FEST 2012 rescheduled around G8/NATO summits

DePaul students typically recognize the Friday before Memorial Day weekend as the big day for the long awaited FEST.  However, as Chicago plans to host the G8 and NATO summits that same week, DePaul Activities Board (DAB) has instead rescheduled the event for June 1.

Considering the expected heightened security risks and increased amount of visitors throughout the city as it will welcome over 2,000 international dignitaries, FEST coordinator, Liz Palomo worked closely with Student Centers and the Division of Student Affairs to secure an alternate date.  

"Based on our knowledge of the impact the G8/NATO will have on the city, we moved the date of FEST as a safety and logistic precaution," said DAB's faculty advisor, Tanya Vandermoon.

"Trying to plan a concert without a date can be a little scary, but I knew we would find the right day and it will all come together," Palomo said about the process of working to find a date and plan FEST.

Now that the online FEST 2012 artist survey has ended, the committee will work with the results and artists availability to finalize performances said Ariane Ackerberg, a DAB volunteer. The survey broke down the artist selection by genre, including Hip Hop and Rock/Alternative. Some artist options were Lupe Fiasco, Snoop Dog, and Damian Marley, as well as, Cage the Elephant and Janelle Monae.

"I think this will be a good thing just because we won't have to worry about the safety issues and moving it back will make it more of a celebration for the end of the school year," said senior Finance student, Matt Hernandez. "Moving it to June will hopefully make for better weather too."