By SHAY GORDON | Guest Writer

Nothing lures money-drained college students to an event more than the possibility of finding fun and inexpensive entertainment. Combine a free concert with the opportunity of receiving a no-expense dinner, and the result is the Rock the Block concert hosted by the Governors

Programming Council (GPC).

The free event will take place Friday, Sept. 3, at the UC Plaza and will begin at 5 p.m. and end at approximately 8 p.m. The first 100 students that arrive with their APSU ID cards will receive a free dinner provided by Zaxby’s. The dinner is first come, first serve, therefore it is recommended students arrive early if they are interested in the free meal.

The artists that will be featured include Josh LaCount, Lydia Walker and Diana Pelham. Each performer has a unique style and guarantees a variety for all.

Artist Josh LaCount will offer an alternative rock style that includes fast-paced, hard-hitting jams as well as more slowly-paced ballads. More information about LaCount’s music, tours, influences and biography can be found at his website, www.joshlacount.com/fr_home.cfm.

For those that enjoy a more soothing, folk-based artist will enjoy music from Lydia Walker. Heavily influenced by Christian folk music, Walker provides uplifting and positive songs. More information about Lydia Walker’s life, music, and new album can be found on www.lydiawalkermusic.com.

Last is APSU alumni Diana Pelham. Pelham is an unconventional country music artist that is known on occasion to belt out an AC/DC or Michael Jackson cover when playing a show. Pelham’s biography as well as tour dates and music information can found at www.myspace.com/dianapelham.

Students that wish to see more campus events such as the Rock the Block concert can directly influence what comes to the APSU campus by becoming a member of the GPC.

Students interested in making their opinions heard are welcome to come to the GPC general board meetings every Monday night starting Sept. 13. Meetings take place in room 307 at 5 p.m. in the 3rd floor of the UC.

The GPC is currently accepting applications for the executive board that makes a final vote and decision on all proposed events that are discussed during general board meetings.

An interest session for the executive board will also be held on Monday, Sept. 13, in room 307. The applications for the executive board can be found on the APSU website under the Student Life and Leadership and the deadline will be on Wednesday, Sept. 15, by 2 p.m. at the UC in room 211. TAS

Performance line-up

Josh LaCount: an alternative rocker with hard-hitting jams and slow paced ballads. Find out more at: www.joshlacount.com/fr_home.cfm.

Lydia Walker: a Christian folk artist with a positive message. Find out more at: www.lydiawalkermusic.com.

Diana Pelham: a country musician with an unconventional twist. Find out more at: www.myspace.com/dianapelham

By Lisa Finocchio | Managing Editor

Sometimes it is difficult to assign a genre to music. I know that if such labeling were up to me, I’d use a lot more similes. You know — “It sounds kind of like so-and-so and a little like so-and-so, but with a lot more techno.”

Accurately describing music is not something I’m particularly good at, so I’ve spent a lot of time hanging around the office listening to Gabe Vitek and the Ivory’s “Voices” and trying to figure out the next step of this process. I even Googled “How to write a music review,” but believe it or not that wasn’t very helpful.
On MySpace, Gabe Vitek and the Ivory is described as “pop/rock/jazz,” and as far as musical descriptions go, I find this particularly accurate. Vocalist and keyboardist Gabraham Vitek penned most of the songs, which are backed by Joe Hoogerhyde on guitar and vocals, Richard Scott on drums and Blake Stratton on bass and vocals.

Many of the 11 tracks on “Voices” are piano-heavy, which is something I’ve always loved in music, but there’s enough bass and percussion to keep most listeners interested. The vocals are slightly reminiscent of Adam Levine, front man of the pop/rock band Maroon 5.

From this album, “Get Movin’,” “Comfort of You” and ”Rooftops” are three tracks that impressed me most, both musically and lyrically. I’m a writer myself, and I’m very appreciative of well-written, catchy songs. All three of these meet my expectations. It’s difficult to enjoy songs that are lyrically boring, but Vitek’s writing style adds another layer of complexity to the album.

The album is cohesive and flows well, and Vitek’s voice conveys emotions that are mirrored by graceful piano arrangements. Catchy melodies and intricate harmonies build a foundation for well-written, enjoyable songs that fans of bands like The Beatles, Maroon 5, Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer and Damien Rice should appreciate.

Listen online
To hear Gabe Vitek and the Ivory, visit www.MySpace.com/GabeVitekandtheIvory or www.GabeVitekandtheIvory.com.

Listen live
Gabe Vitek and the Ivory will be at Exit/In in Nashville on Wednesday, September 23; visit www.ExitIn.com for ticket information.

– Lisa Finocchio, Managing Editor