SPEC is finally over the curse of Sonic Youth. Its choices for Fling headliners since then- OAR last year, Ben Folds this year - have reflected student interests to a t. Ben Folds will certainly pack Wynn Commons with students ready to dance to and sing along with his upbeat, often humorous take on indie rock.
Most importantly, though, SPEC has shown full follow-through on their pledge to listen to student opinion when choosing a performer. Folds is widely regarded as a college-student favorite, and, as SPEC reported, is a favorite among Penn students.
For future concerts, though, SPEC should start looking for other types of music. The last four artists they've brought in - Folds, Rufus Wainwright, OAR and Howie Day - all represent a similar genre of music. Penn students have a diverse range of interests, and a hip hop, pop or harder rock band of similar caliber and fame would no doubt sell out Wynn Commons as well.
Also, Folds performed at Fling with The Roots in 2000; most current students weren't here at the time, but SPEC should put a focus on mixing it up for next year.
Until then, students should be excited to party with the man who broke barriers with his mellow rendition of Dr. Dre's "Bitches Ain't Shit."
Rock on.
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