Date:
8/11/2004
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
PORTALES-Eastern New Mexico University will present Blessid Union of Souls at Greyhound Arena on the Portales campus on Saturday, Aug. 28. Gates will open at 9:30 p.m. for the 10 p.m. concert, which is free and open to the public.
The concert will follow Eastern's opening football game of the year against Central Arkansas at 6 p.m. at Greyhound Stadium--seven miles from Greyhound Arena.
According to their bio, "Without hype, without gimmicks, sometimes without a record label, Blessid Union of Souls has quietly established itself over the last nine years as one of the premier bands."
The success of "I Believe," "Hey Leonardo (She Likes Me for Me)" and other top 20 hits "Let Me Be the One" and "Oh Virginia" proved the band is more than a one-single hit wonder.
"Home" was certified Platinum and the release of their second CD, Blessid Union Of Souls, found more success with top-20 hits in "I Wanna Be There" and "Light In Your Eyes." For their third CD they wanted to capture more of the high energy of the group's live shows, so they released Walking Off the Buzz.
Greyhound Arena has a capacity of 5,800. There will be 1,000 standing-room only on the floor and 4,800 seats in the stands. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dr. Will Kayatin, director of Student Activities and Organizations, says, "Blessid Union were one of the hottest bands in the mid to late 1990's. Like any great band they took a little sabbatical to regroup and record new material and this show is going to be very exciting. Eastern is fortunate to be the first stop on their 2004 tour, and we're very pleased that we will be able to present the show free-of-charge."
The band's fourth CD, titled The Singles, includes the new songs "Storybook Life," featuring rapper/singer 3XL (from Three Time Loser), "...And Then She Hit Me," as well as a live rendition of "Hey Leonardo," along with the punk/reggae version of "I Believe" and many more.
Blessid Union of Souls is currently writing new material and touring the US, with some surprises in a revamped show for 2004.
"We are getting great feedback from students and the community," said Jeff Blake, program coordinator for the Student Activities office. "I expect a large turnout, but we shouldn't have to turn anyone away."
The concert is sponsored by ENMU's Student Activities and Organizations. Eastern's baseball team will provide concessions.
For more information, call 505.562.2631.