After a poor turnout at last year’s Vertical Horizon concert, the Veishea entertainment committee has decided to do things differently.

This year, the committee has decided to forgo the traditional large concert, and instead, replace it with a variety of smaller bands.

The committee will book bands for a Saturday night concert at the Taste of Veishea stage on Welch Avenue, as well as a Central Campus concert on Thursday evening.

“Everyone has different tastes in music, so it is hard to bring in a band that appeals to a large group of students,” said B.J. Fuhrman, Veishea entertainment co-chairman.

“A lot of our money is either not there or being spent on other forms of entertainment such as the barbecue,” said Quinn Showalter, Veishea entertainment co-chairman.

The Taste Stage on Welch Avenue will host four to six bands for a free concert. The Central Campus concert will host two bands and a variety of music; the cost will be about $5.

“There will be a fenced-off area, but we can’t stop people from standing outside and listening,” said Showalter, senior in agricultural studies.

The Veishea entertainment committee is hoping to hold the Central Campus concert, which will feature fireworks, the Thursday night before Veishea weekend.

In the past the committee has spent anywhere from $30,0000 to $40,000 to rent Hilton Coliseum and book a major band. This year, the committee is planning to spend $10,000 to $15,000, Showalter said.

“Many students don’t realize how much a large band costs to bring in for one specific date,” said Fuhrman, senior in agricultural studies.

Despite funding issues, there are a number of concerts already booked for this semester.

`N Sync, Alan Jackson and Dave Matthews Band will be performing between March 27 and April 30, near Veishea weekend.

“I don’t know what reaction to expect from students,” Showalter said.

He said if the turnout is poor, they will have to change things next year.

“We are planning on spending less money on different bands to attract more people,” Showalter said. “If we have 1,500 people in attendance at the Taste Stage, it can be considered a success.”

Although the Veishea entertainment co-chairmen opted for the smaller stage, an attempt was made to book a large band.

“We did have a band set up, but it fell through,” Showalter said.

“We just don’t have the money it takes to book the large bands. We had to try something different this year.”

The committee has not yet finalized bands for the concerts.