Indie-pop duo Matt & Kim, well known for their spring 2009 hit “Daylight,” will be performing at this year’s Party in the Park on April 11.
Party in the Park host Student Productions officially released the name of the performers on Feb. 26 during its Natalie Stovall and The Drive concert event held in Vaughn Center Lobby.
Party in the Park, though only a recent tradition, is something students look forward to every year. Starting in 2007, SP has brought various acts to perform at UT including Yellowcard, Gym Class Heroes, B.o.B, Lupe Fiasco and 3OH!3, last year’s performers.
Despite SP’s efforts to keep the identity of the performers secret, the name of this year’s artists was leaked on the UT Confessions Twitter account on Feb. 23. Student Productions handled the situation very carefully.
“Various members of the exec board were approached or questioned as to whether Matt and Kim were the actual artist, and we neither confirmed nor denied; however, we were excited to see such a positive reaction to the possibility,” said SP President William Sandoval, a senior business management major.
“Though the artist was somehow leaked even before we had a signed contract, the feedback we got from the selection was very positive so we were very content with our choice,” Sandoval said.
This is not the first time controversy has struck the spring concert series. The spring 2010 Party in Park was cancelled hours before ska-rock band Slightly Stoopid was scheduled to perform, cancelled only hours before they were scheduled to play. According to a past Minaret article written by Daniel Feingold, there was no possibility to move or reschedule the event.
Ryan Day, a recent UT graduate and former president of SP, fondly remembers planning Party in the Park.
“It’s so big. There are always going to be hiccups and you can’t please everyone but it’s an awesome experience watching it all come together,” Day said.
“Party in the Park has always been a lot fun,” said Jan-Michael Archer, a senior majoring in biology. “I’ve actually been shocked by some of the big name acts they’ve been able to get.”
What many students don’t know is the long, tedious process that goes into plan in such a large event. Sandoval let The Minaret in on the year long process it takes to make Party in the Park happen.
“When we are deciding on an artist, myself and concert board first have to look at the budget we have to work with,” Sandoval said. “We also put out a short survey to see what UT students would like. Overall, the final decision is a majority rule by concert board. Unfortunately, the first choice by even the concert board sometimes does not turn out to be the artist UT gets. Many artists and bands have very busy schedules and they need to see first if a stop in Tampa would work.”
When students found out the artist was going to be Matt and Kim, many were excited but others weren’t as familar with the duo.
“I don’t really know that many of their songs, but I guess it’s time to learn some more,” said David Hardy, a senior chemistry major. “I definitely think that it will be better than last year and have a higher attendance rate.”
Ravers Rejoice! Insider sources tell me that Matt and Kim are actually not coming this year. Hold off buying your ticket for the random wannabe button pusher at Amp that weekend. Instead UT is bringing Skrillex in for the May Concert. You may think that he is too exspensive, but after learning the schools love for horrible electronic he decided to settle for a lower price. You better find your Molly and other substances a few weeks before you may be out of luck for showtime. Just to let you know, neon t-shirts and glow sticks have already gone on sale at the Walmart on West Kennedy. Note: The concert is free but you can purchase a VIP pass and maybe even snort a line with the man himself. Get your fist pumping arm ready because this spring concert is going to be a rager!
Hiring Matt and Kim for the concert is the worst idea UT has ever had. Inside sources state that they’re not only married, but they’re also brother and sister. It’s a horrible idea to support people who believe in inbred marriages and it’s not something that should be advocated. When the students of UT see them playing they’re going to get some crazy ideas about having special relations with their siblings in order to get famous. College students are very prone to influence and especially celebrity influences. Matt and Kim are disgusting and the students of UT shouldn’t have to listen to their inbred music for this concert. Instead, UT should hire Jerusalem, a Swedish Christian rock band. Rock n roll is the healthiest of all genres and when you add a Christian message then it’s a win win for everyone. Matt and Kim should be deported and Jerusalem should take their place forever. Seriously consider these facts.
Hey everybody it’s us, Matt and Kim. We’re so happy you want to hear us play at your school. We’ll be arriving early to give out autographs and take pictures with our fans, so come early. SO PUMPED! Can’t wait for you all to come out and hear our music. WE LOVE OUR FANS!! We are honored to be playing on such a beautiful campus and 5 lucky students will get to come on stage and jam out with us. Follow us on twitter and hash tag #meetMattandKimUT for your chance of fame. Lastly, we love the color green so wear lots of green to the concert. SEE YOU ALL AT PARTY IN THE PARK! Best spring concert guaranteed.