Sources: Karin Westman, 785-532-2190, westmank@k-state.edu;
Phil Nel, 785-532-2165, philnel@k-state.edu;
and Adriane Metcalf, 913-548-6973, ametcalf@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.k-state.edu/chalc/HHBall.html
News release prepared by: Katie Mayes, 785-532-6415, kmayes@k -state.edu

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

THIRD ANNUAL HARRY POTTER-INSPIRED BENEFIT CONCERT COMING TO K-STATE APRIL 17

MANHATTAN -- A love of all things Harry Potter and commitment to literacy will unite wizards and muggles at Kansas State University's third annual Hallows and Horcruxes Ball.

The ball, from 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday, April 17, in the Ballroom of the K-State Student Union, will play host to hundreds of fans of rock music based on J.K. Rowling's popular "Harry Potter" book series.

Karin Westman, head of K-State's department of English, said the seven bands scheduled to perform include The Remus Lupins, The Parselmouths, The Moaning Myrtles, Ministry of Magic, Justin Finch and Fletchley and the Sugar Quills, The Whomping Willows, and Gred and Forge. Five of the bands were rated among the top 10 wizard rock bands by MTV in 2007.

"Even though the Harry Potter series has ended, wizard rock remains a popular way for fans to express their love for the world Rowling has created and to support positive social change, such as the literacy efforts of First Book," Westman said.

The Hallows and Horcruxes Ball is a benefit for First Book, a nonprofit organization that provides disadvantaged children with books. Last year's ball raised more than $1,000. The wizard rock movement has raised tens of thousands of dollars for charity through its recordings, Westman said.

"Wizard rock offers yet more proof of the imaginative power of the Harry Potter series. I mean, how many other books have inspired a musical genre?" said Phil Nel, K-State English professor and director of K-State's children's literature program. "I don't know if actual wizards rock, but Harry Potter fans definitely do."

Event co-organizer Adriane Metcalf, a master's student in English, Merriam, said that wizard rock attracts a wide audience, much like the Harry Potter book series.

"The music is catchy with a range of themes that extend to the variety of audiences Harry Potter has captured over the years," Metcalf said. "Wizard rock provides a fun and entertaining experience for fans of the Harry Potter series."

Tickets to the Hallows and Horcruxes Ball are free to K-State students with a valid ID and $12 for the general public. Tickets are available through the Union Program Council office on the third floor of the Union, by calling 785-532-6571 or online at http://www.k-state.edu/chalc/HHBall.html.

Event sponsors include K-State's Children's and Adolescent Literature Community, the department of English, Student Governing Association, Union Program Council, the Dow Chemical Multicultural Resource Center at Hale Library and the Manhattan Music Coalition.