Spring Concert Canceled Due to Costs

By Joshua Bebis on April 21, 2024 • ( Leave a comment )

Whether it was 2 Chainz or Lil Tjay, students have flocked to Rocket Arena at Salem State University the past two years with their fellow classmates for an up-close once in a lifetime performance of a big-time artist for no ticket costs to students. Many Salem State students are disappointed this spring that the annual spring concert has been cancelled this year and was replaced by a club-themed night instead called “Valhalla.”

Since the 1970s, Salem State has held a major event, whether it’s a concert, a show, or a festival every year for students. Financial issues were why Salem State won’t be having a spring concert this spring.

Alliane Brennan, Salem State’s student involvement and operations program coordinator, explained what happened. “Program Council and the SGA made the decision to hold a large-scale club night instead of a concert with a headlining artist this year for a few reasons, which primarily revolve around cost and return on investment,” Brennan said. “We always go into the year considering all options, but when we received the list of available artists in our price range for this year, we did not believe any of the artists would excite the student body enough to spend the amount of money necessary to put on such a show.

“We are limited by which artists are touring college campuses during the end-of-semester season, as well as what our budget is. The budget for the spring event always comes from the student activities fee, not general university funds or donations. Additionally, both organizations received a great deal of student feedback after the last two concerts which helped them to make the decision to try something new this year. This will not happen every year. The concert tradition will be back!”

Brennan commented on how expensive it is to get notable and relative artists costs to perform at universities in general. “To put on a concert is extremely expensive, considering you must pay for the artist along with production, riders, security details, and various other costs. We try to stay in the $100,000-$110,000 price range for the artist alone, and then we typically spend another $80,000+ or so on production. As I’m sure you all can imagine, inflation has made costs rise even more, so we likely would be spending over that to hold one this year. Any money saved from this year, along with ticket sales, will go directly toward next year’s concert budget!”

Students have not been afraid to voice their opinions regarding the cancellation of the annual spring concert. Senior Joseph Carey stated, “It’s crazy that our tuition increases every year, yet they don’t have the money to get a half-decent artist. Better yet, Salem State is charging us this year for tickets to “Valhalla.” What a shame.”

“Many students are financially insecure, so the Salem State concert is a great way for students to go and see a talented artist for a free price,” Carey added. “I feel like it’s a letdown to by senior year here at Salem State.”

Junior Myles DeBarros agreed. “Tuition increases every year ,and all we get is an unknown DJ. I’m sure the Program Council could’ve got a higher budget for the spring concert. I am not on blaming anyone or pointing fingers, but it’s just our school in general. I feel like we didn’t get answers to why the concert was canceled in the first place.”

Both Carey and DeBarros made it clear that they weren’t complaining, but more disappointed in the fact that the spring concert is one of their favorite events that Salem State offers students.

Junior Anthony Damigella stated, “I just want answers on why the spring concert got canceled this year. I know a few students who have reached out as we all seem to have questions, and the answer is quite simple. Budget issues have been a problem for every university, and unfortunately, it seems Salem State is in the same boat right now. I really hope we can get the concert back up and running for my senior here. I feel bad for the seniors this year who won’t get their annual concert.”

Joshua Bebis is a Salem State senior double-majoring in history and media and communication.