Bacchanal rocks Low Plaza

4/25/10 11:00pm

John Murphy-Teixidor

Chewbacchanal is named for Chewbacca, a wookiee from George Lucas' Star Wars movies.

The week of festivities included giveaways, parties, a brunch, Coraline in 3D on 4/20 and the main event, a concert on the steps.

This year's concert featured indie band Of Montreal, Wiz Khalifa and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah.

"I think that we try and go for artists that have diverse genres. I think that's why we try and generally have two musicians," says Cleo McGovern, treasurer for Bacchanal Special Events.

"Naturally, we're limited by budget restraints, first of all. We have a set amount of money that we use for artists. And then, once we get a feel for what people want, who people want to bring we see their availability and what their costs are," adds co-president Jody Zellman. "And so over the course of a few months, you have people who are either in or out because of time and budget."

The concerts costs approximately $100,000. While donors fund concerts at other institutions, Bacchanal's concert is financed entirely by ABC and the student councils. Organizers face high stakes and plenty of red tape.

"Your tuition pays for Bacchanal," explains McGovern. "Funding anything is such an intense process. We need to get approval five times to spend $20 on lunch for the artists or something like that."

"I think the worst part is the real life thing, having to work with departments, getting permission, having to go through bureaucratic loopholes. It's really a huge process to go through to get permission."

An estimated 1200 people attended the concert. Organizers had some advice for attendees.

"Wild out. Have a baller time," advises Alex Kirk, co-president of Bacchanal.

"Maybe they could relax for a little bit, unwind, just for a few hours; pretend everything's going to be all right," adds Zellman.