UNIQUE offers students cheap thrills

Cake did it. Little Charlie and the Nightcats have done it too. What do these nationally acclaimed bands have in common? They both performed on campus as part of a UNIQUE program.

Formed in 1978, UNIQUE, or the Union Network for Innovative Quality University Entertainment, is run by students. Their goal is to bring varied and exciting on-campus entertainment to all CSUS students. The best part about UNIQUE shows is that most are free or very low cost, which makes students who seek quality entertainment on a budget very happy.

"We try to book acts at prices that won't hurt student pocketbooks," said Dean Sorensen, director of UNIQUE.

UNIQUE is made up of student volunteers who do everything from planning and promoting events to ushering shows and working the spotlight.

"We are very much a volunteer organization," said Sorensen.

UNIQUE survives on $3,000 to $6,000 a semester. They are funded by Associated Students Inc. and from a portion of the $71 union fee, assessed every semester to CSUS students.

Although their budget is small, UNIQUE has consistently provided numerous acts and speakers for the entertainment of students.

UNIQUE is also responsible for the long-standing tradition of Nooners, short concerts that take place in the University Union Redwood Room, every Wednesday at noon. Nooners are always free and offer students of all ages the opportunity to sample popular local bands.

"I always try to leave Wednesdays at noon open in my schedule, so I can check out the Nooners," said Omar Kitanov, a communications and pre-law major.

But some students aren't as lucky.

If this is the case, don't fret. UNIQUE presents many more shows throughout the week and at all different times.

"We try to bring a variety of music to campus," said Sorensen, adding that their first concert will be a Blues by the Moon extravaganza. It is an evening concert that will feature the Garcia Brothers, a local Blues band and R&B band that has opened for national acts like Tower of Power.

UNIQUE's Cultural Affairs Series brings informative and entertaining speakers to campus, like best-selling author Terry McMillan, who spoke to CSUS students last semester.

Variety acts such as dance troupes and comedians are also part of the UNIQUE programs.

"We're hoping to present a comedy concert featuring several comedians during Homecoming Week," said Sorensen.

With the recently completed University Union expansion that includes a 1500 seat ballroom, UNIQUE hopes to increase and diversify their venue.

"We're in a period of transition right now," said Sorensen. "We now have access to the University Ballroom, which is great. I'd like to book bigger acts and present an increased variety of shows."

To make this dream a reality, Sorensen emphasized that student involvement is what makes UNIQUE, well, unique.

Any CSUS student can be a part of the program and an orientation for interested students will be held today at 6 p.m. in the Miwok Room, on the third floor of the University Union.

"We're looking for students who are willing to work hard and have an in interest in learning," said Sorensen.