SEC: Don’t skip Gym Class

By Allie Ward

The days of paying an arm and a leg for concert tickets are over.

This weekend’s annual Student Entertainment Council (SEC) Spring Concert features headliner Gym Class Heroes at no cost to students.

“Normally the best-kept secret [of the Spring Concert] is that you get to see major acts before they blow up mainstream,” said SEC President Kim Fleming.

Gym Class Heroes skyrocketed to fame with last year’s hit “Cupid’s Chokehold” and the more recent “Clothes Off!!”

“Gym Class Heroes is a great draw for this campus because [it’s] a rock and hip-hop fusion, so [it’s] the best of both worlds,” Fleming said.

The band’s unique name was inspired by emcee Travis McCoy and drummer Matt McGinley’s days in an actual high school gym class.

Senior Bill Purcell, SEC special events chair, said that Gym Class Heroes’ rock/hip-hop style will make for a great concert experience.

“We try to pick different artists from different genres that would fit well with the campus,” he said.

Freshman Rachel Volinsky is excited a band she knows is performing at Rider.

“I think it’s really cool that SEC is getting a band that’s already established,” she said.

The concert will also feature three opening acts: McCoy’s cousin and breakout rap star Tyga, hip-hop duo Kidz in the Hall and indie rockers I am the Avalanche.

“There will be more to take in than just one band,” Fleming said. “People love and look forward to the concert; it’s a great way for students to unwind after what always feels like a long year.”

Purcell explained that having the concert on a weekend is a bit out of the ordinary. In previous years, the show was held late on a Thursday night so students could attend after classes.

Fleming agreed, saying that Saturday’s show is the first of its kind for SEC.

“We’ve been daring with weekend programming and it seems the bigger the name, the more likely kids are to stick around during the weekend,” she said.

According to Purcell, SEC has already surpassed last year’s pre-sale numbers.

“It’s a free show and will be a great one at that,” Fleming said. “Who wouldn’t want to let loose and rock out during the last couple weeks of the year?”

So, SEC says, relax, bring a friend and enjoy one of the coolest hip-hop groups out there. Oh, and put away that wallet.

SEC’s Spring Concert is tomorrow night in the Student Recreation Center. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert starts at 8. Rider students get in free with ID and can bring one guest for $5. Tickets are available at the Ticket Booth today 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or at the door.