By Dan FletcherThe Daily Northwestern
Hip-hop group The Roots will join the Dillo Day lineup as a last-minute replacement for Motion City Soundtrack, Mayfest organizers said.
Mayfest co-chairwoman Andrea Hart said her group had to scramble after pop-rock band Motion City Soundtrack withdrew from Saturday’s event late Monday. She said the addition of The Roots was one of Mayfest’s best-case scenarios.
“We’re really excited,” said Hart, a Medill sophomore and former PLAY staffer. “I think this is the best Dillo Day lineup we’ve ever been able to put together.”
The Roots are a hip-hop and R&B group noted for including some elements of jazz in their songs.
Mayfest concert director Liz Korutz said it was a challenge to get a commitment from The Roots so close to the date of the event. She said Mayfest members were disappointed after Motion City Soundtrack pulled out, but that there was “screaming” when The Roots committed late Tuesday afternoon.
“We sent off an offer (Monday) night and got the acceptance back (Tuesday),” said Mayfest co-chairwoman Hillary Robbie, a Communication junior. “Everything had to be pushed. We had to get it done.”
The Roots join rapper Lupe Fiasco, alternative band Cake and soloist Pete Francis on Saturday’s schedule. Korutz said she expects The Roots to perform between 2 and 3 p.m., with Cake taking the stage later in the evening.
Korutz said Mayfest had considered The Roots earlier in the year, and they knew the group would be available.
She said some additional money from NU administrators made the booking possible. Mayfest received additional funding to deal with planned construction of a new lacrosse field along the Lakefill. But when the construction was pushed off until June, Mayfest was allowed to keep the additional money.
“(That money) basically made the difference between getting The Roots or not,” said Korutz, a Medill senior and former Daily staffer.
Robbie said The Roots’ performance at A&O Ball in 2004 helped influence the decision to bring them back.
“They put out some amazing NU shows in the past,” she said. “They brought out big crowds.”
While some students said they had no idea who The Roots were, others were thrilled by the announcement. Weinberg junior Aisha Kazeem gasped when she heard the news.
“Between (Lupe Fiasco) and The Roots, I don’t need to buy a ticket to Lollapalooza this summer,” she said.
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