Ohio University’s Concert Series has added four acts to its Fall Quarter itinerary, with a diverse group of performers including comedian Aziz Ansari to rock group O.A.R.
“It’s very intentional on my part to bring in different acts that can appeal to a lot of people,” said Andrew Holzaepfel, associate director of Ohio University’s Campus Involvement Center and booking agent for the Performing Arts Series and the Concert Series. “We don’t want anyone to feel that we aren’t bringing anybody that interests them.”
In addition to O.A.R. and Ansari, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Janelle Monáe have been added to the Concert Series.
Carpenter is a five-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter. Most often labeled a country artist, she has enjoyed decades of success, producing 12 albums. Her most recent album, The Age of Miracles, was released in 2010. Throughout her career, she has sold over 13 million albums, with 1992’s Come On Come On going quadruple platinum.
Hot off tours with Bruno Mars and Katy Perry, Monáe has been called “one of the most important signings of my career” by Sean “Diddy” Combs. Monáe comes to OU as part of her Campus Consciousness Tour. Half rock tour and half environmental campaign, the tour’s aim, according to the Performing Arts website, is to educate students by raising awareness in an “electric atmosphere.”
Tickets for both Carpenter and Monáe are currently on sale.
Shifting from activism to humor, comedian and recent star of the movie 30 Minutes or Less Ansari will bring his standup to Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. The L.A.-based comedian is well-known for his role in NBC’s hit show Parks and Recreation, as well as his roles in I Love You, Man, Funny People, Get Him to the Greek and Observe and Report. Tickets for Ansari are currently on sale.
Known as a favorite among college students, O.A.R. comes to OU along with special guest Kingsfoil. The platinum-selling band is passing through OU on its tour promoting its seventh studio album, King. Boasting commercially successful singles such as “Shattered,” “Love and Memories” and “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker,” the band plans to perform both old favorites and music off the new album. Tickets go on sale Friday at noon.
Between the Concert Series and the Performing Arts Series, OU is currently set to bring 12 acts over the year, although Holzaepfel said they are planning more. The current Concert Series itinerary goes through Fall Quarter, so shows will be added for Winter and Spring Quarters.
“It’s a bit like a puzzle, planning these shows,” Holzaepfel said. “Generally, the performer is going to be in one place one day and another place a few days later, so we have to find a date in between those days. It can be tricky.”
Holzaepfel also said that in booking new acts, the Campus Involvement Center tried to keep in mind that Mike Posner will be performing in MemAud Homecoming Weekend.
“We didn’t want to step on the Posner show’s audience, so that’s one of the reasons we brought in someone like Aziz (Ansari),” he said.
The contracts for the acts range from $17,000 (Carpenter) to $50,000 (O.A.R.), although these acts don’t cost OU itself money. Most of the money is generated through ticket sales, allowing OU to bring in big names without losing money.
Although all of the shows this fall will be in MemAud, Holzaepfel said he hopes to bring in another big name at The Convo this spring. After the huge success of the B.o.B. show last spring, Holzaepfel said the major show will hopefully be an annual event.
More about the Performing Arts Series, the Concert Series and online ticket sales can be found on the Performing Arts website.
