EDITORIAL: Fling '98 lineup not up to par

the bands are all relatively small names and represent a narrow spectrum of music tastes. While the bands may be good performers in themselves, none of them can claim the name recognition neccessary to be considered headliners or the broad appeal neccessary for a campus-wide event. Such a narrowly focused program leaves students who don't like blues or funk out in the proverbial cold. The ideal concert lineup should feature at least one big name. If Fling organizers can't sign a headliner, they should at least come up with a list of smaller bands that represents a range of music styles. Social Planning and Events Committee members claim that because Penn must compete with Philadelphia's other big concert venues -- the CoreStates Spectrum and the Electric Factory -- the University has a harder time than its peer institutions signing the bands students want. But if Drexel University can sell its gym as a venue for such acts as Rusted Root and the Wallflowers, then Penn should be able to make a case for the University as an attractive concert site. After all, Hill Field holds at least three times as many people as the Electric Factory. In the past, Penn has been able to sign big-name bands for Fling. For future years, SPEC needs to come up with a better marketing strategy. If need be, the organization should raise ticket prices or ask for a budget increase. Students would almost certainly be willing to pay more for a more enticing concert.