s have made appearances in episodes of ABC Family’s popular show Greek, as well as Nickelodeon’s iCarly. Their new video for “1, 2, 3, 4” is currently in rotation on MTV and VH1. “Big Bad World,” the band’s most recent album, is available now through Hollywood Records.
The spring concert will take place on Thursday, April 16, in the Student Recreation Center. Tickets are free for students and will be available for pickup at the ticket booth. Students are allowed one guest per Rider ID and must be over the age of 18. Additional tickets will be available for a $5 fee.
