THE DOWNPOUR CONCERT: A CONTROVERSIAL ALLOCATION OF FUNDS
The University of Oregon campus was filled with anticipation and spirited debates as the ASUO (Associated Students of the University of Oregon) prepared for the highly anticipated Downpour concert featuring Amine. This event marked a significant milestone as it was the first ASUO concert in over a decade, and the funding for it came from surplus funds that were not utilized during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the University of Oregon (UO). While the prospect of an Anime concert taking place at Matthew Knight Arena excited many, it also sparked a range of opinions regarding the allocation of funds.
ASUO had requested a total budget of $252,000 to fund the concert, with $150,000 dedicated to paying Amine for his performance. The remaining funds were allocated towards the venue, hiring an agency, sound and lighting, as well as staff for the event, as reported by the Daily Emerald.
Alongside Amine, the Downpour concert featured performances by local Eugene house bands, Mommy and Common Koi, providing a diverse lineup for attendees. Student tickets were priced at an affordable $10, and the ASUO gave students the opportunity to secure their spots before the general public sale, according to UO. Public tickets were available for $29 each.
Opinions about the use of funds for the concert varied among students prior to the event. Supporters praised ASUO for organizing an enjoyable experience, recognizing the importance of providing a sense of fun and relief from the pandemic’s stresses. These individuals believed that the concert celebrated the diverse interests and passions of the student body, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy live music at an affordable price.
Isabella Morgan, a UO student, expressed her excitement, saying, “Personally, I love Amine. I’m really excited to see him, and it was only $10!” Sarah Galanty shared a similar sentiment, stating, “It’s cool that ASUO tried their best to get a widely-liked performer like Amine. Most of my friends know at least a few songs of his, so it should be a good time.”
“I can’t believe ASUO managed to secure Amine for this concert. He is one of my favorite singers. I can’t wait,” said UO student Katey Haster.
However, opposing students raised concerns about the allocation of funds towards a specific niche interest. They believed that the surplus funds should have been prioritized for investments in areas such as mental health services, building support, or general student resources, which would benefit a broader range of students and address pressing needs on campus.
Georgia Smith, a UO student, questioned the decision, asking, “Why are we spending money on an Amine concert when there are so many other things that need fixing at UO? I don’t even like Amine that much, so it is frustrating that this money is being spent on a performer some people do not even like.”
Jake Griffin expressed a similar sentiment, stating, “I can think of so many other things ASUO and the UO should have spent the money on rather than a concert. What about AC in the buildings, therapists for students, or more student resources in general?”
“When ASUO announced Amine would be the headliner, I was honestly let down,” said UO student Reese Cameron, “other schools have had performers like The Weekend, Chase Rice, and Kesha. I don’t really care about Amine.”
However, as the concert began, tensions arose due to Amine’s delayed start. Frustrated by the delay, some students started leaving the venue. Dean Mendiola, a UO student, explained, “I don’t even like Amine that much, so there was no way I was going to wait for him. I only went because the tickets were $10, and I wanted to spend time with my friends.”
Mindy Phillips expressed disappointment with the delay, saying, “It’s so unprofessional and rude. I was at Post Malone’s concert right after he dropped his iconic album, ‘Beerbongs and Bentleys,’ and he still took the stage on time. Amine is not a big enough artist to keep people waiting like that.”
The delayed start caused some students who initially supported the concert to reconsider their views. Morgan noted, “While tickets were only $10, I still expected him to perform on time. I understand this is a small opportunity for him, but it is disrespectful, especially to those of us who backed the decision to spend all this money.”
“I’m not surprised he went on late,” said Cameron, “Some artists just have way too big of an ego.”
Sarah Galanty stuck to her previously supported beliefs, “I had nothing else to do so my friends and I stayed and waited. The concert was amazing, and I had a ton of fun! Caroline was definitely my favorite song and performance.”
