Singer-songwriter Regina Spektor will be one of the headliners at Dillo Day on May 29, according to Mayfest. Spektor’s appearance is in part made possible by a co-sponsorship with Hillel.
Katie Halpern, Mayfest co-chairperson, described Spektor as a “classically-trained artist with a modern edge.”
“She’s one of the most legitimately skilled artists we’ve brought in a long time,” Halpern said.
Spektor’s most recent album, 2009’s Far, featured the singles “Laughing With” and “Eet.” The pianist is possibly best known for the song “Us,” featured prominently in the hit film (500) Days of Summer.
Mayfest has been trying to bring Spektor to various shows on campus for about two or three years now, according to Michael Gebhardt, Mayfest co-chairperson.
“Before this year even started, we were thinking about what we wanted for this year’s Dillo Day,” Halpern said. “We really wanted it to be fun and upbeat.”
In addition to Spektor’s broad appeal, she will be able to identify with the Jewish community on campus, said Merrie Aaron, outgoing president of Hillel.
“We get money to host a large event, and we are excited to co-sponsor with Mayfest,” Aaron said. “Regina has a strong grounding in her own Jewish background.”
Hillel’s co-sponsorship played an essential part in Spektor coming to campus, the Mayfest co-chairs said.
“It also freed up our funds to ensure that our acts are even better than they could have been without the help of Hillel,” Halpern added.
Although it is uncertain when Spektor will appear in the lineup for Dillo Day, she will not be the night headliner. The time of her performance will “depend on the rest of the booking process,” according to Gebhardt.
The Mayfest co-chairs said they are not ready to indicate when they will announce more of the Dillo Day acts.
“Things will be popping in and out pretty soon in the news, but everyone will know by May 28,” Halpern joked, referring to the day before the concert.