Hip-hop group will open Fling concert

Black Eyed Peas will hit the stage before Ben Harper at this year's Spring Fling concert on April 20, the Social Planning and Events Committee announced yesterday. The alternative hip-hop group from Los Angeles is known for its blend of soul, funk and various other styles of music. Last month, SPEC announced that Harper would headline the annual Friday night concert at Hill Field. The concert is traditionally the keystone of the weekend of festivities, which was themed the "The Sweetest Fling" this year, after the U2 hit song. Previous selections for the Fling concert include the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Run DMC and Sonic Youth. SPEC Concerts Co-Director Jared Goldman said the committee looked for a hip-hop act to complement Harper's folk-rock style. "We thought last year's format was pretty successful," Goldman said, referring to the concert that featured The Roots and Ben Folds Five. "We wanted to put a more folk-rock group like Ben Harper with a more urban, hip-hop group." Last year's concert drew about 7,000 students and community members. The committee expects a similar turnout to this year's event. Goldman said that the committee also considered other hip-hop acts, such as Mos Def and Jurassic 5, but decided on Black Eyed Peas because of their energetic performance style. "We wanted to try to get a band that was rising in popularity," Goldman said. "Black Eyed Peas have a very exciting live show. We wanted to have a really energetic opener." Black Eyed Peas have released two major label albums, and has previously toured with No Doubt, Lit and Macy Gray, among others. In October, the group opened for Wyclef Jean at a show at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia. Fans of the group were pleased to hear of the committee's selection. "I think it provides a good alternative to Ben Harper," College freshman Mark Flemming said. "It's a good contrast." College freshman Evan Hawkins said he thinks that the group's unique sound will draw a wide variety of students to the show. "I think they will appeal to a greater diversity of people," Hawkins said. "I think they're the type of group that won't tone down their act for Penn students." Jeff Azer, a College freshman and a fan of Black Eyed Peas, said that he thinks the group's entertaining performances will entice even the people who have never heard of them before. "I think they'll get the crowd into it a lot more," Azer said. "They put on a good show. I think it'll be good even for the people who aren't really into them." Tickets for the show will go on sale on March 28 and will be available on Locust Walk, through Ticketmaster outlets and at Spruce Street Records on 40th and Spruce. The price of tickets for PennCard holders will be $15, while others will be charged $23.