News release
Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061
publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive

Contact: Angey Saucier
Date: 4/8/04
 
SLU PRESENTS VIRGIN MEGA TOUR APRIL 20 WITH HEADLINER MICHELLE BRANCH
      HAMMOND – Southeastern Louisiana University’s Campus Activities Board will host  south Louisiana’s only visit by the Virgin College Mega Tour Tuesday, April 20 at 7 p.m. in the University Center.
      Presented by Virgin Megastores North America and Integrate Marketing, LLC, the national college music tour features some of today's hottest break out artists. The concert line-up for Southeastern features Michelle Branch and supporting artists, Gavin DeGraw, Rooney, and Joe Firstman.
      The concert will also incorporate an interactive village for attendees, complete with special performances by Michael Tolcher, Tyler Hilton and Chris Grace on the Behringer Day Stage as well as sponsor giveaways, activities, and a music learning center from Gibson and Epiphone guitars on select dates. 
      Doors for the concert open at 6 p.m. Advance tickets for Southeastern students, faculty and staff are $10 and can be purchased at Student Union, room 110. Advance tickets for general public are $15 and can be purchased at the Virgin College Mega Tour official website,  www.virgincollegemegatour.com.  
      Grammy winner Michelle Branch, whose sultry sass and guitar rock continues to win her fans all over the country, will headline the concert. The 20-year old rocker is currently supporting her latest release, “Hotel Paper,” which features the hit single, "Are You Happy Now."
      Beginning with “Broken Bracelet” in 2000, Branch has always been a young woman in a big hurry. The release of her major label debut, “The Spirit Room,” in 2001 ushered in a new movement in pop music. There was no other female artist on the charts who wrote and performed all the songs on her record, and her music was distinctively driven by guitars and lyrics as opposed to loops and dance oriented videos. The results were over 2.5 million records sold, a Grammy Award, an MTV Viewer's Choice Award and sold out tours with Sheryl Crow, a smash duet with Carlos Santana, and an invitation from the Dixie Chicks to tour arenas this summer. 
      Critically acclaimed Rooney has quickly gained national recognition after being named one of Rolling Stone Magazine's "Bands To Watch." And after the band's performance on Fox's hot teen drama, “The O.C,” this act will be hard to miss. The five-piece rock band has a distinctive style, but has been compared to everything from The Beatles to The Cars to Blur. Having toured with acts such as Weezer and The Strokes, Rooney manages to capture elements from the past four decades and make them sound modern today. 
      J Records recording artist, 25-year-old Gavin DeGraw shares his singer, songwriter, guitar & piano player talents on his debut album, “Chariot,” which introduces the world to a vital, magnetic young artist. His abundant talent and charisma are already well known to New York clubgoers.
      Joe Firstman is a classic American songwriter. He has a defined sound yet doesn’t stick to any formula as his songs range from intimate piano/acoustic ballads to dynamic blues rockers to sophisticated pop songs. His lyrics go beyond his years (23-years-old) as he writes of everyday emotions and experiences with a fresh, unique and powerful delivery. His voice matches the message and tone of each individual song in his debut full-length album, “The War Of Women.”
      With an appealing blend of luck, pluck and sheer musical talent, 19-year-old Tyler Hilton will release his first album, “The Tracks Of,” this spring. With a formidable ear for timeless melodies, a keen lyrical sensibility and a natural knack for heartfelt performances, Tyler Hilton is one of the most impressive new arrivals on the modern musical scene. 
      A gifted artist in every sense of the word--writer, singer, musician and performer -- Michael Tolcher deftly blends unfailing melodic and organic pop sensibilities with a deep understanding of soul, R&B and urban grooves drawn from his Southern upbringing. His debut album, “I Am,” is an inspired collection of songs and melodies that muse on life, love and social consciousness. 
      With his powerful, charismatic voice and the dark, seductive undertow of his vivid lyrics Chris Grace is, as they say, the real deal. His debut album, “Compulsion,” makes his magnetism and star power impossible to ignore. 
      For more information on the Virgin College Mega Tour at Southeastern, contact Jason Leader, interim coordinator of the Southeastern Campus Activity Board at 985-549-3805.