ASUU is in the beginning stages of booking shows for its upcoming spring concert series, having locked down and announced its first two performers of an anticipated four to six.
Rap and hip-hop artists iLoveMakonnen and Earl Sweatshirt will co-headline at the Grand Kerfuffle on April 23. iLoveMakonnen is best known for his song “Tuesday,” which gained popularity after “Hotline Bling” performer Drake remixed it in 2014. Earl Sweatshirt, who released his latest album “I Don’t Like S—, I Don’t Go Outside” in March 2015, became prominent with his song “Chum,” about family and identity.
“Both Earl Sweatshirt and iLoveMakonnen make super high energy, fun music,” said ASUU President Ambra Jackson in an emailed statement.
Their performances, which audiences should know contain explicit language, are set for the second day of the two-day festival. Acts for the first day — Friday, April 22 — are still to be determined. Though iLoveMakonnen and Earl Sweatshirt are both rappers, Jackson said the two-day affair — a big platform for her administration this year — allows student government to bring in multiple music genres to make the festival “more inclusive to all of our students on campus.”
The shift to a two-day concert series for the first time in about 10 years, reflects the past university tradition of Mayfest, a weeklong festival that included several music acts planned for after graduation. Following this model, Grand Kerfuffle will include activities, such as games and food trucks, prior to the performances.
Because the event expanded this year, students will have to pay to get in: $5 for one day or $7 for both. The concert, including country music singer Scotty McCreery last year, was previously free for those with a UCard. To host the event, ASUU has designated $318,000 in funding — after securing an extra $50,000 from the student government general reserve with a bill that passed in both the Senate and the Assembly in January — composed mainly of student fees ($23.12 per student each semester). Jackson denied to elaborate how, specifically, those funds would be spent for the event, such as what portion is covering the artists or the stage set-up.
“Because we are in the bidding process and quotes are still out for services, we are not at the point where we can share a final cost,” she said.
The approximated price tag surpasses what was spent on the fall Redfest concert — less than $71,000 — featuring four local bands. Jackson has previously told The Chronicle that ASUU spent less on that event in order to have more funds for the Grand Kerfuffle.
Doors will open at 6 p.m. for the Friday show and 4 p.m. for the Saturday show, ending at 10:30 p.m. both nights in accordance with local noise ordinances for the U. The stage will be set up on the Union lawn for both days.
@CourtneyLTanner