Ludacris to headline Art Attack

Chalk messages scrawled across campus walkways claiming the 26th annual SEE-sponsored Art Attack will be "ludacris" should be taken literally.

Grammy Award-winning rapper and actor Christopher "Ludacris" Bridges will headline the May 1 concert, which for the second year in a row will cost students $5, the group announced yesterday. Non-student admission has doubled to $20, an amount Student Entertainment Events Concerts Director Jessie Thompson said is still very reasonable.

"Usually these tickets might run you $40 [or] $50," the senior marketing major said.

Tickets for Art Attack go on sale March 30 at the Hoff Theater Box Office in the Stamp Student Union.

Thompson said the campus entertainment group has parted ways with mtvU as a cosponsor in order to ensure they would control the event entirely. Last year, Art Attack was part of mtvU's Campus Invasion Tour, leaving students on the fence about whether or not to attend. SEE officials had no choice over which acts to bring and students were charged for the first time ever. MtvU also changed its agreement with the group and its financial model in the middle of the tour.

"We got a lot of criticism last year," Thompson said. "We wanted to go back to what we've always done."

Thompson said this year's sponsors - Pepsi and Verizon Wireless - will not have any influence over the event or its organization. The concert will take place at Byrd Stadium; doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show starts at 6 p.m. Daytime events, including student performances, inflatable rides and vendors, will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on McKeldin Mall.

"This year I decided to go with a huge opener who I knew would have a huge draw," Thompson said. "I know I grew up listening to him. He's still bringing out hits today. I think a lot of people enjoy his music even if they're not hip-hop fans."

Thompson anticipates attendance to be greater than the estimated 4,300 people who reportedly showed up last year for Wyclef Jean, Simple Plan, The Bravery, Cobra Starship and The Spill Canvas, saying she has heard much excitement from students already.

"[Big name acts] really is what appeals to college students," she said. "Students are more likely to take the time to come out to a show if they know who it is."

Ludacris, who starred in Oscar-winning "Crash" for Best Picture in 2005, is known for songs such as "Rollout (My Business)," "Number One Spot," and Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 songs "Stand Up" and "Money Maker."

Also playing Art Attack will be the self-described "powerpop," new wave band known as The Dance Party, which Thompson said was added in order to diversify the bill.

"They have a pretty big following in D.C.," she said.

SEE officials anticipate adding another act of a differing genre within a week, but nothing is finalized yet and organizers are tight-lipped about who it might be.

Students seem generally enthusiastic about the concert, a stark contrast from last year's uproar over a repeat act. Wyclef performed for Art Attack XIX in 2002 and students did not have to pay for a ticket.

Junior economics major Chris Waldt said he was excited about SEE landing such a high-profile act.

"Five dollars is like nothing," he said. "I'm happy Ludacris is coming."

Sophomore journalism and government and politics major Melissa Quijada lauded SEE for getting an artist that a wide range of students will enjoy.

"Ludacris is more commercial, accessible," she said. "If you ask a random person, more people know Ludacris."

But not everyone was looking forward to the rapper's upcoming performance. Freshman letters and sciences major Anwar Ogunsanya said SEE should focus on getting smaller acts who send a more positive message to their audience.

"What does he represent?" she asked. "I don't like Ludacris. I think we should get someone that will engage the audience."

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