"I've been waiting forever," Pryce Gaynor '07 said, quoting Guster, a popular college band.
The Fairfield University Student Association (FUSA) announced on Monday that Guster will be the university's fall act. The concert is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Nov. 10 at Alumni Hall. On Oct. 17, tickets will be sold to students from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the FUSA office, lower level BCC. They are priced at $15.
Guster, whose style falls under "alternative pop/rock," "post-grundge," "indie rock" and "indie pop," has a unique sound. The band uses a bongo set and two acoustic guitars.
"I am so excited," said FUSA president Jessica DiBuono '06. "We've gotten great student feedback."
"I sent out the press release at 10:30 a.m. and by 2 p.m. I had a dozen e-mails," she added.
Many students agree that Guster is sure to please.
"They are a quality band," said Taylor Gilhuly '06. "I'm excited they're coming; they're one of those bands that everyone knows at least one of their songs and knows who they are."
"I feel that for the past four years the members of the class of '06 have been waiting for a concert like this," said Ryan Tougias '06. "Having missed out on Clam Jam and O.A.R., many seniors have felt that they missed the boat on the good times that Fairfield was once known for."
"However, Guster may prove to be the moment we have all been waiting for," he said.
According to DiBuono, FUSA has been looking at many different bands for "a while," although she would not release the bands' names.
"We started thinking about who we'd like to place bids on during the summer," said DiBuono.
FUSA worked with an agent who knows the university well, DiBuono said.
Students weren't asked for their input this year because by talking to several students, FUSA determined that the surveys they conducted last year were still relevant.
"There didn't seem to be a dramatic change in what students like," DiBuono said.
DiBuono would not say that Guster was FUSA's first choice or first bid, but she did say that the band was her first choice.
"I have three CDs burned on my computer, and they're all Guster," she said. "I'm so excited. I love their songs."
Last year, FUSA faced many problems while trying to pin down an act. Students became disappointed after a series of bid rejections from popular college bands.
But this year, FUSA started their preparation early in hopes of avoiding such problems.
"There were a lot of meetings," said DiBuono.
She said that Caitlin Conway '06 spent a great deal of time on selecting and obtaining Guster.
DiBuono said FUSA chose not to announce the bid that was placed on Guster because they were "busy with the presidential ball."
"But now, we're focusing on this concert," she said.
Guster hit the music scene in the late 90's. The band's members, Ryan Miller, Adam Gardner and Brian Rosenworcel met in 1992 while enrolled at Tufts University. Popularity for the Boston-based band, originally named "Gus," spread by word of mouth and Internet only.
Rutgers University senior John Cifelli said that he is jealous of Fairfield students but can't wait to make the trip to Connecticut to see them.
"They're my favorite live band," said Cifelli, who has seen the band eight times. "They have a great stage presence, they're engaging, they make you feel like they're your friend."
Guster, famous for humorous banter with the crowd, is a "sold-out show, every time," according to Cifelli.
Whether it's in New York's Radio City Music Hall or at Philadelphia's Penn's Landing, fans are forced into buying tickets in advance if they want to see their favorite band play.
"They sold out two dates in New York City already this tour," said Cifelli, who tried to get tickets and failed.
DiBuono thinks Fairfield will see a similar turnout.
"Get your tickets ASAP," said DiBuono. "They're going to go fast."
Tickets will be made available to the public on Oct. 21.
"I wish that Guster had come to Fairfield when I was a student," said Tara Cushman '05. "They're one of my favorite bands and have been for a long time."
"But I fully intend on being there!" she added.
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