\Quite often, the Appalachian Popular Programming Society (APPS) brings bands, comedians and other entertainment to our campus. Usually, these events are well received. Bands such as Jump, Little Children, Vertical Horizon, Royal Crown Revue and Agent Ink have done fairly well.

However, there have been incidents of poor student turnout at these events. 

Despite the great efforts made by APPS and WASU to advertise these events, sometimes, only a sparse number of people show up. 

A while back, I went to Legends to see Fighting Gravity. They were an excellent band, one that could give The Dave Matthews Band (who are good friends of theirs) a run for their money. 

They brought an interesting blend of ska, reggae, funk and rock to their music. It was an explosive, energetic show. 

They were a band to see. Unfortunately, what they lacked was an audience. Very few students bothered to show up.

One of the main reasons (or cop-outs) for students not showing was the lack of name recognition. This seems rather odd, because Fighting Gravity had received plenty of airplay on WASU and have been around for quite a while. 

I am aware that there is a fear that a band might not be so great due to lack of recognition. I know it may be a risk to put down money for a band you have not heard of before. 

However, new experiences are part of what college life is all about. 

Remember a time you had never heard of The Dave Matthews Band? 

They had to get a start somehow. It’s not as if they showed up at RCA Records one day and got a record deal on the spot. They had to start by playing fraternity houses, college gigs and clubs, developing a regional following before they actually hit it big.

Also, these bands will not suck, because these events are planned for the students by the students. 

APPS is a student organization. Ideas for these activities come from the students and are scrutinized by students. If a majority of the group thinks a band or idea sucks, it is voted down.

These activities can only suck if no one shows up.

Last week, Dear America came to our campus. Both WASU and APPS promoted this band to the best of their abilities. 

Dear America gave the campus a good sample of their sound through an interview at WASU. They had originally been scheduled for Thursday night at Alpine Lounge, but the Student Union was shut down for safety reasons, and the show was canceled for the night.

Fortunately, the band stayed another day to do the show. 

Both APPS and WASU scrambled to promote the new date. New posters were put up in the union and WASU broadcast another interview with the band.  

That night, both ASU’s very own Haley River and Dear America put on excellent shows. Dear America had a bluesy rock ‘n’ roll sound that blared throughout the Student Union, while Haley River kept to the basics of funk and rock.

It rocked, so where were the students? 

I understand that some of us have jobs to tend to, tests to study for and other responsibilities, but these bands deserved a better audience. 

I admire the bands’ willingness to remain here and play; it shows their passion for their craft. Both bands were there for their music, and their performances reflected that. I just wish they both had received an audience that reflected their amazing talent.

Every now and then, take a chance and go see a band you are not familiar with. You might become a fan. 

Participate in an activity you know nothing about; there are plenty of learning experiences that do not involve textbooks. 

Too often, even in college, we remain in our own personal comfort zone. We get so used to that one section of the menu that we never stray from it. 

There are those that say there is nothing to do in Boone, but that is so untrue. 

There is plenty to do. Both on campus and off, there are plenty of activities to check out. 

Do not let a lack of familiarity keep you from growing and experiencing all the area has to offer.