Ben Folds added to fall auditorium line-up

The IU auditorium added two shows to its 2009-10 season. Singer-songwriter Ben Folds and rock band Umphrey’s McGee will perform this fall.

Doug Booher, director of the IU Auditorium, said the auditorium works with different production agencies throughout the year to sign bands looking to play for college crowds.

“These bands have had a lot of critical acclaim, and we have a lot of interest for them within our student body,” Booher said. “I think that Ben Folds has had an overwhelming success, and his off-beat but often emotional music has been huge. Seeing him live in concert is a cool opportunity to see somebody who is playful. These are entertaining shows.”

Booher added that Umphrey’s McGee, whose members formed the band  at the University of Notre Dame, has experienced success as a main act in addition to opening for other bands.

“They are headliners and have a great deal of respect from their fan base, so we are excited to have them perform,” he said.

Ben Folds is presented by the auditorium in partnership with NiteLite Productions, and the Umphrey’s McGee performance is sponsored by the auditorium and Jam Productions.

Booher said the auditorium’s upcoming season is one of its most diverse, and the variety of shows will bring the Bloomington community together.

“It’s a place where students can interact with professors, a common ground for our entire community,” Booher said.

“These two shows will have a super strong interest from the student body, and that’s why we are doing our best to get them at the beginning of our season.”