Each year, CSU Program Board plans one of Creighton’s biggest events: Fallapalooza. Big-name acts play the Kiewit Fitness Center for Creighton students, including past acts like the Black Eyed Peas and Third Eye Blind. Program Board tries to secure the most exciting musicians available, and this year the piano-rock band Jack’s Mannequin is playing with opener Erin McCarley.
Jack’s Mannequin is fronted by former Something Corporate lead singer, Andrew McMahon. After battling leukemia, McMahon came back to find even more success with his new band. His music can be described as catchy pop-rock with past hits like “Dark Blue” and “The Mixed Tape.” The band released sophomore album, “The Glass Passenger,” last year.
McCarley is a lesser-known singer-songwriter that would appeal to fans of Ingrid Michaelson. Her current song, “Love Save the Empty,” is gaining her popularity.
Some students like Arts & Sciences senior Steve Ducey feel that Jack’s Mannequin is playing to the wrong audience by coming to Creighton.
“I feel like the concerts are more geared to high school students rather than cool college kids. What happened to the days of people like Ben Folds playing at Creighton?”
“Students should come to this event because Jack’s Mannequin is an excellent performer and crowd pleaser. His music can be pleasurable for all,” said CSU Vice President for Programming and Arts & Sciences senior Monet Schrodermier.
Sophomore Mara Jones agreed, “I think Jack’s Mannequin was a great pick by CSU. I know a lot of people are really excited for the show and I expect a good showing of students.”
CSU tries to find the best available acts for the Fallapalooza event. The process takes time, and earlier this year, CSU Program Board sent out a university-wide survey of different bands to gage what genre of music students would want to see. Jack’s Mannequin was chosen using this survey.
“It all depends on the budget and availability of the band,” Schrodermier said. “We work through a middle agent to contract the band. It has been great working with Jack’s Mannequin’s agency. We look forward to a successful Fallapalooza.”
One of the challenges of bringing big-time acts to Creighton is that some bands will only play in big venues like the Qwest Center. Budget restrictions are also considered.
Students can get their Fallapalooza tickets in the Student Activities Office with their student ID. Undergraduate student tickets are free, professional/graduate students are $10 and students are allowed up to two guest tickets for $10 each. Students can look out for another survey for the Spring Fling concert.