The Barometer Online

Issue date: 5/18/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Brock Ameele Rap quartet Nappy Roots comes on stage before technical difficulties halted the concert at a Pi Kappa Phi charity event Saturday night.

An event that started as an idea to raise money for charity quickly ended when a Rockstar energy drink exploded on the stage, and hundreds of students clamored for a refund.

Last Saturday, the OSU chapter of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity hosted an all day block party and concert in an attempt to raise money and heighten awareness for Push America, while also providing students with a unique entertainment opportunity.

According to their website, Push America is a non-profit organization founded by the Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity in 1977 with the intention to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities.

According to Eric Larson, the vice president of recruiting for Pi Kappa Phi, the event was a success for charity, bringing in over $12,000 for Push America. However, after several technical difficulties, which resulted in a violent crowd reaction, it would be inaccurate to say the event was a success.

The former Grammy-nominated rap quartet Nappy Roots was scheduled to close out the concert with an hour long set, but was unable to fulfill their commitment after faulty equipment led to a rowdy fan throwing a full, opened Rockstar energy drink toward the stage.

According to members of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and Colin Landforce, who was able to book Nappy Roots, the group's manager feared for their safety and insisted they exit the stage once their safety was in question.

"It was just a disaster," Landforce said, describing the scene that unfolded with the concert's headlining entertainers. Although the exact reason for the equipment malfunction could not be pinpointed, it evolved from an array of problems that started when the wireless microphones stopped working.

Landforce, who was initially contracted to book the band and promote the event, said he agreed to help prepare the rented audio equipment because he enjoyed the work and felt like he could adequately do the job for free. This would enable Pi Kappa Phi to donate more money to Push America by saving money on a sound technician.

"We did everything we could in that situation," Landforce said. When the wireless microphones stopped working, the rental equipment being used was unable to support the amount of microphones that now needed to be plugged in, causing them to intermittently drop the sound altogether when a performer yelled loudly.

Continued...

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