Living Colour to headline at Fling

Stop the whispers, the speculation has ended. After months of student rumors about which band will play at Spring Fling, Living Colour has finally emerged as the event's headliner. The band will bring its eclectic mix of rock, blues and heavy metal to the two-day Fling -- which will be a day shorter than last year's extended festivities -- on Friday, April 16. Organizers said last night that they were very pleased that Living Colour will perform at the University, calling the selection a "coup" for the annual festival. "It was a stroke of luck," Spring Fling Committee member Leila Graham-Willis said last night. Rishon Blumberg, who heads the Concert Committee of the Social Planning and Events Committee, said he thinks the band will have a broad appeal to the student body. "They'll do very well, especially since their new album is out now," Blumberg, a College senior, said last night. Blumberg added that he thinks Living Colour will attract more listeners than last year's band, Blues Traveler. That concert sold about 6,000 tickets, and he said he hopes April's concert will attract 8,000 people. Previous Spring Flings have received criticism for not hosting bands which appeal to a range of minority students. But attracting them was a higher priority than in years past, Wharton senior Graham-Willis said. "A very strong effort was made to contact minorities," she said. Blumberg said the band has been around for a long time and has a large student following. A review of their latest album Stain will be printed in tomorrow's 34th Street. Students said they were happy with the selection of Living Colour. "I know they couldn't get the Dead but that's OK," College freshman David Kessler said. "I'm not too familiar with their body of work, but I'm just looking to have fun," he added. "I'm happy with that choice." "That's kind of cool," College senior Josh Himes said last night. "Not that I listen to them much anymore, but they've put out some good stuff." Organizers refused to say how much the committee paid for the band, citing contratual obligations. Blumberg did say, however, that the band "cost more than last year." Because Living Colour could only play on Friday night, instead of the traditional Saturday evening, organizers said they had to change the Spring Fling schedule. Two additional bands that will also play on Friday night have yet to be named. The carnival, which was held on Sunday afternoon last year, will be moved to Saturday night. Tickets for the concert go on sale April 1 at the Annenberg ticket office and on Locust Walk. Organizers said the price will be under $10.

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