There will be no musical act following the Homecoming pep rally this year.
Instead, Kathy Griffin, well-known comedienne and star of the Bravo reality show, “Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List,” will perform a comedy act at the pep rally on Nov. 3rd at the Pete Mararvich Assembly Center.
Samantha Pruitt, homecoming committee chair, said because of the disruptions caused by hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the revised fall 2005 calendar and their limited budget, the committee chose to put in a bid for Kathy Griffin as opposed to a musical act.
“Normally we have a musical act, but since the cost is high and with the sound set up and everything, we usually end up with someone who was cool in middle school,” Pruitt said.
Pruitt said this year will be the first time without a musical act since the committee has planned the pep rally.
Pruitt also said she believes the event will run smoother because there will be no sound delay or complicated set up.
Although Griffin has been known to use crude humor, the act will be family oriented and designed to promote school spirit, Pruitt said.
Emilia Gilbert, adviser for the homecoming committee, said she is excited about this year’s homecoming festivities.
“With everything that has been going on this semester, we thought we’d try something different,” Gilbert said. “We are excited about it, and think the student body will be too.”
Ryan Naquin, mass communication junior, said he will not attend the performance.
“If it had been a good [musical act] I might have gone, but I don’t think [Kathy Griffin] is worthy of me going.”
Alden Moreau, fashion merchandising sophomore, said she is looking forward to the comedienne coming to the University.
“She’s funny,” Moreau said. “She has an annoying voice, but I think she’s really funny.”
The theme for homecoming is A Night on the Red Carpet, Pruitt said.
Pruitt said the events outside the PMAC will begin at 5 p.m. and will include contests, free food, a DJ and a climbing wall.
Pruitt said inside, the pep rally, featuring football players, the Tiger Band and Skip Bertman, will begin at 6:15 p.m. The comedy performance by Kathy Griffin will begin afterward, Pruitt said.
Contact Meghan Legaux at [email protected]