Spring Break
A blue collar signing, Eastern finalizes deal with Engvall
Kristina Peters/Campus Reporter
Issue date: 6/10/08 Section: News
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During the past few years, the main entertainment was a musical act, but this year University Board is switching things up.
Last year, UB brought REO Speedwagon to Eastern and before that came Foreigner and James Brown.
Ceci Brinker, director of student life, said there is a time to diversify and now seemed like a good time.
"He's always been on our short list," Brinker said. "It's just been a matter of timing and cost."
For a price of $75,000, Engvall will be performing at Easterm on Sept. 27.
Engvall starred in the comedy show "Blue Collar TV" on the WB network alongside Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy and also stars and executive produces the half-hour sitcom "The Bill Engvall Show" on TBS.
The series debuted in 2007 and delivered 3.9 million viewers and 2.8 million households.
Engvall also hosts "Country Fried Home Videos" on CMT and has released several CDs.
"He's really been a household name," Brinker said.
Engvall will not be the first comedian to perform for Family Weekend - several have in the past.
Past comedians include Bill Cosby, Foxworthy and Red Skelton.
"All of them have gone over very well," Brinker said. "We are very optimistic, it will be well received again this fall."
Brinker said input UB has received from students and faculty about Engvall has been positive.
There has already been interest from community members and Engvall fans concerning tickets.
Cathy Engelkes, who is in charge of the tickets, said people have called and emailed her about ticket prices and availability.
Tickets will be $23; however, they are available to the families of Eastern students first.
Family Weekend mailers, which will contain ticket order forms, will be mailed after Aug. 1 to families.
Brinker said if there were any tickets left over, they would go on sale about two to three weeks before the date of the event.
UB is continuing to try to provide quality entertainment for a good price.
"It's Family Weekend, so we want to keep our prices down," she said. "We want it to be an affordable weekend."
Kristina Peters can be reached at 581-7942 or at kmpeters2@eiu.edu.
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