CUAB spends less on 2014 Homecoming acts

The price tag for this year’s two Homecoming acts is easier on the Carolina Union Activities Board’s budget than those of past shows.

According to performers Gloriana and Earl Sweatshirt’s official contracts, released Friday to The Daily Tar Heel, the University is only paying the two artists a combined $50,000 plus the cost of hotel accommodations, transportation and technical requirements for the show.

Wale and Ace Hood, the 2013 Homecoming performers, were paid $90,000 plus the same associated costs. And 2012 Homecoming performer J. Cole was paid $105,000.

This is the first year CUAB will have two nights of Homecoming concerts at Memorial Hall. Gloriana will perform on Nov. 11, Sweatshirt on Nov. 12.

CUAB president and senior Gabe Chess said that this year, the student-run board had to be more financially responsible with Homecoming funds but still wanted the concerts to feel exciting.

“We had done two big rap shows in a row, so we wanted to find a way to reach out to more students who might not be interested in those shows, but would also be interested in coming to Homecoming,” he said.

According to the group’s contract, Gloriana requested 13 one-person, nonsmoking hotel rooms with king-sized beds and a full-sized 12-to-15-passenger van with “an experienced driver” that would be available from the time the group arrives at UNC until it leaves.

Gloriana also requested 12 bottles of SmartWater, one bag of Rold Gold sourdough pretzels and a sleeve of solid-color Solo cups in the band’s dressing room.

Because of a University policy that mandates no student fees or funds be used to purchase alcohol, the University denied Gloriana’s requests for one case of canned Budweiser Light and one case of “premium beer,” a qualification for which the group suggested Guinness or Sapporo.

According to his contract, Sweatshirt will receive chips and fresh salsa, pita chips and hummus, freshly cut fruit and vegetables and cases of cold water in his dressing room. He’ll also have Red Bull, Coca-Cola, two clean white towels, two clean black towels and four bottles of Evian- or Fiji-brand water on stage during the performance.

UNC denied Sweatshirt’s requests for a 12-pack of Stella Artois beer, a bottle of Jameson whiskey and two packs of Swisher cigars in his dressing room. UNC also denied his request to have a bottle of Jameson with a glass and ice for him onstage while he performed.

The contract also stipulated Sweatshirt’s lodging accommodations must be in a five-star hotel and his on-ground transportation must be provided by a “professional car service company (not a friend, fan, student, promoter, etc.).”

Sophomore CUAB board member Jesus Barreto said tickets are still available for both concerts and that he thinks Homecoming will be a success.

“Now we have two different shows, two different genres and a higher chance to please more students,” he said.

arts@dailytarheel.com