Bill proposes free concert
during Grand Prix weekend
By Kurt Esposito
Assistant
Campus Editor
Purdue Student Government held a special senate
meeting Wednesday night during which senators voted to send to committee
a bill proposing a free concert during Grand Prix.
If passed, the inaugural PSG Backyard Barbecue
2001 would be held rain or shine from 2 to 8 p.m. April 22 at Slayter
Center. The event would feature four live bands, free food and prizes.
The event is being proposed as a non-alcoholic Grand Alternative during
Grand Prix weekend.
Two local bands and two well-known bands are being
courted to play at the event. Organizers of the event are already close
to signing a contract with one of the bands, but no deals will be finalized
until after PSG votes on the bill during its next senate meeting 7 p.m.
Tuesday in Stewart Center, Room 214ABC.
"Everyone is in agreement that this is a great
idea," said Michelle Cook, student body treasurer. "I feel it will pass."
She said, however, that there will be some debate
on committee concerning the details of the bill.
Brenda Shea, student body chief of staff, said
it will still pass because everybody in PSG wants to provide a free
concert for the students.
Cook said the event was planned in less than one
week after plans to join efforts with the Student Concert Committee
in funding a concert did not come about. That proposed concert would
not have been free for students. If PSG had helped fund the concert,
the individual price of tickets for students would have lowered one
dollar for every $10,000 PSG provided.
"Putting in 10 percent and getting one percent
is not financially responsible," said Clay Slaughter, Shreve Hall senator
and senate internal affairs chair.
Previous plans to put on a free concert consisting
of major label acts during Grand Prix fell through as well.
Cook said the special senate meeting was called
so the bill could be voted on during next week's meeting after being
reviewed in committee. If the bill is passed during the next meeting,
the organizers will have more time to plan the concert.
If the bill is passed, organizers are hoping for
approximately 2,500 students to attend the concert.
"The idea is not only to provide music but to have
fun and games and free food. And nothing brings in people like free
food," said Slaughter.
Cook said, "If you feed them they will come."
Organizers of the event plan to have large grills
to cook hot dogs, bratwursts and vegetarian hot dogs.
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