Short
subjects
1:
(UPC should
offer more
rock artists
page 4
The long-awaited University Studies program is
underway and all indications are that it may be about
the most significant change the University has made
in a number of years.
Following the lead of the Centennial Education
Program which began in 1969, the new program,
which is scheduled to begin some coursework second
semester, seems to be a definite stride in the direction
of less structured, more self-initiated study.
At this point, it is most important that the
University make a concentrated effort to improve
and, perhaps, revive the educational process. - The
University studies plan is just that.
Experimentation '. in methods of teaching is one of
the best ways the University can advance itself not
only academically but in overall operation. Self
teaching methods and more (personally-tailored
education can only improve the system's status with
students.
And an enrollment increased by improved
academic stature certainly wouldn't hurt NU. If looks
don't lie, everyone will win if University Studies is
successful.
Saturday's anti-war rally generaly represented the
last hurrah for an old genre-the protest
confrontation.
What was originally construed to be an
old-fashioned draft card burning and sign carrying
meeting of the emotions turned out to actually be
something a lot more constructive.
The 50 or so persons who attended the rally simply
sat down and,' using a new rational app
problem-solv ng, discussed meinour iu.
human services and human life in order to prov.de a
system where wars won't exist. . . . . . ;
All this, of course, represents a new direction for
the anti-war movement. And not an unwelcome one.
It is refreshing to note that through re-evaluation
those involved have decided that their actions can
best be directed through and underneath the current
system rather than outside-the-system head-banging.
And that s not bad.
After appraising the situation, we've come to the
conclusion that there may not be much to be
thankful for this Thanksgiving after all. ,
Unless, of course you can be thankful for the
increased price you're paying for that Thanksgiving
turkey. Or if you can be thankful that thousands of
soldiers have died this year in a war that will be all but
forgotten in a few months. Or if you can be thankful
that more children than ever are starving in ghettos
while stuffed shirts stuff themselves on stuffed
turkey.
Or, most of all, if you can be thankful that we re
headed for four more years of the same
administration that put us where we are today.
If you can be thankful for all that, good luck.
But it's time America stopped fooling itself with
vague visions of abetter tomorrow while it watches
football on its rose-colored TV.
The world is a little wider than a 21-inch diagonal.
And happier Thanksgivings won't come without
work.
i? r
Jim uray
A fk If IT
Over the river and out of the woods,
Bock to the White House he goes.
The person's the same
Who'll carry the blame
For four more years of woe.
Over the river and out of the woods,
It cost a hunk of dough
They didn't believe
What's up his sleeve,
So out of the woods he goes.
by Kris Collins
Kris Colins is a sophomore whose major is undeclared.
With top name rock bands filtering their way into the
cultural wasteland of Mid-America, Lincoln is finding itself in
good strategic location for top quality productions.
Pershing Auditorium has become the center of attention. A
reasonable capacity of 8,000 or more (Fillmore style) and fair
acoustical potential makes Pershing very attractive.
Consequently, big time promoters have taken notice. They
have produced top rock talent and ripped off the audience.
This is a nice arrangement if you're on the rock promotional
side. For the students at whom the concerts are primarily
aimed it's extreme, unnecessary exploitation.
This is not necessary when Union Program Council(UPC)has
the ways and means to offer a top quality rock concert at
reasonable prices. UPC production has its share of
disadvantages which bite sharply into the muscle ingredients of
a good concert, but it still remains possible. .
The problem begins with UPC attitudes and financial
structure. Art Thompson, a UPC advisor, feels UPC has the
responsibility to bring in musical groups which represent other
areas of music since rock music activity is increasing at
Pershing Auditorium.
Thompson explained that three years ago, when good rock
groups rarely came to Lincoln, UPC promoted several top
quality groups, among which were Chicago and the Birds. He
said top rock groups were a "good risk" at that time.
It's true music of various styles need exposure, but if UPC
programs other types of music it is neglecting the need of
students with rock tastes. Last year's rock groups includedN
i-anny ana crow, i nese oanas are good, out they are not on
the level of talent which could be presented.
It is important to remember events at Pershing are not
directly sponsored for the University while UPC's are. The
program council holds a responsibility to provide good rock
music as well as other forms of music to UNL students.
The UPC concert committee is crippled most by its
financial situation. The money financing UPC comes from
student fees. The concert committee then receives $6,000 to
last a school year. Jack Hart, concert committee chairman, has
a tremendous record, considering the handicap.
Last year's free concerts featuring McCoy Tyner and
leading bluegrass pickers were very good. This year's free
Muddy Waters concert also was fine.
Top rock groups are big business. Most of these groups
require a down payment. This is where UPC has no power.
State law requires goods to be paid after delivery and not
before. This makes it easy for hardened managers and agents
to up UNL.
As far as facilities go, the UNL coliseum is about it. It's
acoustics aren't Carnegie Hall, but is is enough to get by.
Capacity is the Coliseum's major asset. Eight thousand plus
puts the Coliseum in direct competition with Pershing.
These difficulties definitely are frustrating, but they can be
overcome. Universities and colleges all across the country are
promoting top rock talent for their students. Why can't
Nebraska?
The University UPC has ways and means sitting in their
laps to promote a top rock concert at decent prices. It is time
to use that opportunity.
daily nebraskan
monday, november 20, 1972