San Francisco-based indie rock band Geographer will be the headliner for Benefit 2013, and whysowhite will be the show’s opener, A&O Productions announced Wednesday morning.
The benefit concert, set to be held May 5, is put on by a partnership between A&O and Dance Marathon to benefit next year’s DM beneficiary. The show last year featured indie acts Dr. Dog and Anamanaguchi.
The two bands were chosen for this year's benefit concert because of their more relaxed style of music, outgoing A&O Chairman Logan Koepke said.
“The feeling for these kind of shows is a much more indie feel,” Koepke said. “Geographer is pretty much in the same vein of these bands that are indie but still really chill.”
Chicago-based whysowhite already has lasting ties to Northwestern, having performed at both Dance Marathon and Dillo Day in previous years. The eight-piece funk group also includes Weinberg senior Andrew Abramowitz and alum Chris Miller.
“We like to say that we ... exemplify what’s best about Northwestern,” said Shelly Tan, one of A&O’s marketing directors. “And whysowhite definitely speaks to that.”
Doors will open at 4 p.m., and the show will start at 4:30 on the Norris East Lawn. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5. Donors will receive a free concert poster, which can also be bought for $3. Proceeds will benefit the 2014 DM beneficiary.
“It really is a good, fun way to kick off the fundraising year,” Koepke said.