Three artists will be joining the headliners for the 2013 Last Day of Classes concert.
Bad Rabbits, 5 & a Dime and Blank 281 will be joining Kendrick Lamar, Steve Aoki and Travis Porter, said LDOC co-chair Bo Triplett, a senior. Bad Rabbits is a post-R&B group from Boston, and 5 & a Dime is a DJ and producer from Philadelphia—both will be coming as part of the package that includes Kendrick Lamar and Steve Aoki. The third new act, Blank 281, is a Blink 182 cover band. Triplett noted that the committee attempted to book Blink 182 but were unable to do so because of the cost.
“We looked around and found Blank 281 and read good reviews,” Triplett said. “The idea is to have them kick off the main acts with a high energy, fun set. We would like to bring the same atmosphere to campus that Third Eye Blind brought a few years back.”
Sophomore Izzy Dover, Triplett’s co-chair, added that the committee believed Blank 281 was a good choice because many students have a strong connection with Blink 182.
“Everyone loves Blink 182,” Dover said. “Everyone remembers them from our childhood.”
The full lineup of six artists was achieved thanks to funds the University has saved in recent years due to fewer damage and health-related costs, Triplett noted.
“As chair, a committee and administration, we are trying to create an experience that Duke will use as a model for years to come,” Triplett said.
As it currently stands, Triplett said, the concert will open with 5 & a Dime, followed by Bad Rabbits and then Blank 281. Travis Porter and Kendrick Lamar will follow, and Steve Aoki will finish the evening with a 90-minute set.
Although the February announcement of the headliners was met with much excitement, the reaction to Thursday’s additions was more subdued.
“Of the three, the Blink 182 one is the only one I’m excited for,” said senior Mallorie Lynch, who added that she had not heard of the other two groups. But some who are not familiar with the acts still said they were excited for the show.
“I haven’t heard of any of them, but it’s nice to have so many acts,” said senior Njeri Potter.
Carleigh Stiehm contributed reporting.
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