Reggae rapper Wyclef Jean, indie band The Walkmen and ska band Goldfinger will headline Spring Fling on Saturday, April 30. Tickets will go on sale Monday the 25th.
"We wanted this year's Spring Fling to have a very different flavor compared to that of previous years," said Sheena Harris, co-chair of Concert Board. "This Spring Fling was really geared towards hitting a diverse music audience at Tufts."
Jean is best known as the lead rapper and guitarist for the now-defunct band the Fugees. He is now a solo artist, and has released two albums - "Preacher's Son" in 2003 and "Welcome to Haiti: Creole 101," last October. Jean fuses his island-born reggae instincts with his love for hip-hop and throws a bunch of other musical influences into the mix. He has collaborated with Santana and Destiny's Child.
Goldfinger, currently wrapping up their tour for their new album "Disconnection Notice," which came out last month, are known for putting on energy-fueled shows. Along with bands like Sublime, Rancid and No Doubt, Goldfinger were part of the ska-punk movement of the mid-to-late '90s. They have toured alongside bands such as the Sex Pistols and Reel Big Fish, and played on the Vans Warped Tour.
The Walkmen are riding the current popularity of indie bands. Last November, the band was featured on "The O.C." Their influences include Hendrix, The Violent Femmes, the Amps and Neil Young. The band's music is driven by piano and organ in addition to the more traditional guitars, bass and drums. Their second full-length album, "Bows and Arrows," was released last year, and they continue to build a reputation as an up-and-coming act.
After last year's spring fling local residents complained about hearing loud profanity from acts Less Than Jake and the Sugar Hill Gang. Harris said Concert Board worked to make sure this year's Spring Fling received fewer complaints.
The winner of Tufts' Battle of Bands will open the show. The competition will be held on April 9 in the Hotung Caf?© of the campus center beginning at 12 p.m. Tickets for Spring Fling will be free for all students and each student is allowed to bring five guests. Guest tickets will cost $20.
