Two weeks ago, St. Bonaventure University’s Campus Activity Board presented singer and former “The Voice” contestant Daz Duron for some entertainment in the Rathskeller. For St. Bonaventure University, a concert featuring a talented vocalist from a popular television show should have been a success. The turnout, though, was miniscule.
It didn’t always used to be this way. Throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s, St. Bonaventure has had successful concerts featuring artists such as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Hall and Oats, Barenaked Ladies and Kenny Rogers.
Many students have wondered why St. Bonaventure no longer puts on these events. According to the Director of the Center for Activities, Rob DeFazio, there are several reasons to explain this.
“The cost to put it on is a major factor. Other factors include the size of our population, not everyone would agree on the type of music to bring in, we lack stage sound lights and more that would be needed, so those are additional costs,” said DeFazio. “Bands now typically play for an hour so it is not worth it as schools lose tens of thousands of dollars on concerts.”
DeFazio announced that due to these monetary elements, there are no plans to have any concerts with a well-known act at any time in the near future.
Stephen Wilt, the station manager at 88.3 WSBU The Buzz, identified a couple more issues.
“Back in its hay day, the contracts were made up of simple letters which The Buzz still has in its records at the station. Recently, it’s been incredibly difficult to bring a band to campus with admission push back and the Seneca Casino Events Center,” said Wilt.
He continued, “If you look back to the late ‘70s when Bruce Springsteen made his famous Olean stop or when Bob Seger visited the campus and station, this was all before the casino. Now, they have a room far larger than the Reilly Center, with, most importantly, amazing sound. One of the worst parts of the RC is the sound. At the end of the day, it is a large gym.”
To help make up for the lack of popular music artists, the Center for Activities partners with the Office of Events and Conferences, Safety and Security, Aramark and other groups on campus which they may need to make smaller concerts possible. Back when the university had big concerts, and when WSBU was called WOFM, the radio station was primarily responsible for bringing acts to campus with the help of the Campus Activities Board.
The process of booking an artist or band entails going to conferences to find out more about them and also by contacting agents or bands.
The Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts also puts on several concerts throughout the year.
Senior strategic communications student Genaro Colón stated, “I think the school needs more concerts that students can relate to. Most of the concerts are catered towards faculty and the town of Olean and Allegany.”
To get students more involved with campus events, the university encourages students to attend and offer ideas of what they would be interested in.
“CAB is always looking for feedback or suggestions. We advertise in many ways and also do incentive raffles, but reasonable suggestions from students are always welcome. If there is a concert at another school that students are interested in attending we would be happy to look into bussing them there,” said DeFazio.
WSBU The Buzz makes an effort to have performers visit the station.
“WSBU brings artists in for studio performances quite often, ranging from Grammy award winners to Hall of Famers to college groups starting up,” said Wilt.
Despite the university’s belief that having a big concert today would not work, Wilt disagrees.
“We (WSBU) have been planning something of this nature, but it will be difficult to get approval. I feel that once we have one large act come, it will be another gateway into another era of amazing shows,” said Wilt.
“The stories of Robin Williams sleeping in dorms and drinking with students to the Tragically Hip sleeping on The Buzz floor still linger in the minds of alum. Three years ago, The Rolling Stones visited Ohio State, and the campus profited half a million dollars. This could happen here, but until we prove that, the stage will remain silent,” said Wilt.
In the meantime, CAB is holding an event featuring hypnotist Nadene Manuel at 7:30 p.m. in the Quick Center on Nov. 9. All are welcome to attend.
By Vanessa Donadio, News Assignment Editor
donadivj@bonaventure.edu
