George Clinton to Play Relays

by Ryan Dunn

Des Moines, Iowa (Feb. 13, 1997)-- George Clinton and the P-Funk Allstars have been named this year's Drake Relays concert. Clinton and his band of more than 36 members will perform April 18th at the Knapp Center. The decision to bring Clinton's show to Drake has brought mixed reviews by the student body.

Clinton has entertained a variety of audiences for more than 20 years, starting in the 1970's with his group "Parliament Funkadelic." Recently, he has re-entered into the spotlight with his appearance in the movie "PCU" and the release of his new compact disc "T.A.P.O.A.F.O.N." "It's going to be a great concert, I'm pumped," Jeremy Forman (AS1) said. "He's a great entertainer and he'll put on a great show, I know it."

Overall the student body is ready for Clinton, but some are a little skeptical. "I'm going, but I don't know what to expect. I've never really listened to his music before," Alison Bondy (AS1) said. Others are impressed with the Student Activities Board's decision, but wished they would have selected a different entertainer. Sarah Stokes (JO1) understands why they chose Clinton, but she wishes it would have been someone else. "I think they did a good job in deciding on George Clinton. His music appeals to a wide variety of people, and that's why they probably picked him." Stokes' roommate Rosemary Booker (JO1) on the other hand, can't wait to see Clinton and has already purchased her tickets for the show.

If previous concerts are any inclination, Drake students are in for a real treat. Last year, Clinton's concert in Iowa City ranked as one of the top 10 concerts of the year by Cityview. He is known to play for hours and uses a variety of special effects to entertain the crowd. Monday night Clinton and his band were on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno, and afterwards Leno said Clinton was a "great performer."

Tickets for the show go on sale Tuesday and Wednesday in Olmsted Center, and in the Student Life Center office after Wednesday. Drake students are limited to two $15.00 tickets. The general public will also have a chance to buy tickets for $17.50 at Inner City Music at 1251 University Ave. Tickets will also be sold in surrounding cities like Ames, Cedar Rapids and Iowa City.

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