If you've never heard of Ben Kweller, you're not alone.
Only five out of 62 Penn students surveyed by The Daily Pennsylvanian said they were familiar with this year's pick for the Social Planning and Events Committee's fall concert.
Set to perform on Oct. 5 at Irvine Auditorium, Kweller's upcoming concert has sparked little interest on campus, according to students.
"If I knew his music and it was good, then I'd go," College junior Katie Riggleman-Thomas said. "I just don't know any of his music, so it's not really exciting."
When shown Kweller's picture that appeared in yesterday's DP, most students could not identify the man.
College sophomore Adam Delelegn responded to the picture by asking, "Is that Carrot Top?"
Veteran students say they are displeased with SPEC's recent choices, pointing to the similarity in performers. Recent picks like OAR, Howie Day, Ben Folds and now Ben Kweller all fall under a similar musical genre.
"I think there has been a lack of musical diversity," College junior Samantha Zuckerman said. "They could bring in people that aren't so emo."
College senior Liz Rosenberg said she thinks a lot of freshmen will go, since they have not experienced one of SPEC's concerts.
Some unhappy students suggested artists whom they would like to see at Penn.
"Where's [DJ] Tiesto?" College senior Ryan Blicher said, hinting that SPEC try and bring in a techno performer.
College junior Chris Hillard said SPEC should try someone in the funk genre.
"Everybody likes funk," he said as his two friends nodded in agreement.
SPEC co-director Preston Hershorn said he was surprised by the negative student feedback.
"Hopefully, that's not an accurate representation," he said about the results of the DP's informal survey. "We are hoping for the best."
Hershorn added that SPEC will be advertising the concert on Locust Walk, playing Kweller's music on speakers if possible.
"They should play music of all these indie groups before they bring them to campus" College junior Kerri Lutfey said.
Some students are counting on it - College junior Feyi Gbadebo-Smith said he would wait until the concert day if he decides to buy a ticket.
"It depends on how much I know about him by then," he said.
Those interviewed who were familiar with Kweller's work said they would recommend it to a friend.
"He has very catchy music," Wharton sophomore Brianne Blakey said. "I would definitely suggest it to someone."
Hershorn added that he hopes "people will spread the word about how good he is" now that Kweller's coming has been announced.
