A decade after attending SLU, Grace Potter is coming back. The 10th Anniversary show will feature Grace Potter and the Nocturnals in Leithead Fieldhouse on Sunday, Feb. 10. Anticipation was high this past Saturday when tickets went on sale in the Student Center at noon. Students and Canton villagers alike lined up early to purchase their entry to the soon-to-be legendary performance.
President of the Association for Campus Entertainment (A.C.E) Austin Hart ’15 described the planning stages of the event as somewhat challenging. Grace herself reached out to SLU to have the concert and initially “wanted to have a show in Gulick [Theater], but A.C.E. wanted to make the show available to as many people as possible,” Hart said. Gulick has an occupancy of only 500 people so after being denied for an alternative two performances in Gulick, “we ultimately decided one show in Leithead made the performance most accessible.” The fieldhouse will be able to accommodate up to 1,750 people. In addition, GPN was booked for Friday and Saturday night, leaving Sunday the only option.
Some students agree that Leithouse is a disappointing venue, but understand the push for more attendees. Max Littlefield ‘13 believes that either way “it’s pretty cool to see someone come back to SLU and see the impact our school has made.” Both Potter and percussionist Matt Burr ’03 attended SLU but left when Potter’s success at the Java Barn prompted the formation of a proper band and ultimately a record deal.
Though many are unfamiliar with the native Vermonter’s jams, excitement is in the air. After waiting in line for nearly an hour, Emily Harrington ‘16 said it was “definitely worth the wait!” Harrington had heard of GPN before, but is anxious to get to know the band’s music before the show. “I’m a pseudo-fan,” said Sarah DiBacco ‘16, who is also looking forward to discovering what the band has to offer.
The Nocturnals have become known as a rock group with folk and blues influences stemming back to Janis Joplin, The Band, and Bonnie Raitt. Today, the band consists of powerful vocals and deep guitar combined with meaningful lyrics. GPN is known for their energy-infused performances and passionate crowds which come together in an atmosphere that SLU will undoubtedly love.
The show is expected to sell out, so if you haven’t gotten your tickets already, be sure to do so soon. Hart says roughly half of the 2000 available tickets have been sold, and that the tickets for the public have sold out. Student tickets are $10 and non-students are $15 and can be purchased at the Student Center Info Desk or online at gracepotter.com. If you have any questions about purchases or protocol, contact Austin Hart at athart11@stlawu.edu.
