Decemberists to bring unique sound to campus

One of the most popular indie folk rock bands of recent years, the Decemberists, will perform April 16 at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.

Fresh from the release of its sixth album, "The King Is Dead," the Portland band will perform at 7 p.m. at the Gallogly Events Center. Tickets – $15 for UCCS students, $20 for other students and military members and $25 for the general public – are available at Tickets West or any King Soopers.

Released in January, "The King Is Dead," features the song "Why We Fight," which reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart Feb. 5. Known for writing story songs, often with an academic twist, the group is led by Colin Meloy; other members include Nate Query, Chris Funk and Jenny Conlin.

"It is exciting to have a band of this caliber play UCCS," said Mitch Karstens, student activities coordinator, Office of Student Life and Leadership. "They've got a new album out and there's talk of them taking a break from recording – this may be one of the last chances to hear them perform live for a very long time."

The event is part of UCCS efforts to provide programming of interest to current UCCS students, Karstens said. The event also will likely attract high school students and students at other colleges to campus, a plus for recruitment efforts. Last year, Boulder-based 3OH!3 played for an inaugural event at Four Diamonds; that show was interrupted by a spring thunderstorm followed by hail and snow.

"This year, we're indoors in our first major concert event at Gallogly," Karstens said. "It's going to be a great venue and a great show."