AFTERdark brings good music and good times to campuses

Students get chance to see free concert

AFTERdark is bringing musical acts to campus. The free event is Wednesday night at the Lied Center at 8 p.m.

By Jason Baker (Contact)

Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008

Anna Toren and Armand Heyns strolled Budig Hall during Tuesday afternoon with fliers and ready to approach students about AFTERdark.

Photo by Jessie Fetterling

Emily Travis, Overland Park freshman, dressed in a dog suit, hugs Rebecca Keene, Chicago, Ill. freshman, on Wescoe Beach Tuesday afternoon. Travis gave out high-fives and hugs to students to promote Afterdark at the Lied Center Wednesday night. Afterdark is a nationwide movement designed to give students hope and find a new direction.

“I think I probably have handed out about 150 of these today alone,” Heyns, Topeka sophomore, said. Toren, Shawnee sophomore, and Heyns are just two students who are spreading the word about the free event, which is Wednesday night at 8 at the Lied Center.

AFTERdark is a national event that started 10 years ago and tours college campuses, coupling concerts and presentations that translate to college students in manner they can relate to. Evan Toren, Shawnee senior, who’s involved with on-campus advertising, said the group had held more than 100 events on dozens of college campuses and Wednesday is the group’s third trip to the University. The last time AFTERdark came to campus was in 2004.

“It’s got good entertainment, positive environment and positive message,” Evan Toran said. The concert will benefit the group Love, Light & Melody, which is a nonprofit organization that helps battle the physical, emotional and spiritual effects of extreme poverty.

The event has brought many musical acts to campuses, such as Matt Wertz, Heather Headley, The Afters and Switchfoot. Wednesday, Braddigan and Sho Baraka are performing at the Lied Center. Joe White, founder of Kids Across America in Branson, Mo., and a speaker who has spoken to NFL, MLB and collegiate athletes, will also be presenting.

KU students involved with AFTERdark have been on Wescoe Beach since Monday handing out fliers and spreading the word. A couple students have even walked on campus in a Pluto the dog and a shark costume to get people’s attention.

“It’s a good chance to go to something that’s free, entertaining and fun to get a big group together and have a good night,” Sarah Foil, Overland Park sophomore, said.

She and other students have been on Wescoe Beach answering questions about the event and informing students of the raffle for a pair of lower level seats to the Final Four in San Antonio.

“I think this will be one of the best memories of college for me,” Heyns said.

For more information visit, www.whatsafterdark.com.

— Edited by Matt Hirschfeld

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