The attack: Over 2,000 flyers and posters throughout campus, radio spots on all local stations as well as Chicago’s WXRT-FM, ads on nearly every chalkboard, a window and billboard display in the student center and most of all, word of mouth.

This was the flood of media publicity the Campus Activities Board Concert Committee used to promote the Feb. 15 concert in the Duke Ellington Ballroom featuring Chicago’s Lil’ Ed And The Blues Imperials with Howard And The White Boys. It was a concert that had less attendance then when Lil‘ Ed played in Diversions a year ago.

These are some of the excuses used in defense of the poor showing: There were tests that week, I had to study, I didn’t know there was a concert, I don’t like that music, who are they, it was bad timing or I don’t have the money right now. I will now take a moment to reflect on this sorry bunch of lame excuses.

Before my tirade on the no shows, I would like to thank those who did attend; you were treated to some of the finest blues music around. Now for those hermits who didn’t come.

Tests. Well, There are about 25,000 students, total, who attend NIU. Some commute, the overwhelming majority don’t. There were not 25,000 tests on the Thursday following the concert. And there were even less that Friday.

Now, if you are that far behind or merely that stupid that you stayed in to study for a test that was the following week, go home and go to DeVry and live with your parents. Then you might have an excuse to stay in, like your parents had curfew for you or something.

For those that didn’t know there was a concert, do you even know there is a sun? You do have classes, or is that just another place to sleep? You must walk through campus in a zombie state or not be able to read to have missed the numerous flyers posted. Wake up, there is life outside of the dorms.

I won’t rag on those that claim they don’t like blues music. You can only appeal to so many people. But for those who dropped four bucks to see the Insane War Tomatoes play, I’ve got a bridge I’d like to sell you.

If you claim to be a blues fan but used the excuse, “I’ve never heard of the band,” find other music to appreciate. You can’t know everything about a music style. I certainly don’t, but the only way you can expect to broaden your horizons is to just check out something new.

And finally, money for nothing or your music for free. If you claim that you could go see Howard And The White Boys for free at Andy’s or something, you deserve a gold medal for abstinence.

The concert committee prides itself in providing the best entertainment they can at the lowest cost to students. They charge the lowest prices available to make the entertainment accessible to the students, and three bucks isn’t asking much for a world famous performer.

Perhaps the brightest spot of this stunning show was when Lil’ Ed called on the youngest blues fans in the crowd and gave them a free tee shirt. No, some 18 or 19-year-old girl didn’t go up for a little sugar. Rather, a nine-year-old boy and nine-year-old girl strolled up on stage, much to the delight of the audience.

By the time the kids left, it was no doubt well past their curfew, and it was a weeknight none the less. But they did have school the next day. They are getting up there in age, and you don’t want to push them too much. They probably had a test to study for or something to do, like sit through six straight hours of classroom learning. But they no doubt had an experience they won’t soon forget.