Ladies and gentleman, the Campus Activities Board has once again organized a can’t-miss concert to start off the new school year. Mark the calendars for Monday, Sept. 17, because Dave Barnes and Andy Davis are coming to Ouachita.
Musician Dave Barnes — who lists musical influences Stevie Wonder, John Mayer, Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers as his inspirations for his own music — shared his excitement about playing with Andy Davis at the upcoming concert, saying he is an “incredible artist” who pushes him to perform to the peak of his ability when they sing together. “My love for Andy Davis is as deep as the ocean and as warm as the sand, whatever that means,” Barnes said.
He was confident that between himself, his band and his fellow performer, Davis, that there would be a “song for everybody” who comes out for the concert.
This concert is one of the many events planned for the year by CAB, an organization which strives to plan fun, meaningful activities to help get students plugged in on campus. The CAB team handled the publicity, logistics and behind-the-scenes work for the upcoming concert,“essentially run[ning] the whole thing” said Nathan Shelburne, director of student development and campus activities.
CAB member Jason Woods, a sophomore music major worked over the summer to bring Barnes and Davis here, contacting their managers to arrange dates, prices and booking for the bands. Deanna Jones, a senior biology major and the CAB music executive, headed a team of students who worked to put together on-campus concerts, and was responsible for organizing transportation, checking equipment and meeting hospitality needs for Barnes and Davis.
Returning students may note that Ouachita usually hosts concerts the first week back to school, but this year’s concert is later. This is because, in the past, upperclassmen have not always returned to campus in time for the concerts, and freshmen have been involved with WOW activities. CAB’s design in postponing the concert this year was to spread out student events and to enable all who are interested to attend.
As far as the musicians for the upcoming concert, CAB wanted to bring in up-and-coming artists to give students a chance to “connect with the arts,” said Shelburne. Barnes said that although he has played in the area and had the opportunity to meet Ouachitonians in the past, he has never played here and is looking forward to the chance to come play for the “good people” of Ouachita. He is looking forward to getting “back to the beginning” with the local fan base. Students who are looking to connect with some great artists should attend the concert.
Tickets are $5 for students and $7 for the general public. CAB will be selling tickets online for the first time this year. The concert will be held in the Jones Performing Arts Center on Sept. 17. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
