RHA sponsors famed pop-rock bands at MSU

Come November, the walls of the Auditorium will shake to the rhythm of songs by pop-rock bands Taking Back Sunday, The All-American Rejects and Anberlin when they perform at a concert sponsored by the Residence Halls Association, or RHA, the organization announced Wednesday.

RHA is an on-campus student government group that represents all students living in residence halls. The group is hosting the concert, which will take place Nov. 3.

Rodney James, RHA’s director of special events, said he was excited the bands will be coming to MSU, the tour’s only Michigan stop. He said the group has been working since April with an external special events promotion firm, AEG Live, to bring the bands to campus and help promote the event.

“The All-American Rejects is a group that a lot of people like, and Taking Back Sunday (too),” James said. “I feel like this is going to be a good sell and I’m very glad that we are able to bring them to Michigan State.”

Taking Back Sunday and The All-American Rejects will co-headline the concert, with Anberlin appearing as special guests. Tickets will go on sale Friday at Wharton Center’s box office and on its Web site. The show will cost $20 for MSU students and $30 for the general public.

James said RHA is waiting to hear how much the show will cost to put on, but said it is within RHA’s budget. The group voted unanimously Wednesday to approve up to $115,000 for special events’ costs for the entire fall semester. That figure represents about a quarter of the total budget passed by RHA.

“There’s a lot of variable costs, so we’re still waiting to get some final numbers,” he said.

Zoology senior Holly Chandler said the price of the show and the popularity of the bands will likely attract a large crowd.

“I’m sure that a lot of people would probably enjoy seeing them and I know they’re pretty popular on the radio and have been for a while, so it’ll be cool,” she said.

“It’s not really my type of music. But I think if it is your type of music … with that price, a lot of people will show up.”

RHA President Emma Perot said the concert will be an opportunity for students to enjoy themselves at a low cost.

“I’m really excited about bringing the concert (to MSU). … It’s going to be a great opportunity for students to come out and see a low-cost concert,” she said.