Orange Peel executive team wraps up preparations

Friday, September 22, 2006

With less than 10 days until Orange Peel 2006, its executive team is working harder than ever.

“Right now, we are just doing final touches like making pizza box fliers, posters, coupons and just trying to spread the word,” said Kara Hahn, Orange Peel public relations executive director and a public relations senior at OSU.

Now in its 11th year, Orange Peel is the nation’s largest student-run pep rally and concert series. Grammy Award-winning country artist Alan Jackson will be the headline performer. Jackson has won 96 awards and sold 43 million albums. He also is the singer of 31 No. 1 hits.

“We got a list from one of our sponsors, Clear Channel radio, with a variety of musicians and narrowed it down,” said Chris Carrington, Orange Peel executive director and music business senior. “We were looking for someone who can easily relate to the community, then Alan Jackson’s name came up, and we just knew he would be perfect for Orange Peel.”

The team has been getting positive feedback from OSU students, the Stillwater community and business associates, said Carrington.

“So far, we have sold about 14,000 tickets and we are expecting even better sales closer to opening night,” Carrington said. “The ticket sale numbers usually jump up at the end of the last week before the concert because many people wait until the end to get their tickets.”

Following a survey this summer, the executive team found that 40% of students would buy tickets and 60% of the community would buy tickets.

“Some students may feel unsure of our choice of performers this year but we wanted to appeal to a diverse group of people,” Carrington said.

Carrington said another survey determined that 44% of poll respondents wanted country music and 45% wanted rock.

“The numbers were even, so we decided to have rock and country music on one stage,” Carrington said.

Hero Factor, a Tulsa-based rock group, will also perform at the concert.

“It’s a new band, but well-known and established on a local level,” Carrington said. “We expect a great show from them.”

The Orange Peel team has not only booked a variety of music acts but also a comedian. Bill Engvall from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour will perform.

“We wanted a comedian with a cleaner act, with no vulgarity so families with children can come and enjoy Orange Peel, too,” Carrington said.

Approximately 250 student volunteers plan and coordinate Orange Peel with a goal to bring amusement to a diverse public and attract as many people as they can.

“Some time it can be challenging for us, but we love what we do,” Carrington said. “I think this year Orange Peel will offer a great time for everyone there.”

For more information about Orange Peel or to purchase tickets, visit www.osupeel.com or call 877.OSU.PEEL.