B.o.B. to headline Homecoming concert

Five-time Grammy nominated, Grammy performer and artist of three top ten songs B.o.B will be the headliner for Homecoming 2011.

Performing before B.o.B. will be Stokeswood and Playboy Tre.

However, getting the headliner wasn’t easy.

“We (had been) looking for performers throughout the summer and until the committee convenes in September,” said Assistant Director of Greek Life and Special Events Reese Cohn.

The months of time, effort and $60,000 later, Georgia College has got one of hottest names in Hollywood playing at the Centennial Center.

Last year, SGA sent out a poll to see who students wanted at the concert, but this year, SGA announced the bands as a surprise.

“I think we should have been polled because if the concert is for (students) we should have a say in who performs,” said sophomore mass communication major Mollie Cronan.

Cohn said in the past conducting a poll did not prove useful.

The Homecoming Committee receives their budget in late Fall, leaving little time to book a performer.

“The bands who were originally available and in our price range had made adjustments to their touring schedules and/or asking fee by the time the student opinions had been collected,” Cohn said.

She said a poll takes too much time and cannot guarantee the students choice of performer.

“By not using the poll we were able to secure what we believe is a very good performer very quickly,” Mullins said. “I think if we would have taken the poll we would not have gotten the same deal that we did. I would love to take a poll, but the same time I also don’t want to mess up this opportunity that we could have because we are waiting on (it).”

B.o.B, Stokeswood and Playboy Tre will perform Feb. 17, in the Centennial Center. The concert will be free for all students.

Kyle Brogdon, Director of Publications and Marketing, said this year’s Homecoming is directed towards bringing the alumni and current students together.

The theme for Homecoming 2011 is The Hunt for Memories and Spirit to encourage alumni and current Bobcats to unite.

“We want these groups to interact with each other,” Brogdon said. “We want current students talking with alumni, making connections, networking. That’s how you get jobs, make connections in the world.