Two Concerts in Two Weeks

O.A.R. joins the list with Dropkick Murphys as the second major act of November

By Zach Dionne

Posted on Sept. 29, 2008, at 12:00 a.m.

The University of Maine will host two major bands in 11 days this fall – Dropkick Murphys on Nov. 6 and O.A.R. on Nov. 17. Both acts will perform in the Field House.

“With these two groups, you’re covering everything. There’s not going to be a single student that won’t be able to go to a show and enjoy it,” said Vice President of Student Entertainment Andrew Gerke.

“The two concerts reflect student desire and these exciting opportunities will certainly bring a sense of excitement and options to our campus community,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Robert Dana.

The Dropkick Murphys, a Boston-based seven-piece who mix feisty punk with Irish swagger, are slated to play the inaugural gig of their fall tour at UMaine. The lineup, tentatively comprised of other national acts, is not yet finalized.

“A lot of people didn’t expect for something like [this] to actually happen on campus,” Gerke said. “They think it’s kind of unbelievable. The fact that a week after the World Series, a band like that would be willing to play up at the University of Maine . it’s hard enough to get them into Portland.” The Dropkick Murphys have had a close affiliation with the Boston Red Sox for several seasons – their song “Tessie” has become an anthemic tune for Red Sox Nation. Dropkick’s 2007 release, “The Meanest of Times,” debuted at number 20 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.

O.A.R. – abbreviated for Of a Revolution – mix reggae, jam and mellow rock for an unmistakable product popular with college crowds. The Maryland group was founded in 1996 and released their sixth studio album, “All Sides,” in July.

Gerke prides the selection of two bands with “totally different feels.”

“I really think bringing bands like Dropkick and O.A.R. shows the quality of our office and shows the success of the program,” said Assistant Vice President of Student Entertainment Abtin Mehdizadegan. “I think offering students two very different styles of music just 11 days apart is one of the most enriching things a student can experience while at college. It’s an excellent showcase of what Student Entertainment has evolved from.”

A major amount of Student Entertainment’s planning has been directed at the two November concerts, with little time to focus on the spring semester. Gerke hopes to continue the standard set this fall.

“It’s going to be tough because this is really stepping up, comparatively. It’s going to be hard to implement it for next year,” he said.

After a subpar sound experience with Mythbusters in the Field House this past spring, Gerke and co. are taking measures to ensure a higher auditory quality for the coming concerts. “The sound quality anywhere really isn’t that good within a huge venue. It’s definitely something . we need to really pay attention to.”

Gerke met with Orono’s fire marshal Friday to discuss what could safely be utilized as far as curtains and sound baffling systems. Student Entertainment will hire professional sound engineers to work with the bands’ staffs.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to really hone in on their skills,” Gerke said. One upside of the sound question is the Field House’s simple situation as far as configuring sound.

“As far as my experience with concerts, the Cumberland County Civic Center isn’t much better than the Field House or even the Alfond Arena. As far as shapes go, the Field House actually offers a better situation.”

Dana commended Student Entertainment for implementing “reasonable ticket prices.” Tickets are available at umainetix.com and Bull Moose Music. O.A.R. tickets are on sale exclusively to UMaine students from Monday, Sept. 29 to Monday, Oct. 6 for $15. After Oct. 6, tickets will sell for $20 for all college students in Maine and $30 for general public. By comparison, Bucknell University, which will host O.A.R. on Nov. 15, charges students $25.

Dropkick Murphys tickets will be on sale exclusively to UMaine students from Thursday, Oct. 2 to Thursday, Oct. 9 for $10. After Oct. 9, tickets will be available to all Maine college students for $15. The general public will pay $20.

Campus Currents: Andrew Gerke