The Student Union Board (SUB) recently announced that the much anticipated spring concern will feature The Roots, the current house band for "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," on Saturday night in the Stepan Center.
"The biggest consideration for us is that we book a performer that Notre Dame students actually want to see," said concert programmer Marie Wicht, a junior. "We really believe that The Roots will be one of the best concerts Notre Dame has ever had."
Named as one of Rolling Stone Magazine's top 20 live acts in the world, The Roots recently performed at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and have released a total of 13 albums since 1993. The Philadelphia hip-hop group has also won numerous awards, including several Grammys, Wicht said.
She said deciding on The Roots "was what took the bulk of our time."
The concert planning process began last spring, but once an offer letter was sent out, The Roots signed the contract in about a week, she said.
"In comparison with the other contenders, they stood out as having a great, award-winning history and are known for their fantastic live performances," Wicht said. "Once the results from the student body survey came in, The Roots became one of our top options."
Of the seven genres listed on the survey, hip-hop was the clear preference, said senior Brian Hagerty, the concert's co-programmer along with Wicht.
"When we narrowed down our options based on price and availability, we felt that The Roots would put on the best concert and would generate the most excitement among the student body," he said.
Hagerty said they did their best to find a group that directly responded to the requests of the student body.
Mike Posner, a singer, songwriter and producer who has collaborated with various artists, including Kid Cudi and 3OH!3, will open for The Roots. Known for his mixed tapes and high-energy shows, Posner is also scheduled to be a part of this summer's Warped Tour.
Tickets for the SUB spring concert went on sale Tuesday morning and can be purchased at the LaFortune Box Office for $10. Only 1,500 tickets are available and both Wicht and Hagerty said they expect the show to sell out.
