Sources: Karin Westman, 785-532-2190, westmank@k-state.edu;
Phil Nel, 785-532-2165, philnel@k-state.edu;
and Rachel Parkin, 785-410-2336, parkin@k-state.edu
Note to editor: Also involved in organizing the Hallows and Horcruxes Ball is Erinn Bock, K-State senior in fisheries and wildlife and biology and English, Hutchinson.
News release prepared by: Katie Mayes, 785-532-6415, kmayes@k-state.edu

Friday, Feb. 20, 2009

SECOND ANNUAL HARRY POTTER-INSPIRED BENEFIT CONCERT COMING TO K-STATE MARCH 7

MANHATTAN -- Wizards, mystical rockers and mere mortals will soon converge on Kansas State University for the second annual Hallows and Horcruxes Ball, a rock concert inspired by J.K. Rowling's popular "Harry Potter" book series.

The ball, from 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday, March 7, in the Ballroom of the K-State Student Union, will play host to fans of "Harry Potter" inspired rock 'n' roll from across the nation. Seven wizard rock bands are scheduled to perform, including: The Remus Lupins, The Parselmouths, The Moaning Myrtles, Ministry of Magic, The Mudbloods, The Whomping Willows and Gred and Forge. Five of these bands were rated among the top 10 wizard rock bands by MTV in 2007.

"Wizard rock demonstrates the effect that J.K. Rowling's series has on readers of all ages," said Karin Westman, head of K-State's department of English and a Harry Potter scholar. "They've not only been inspired to create their own art, but their work promotes the primary themes of Rowling's books: education, reading and community involvement for social change."

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 $900. Overall, the wizard rock movement has raised more than $25,000 for charity through its recordings, Westman said.

"Wizard rock also speaks to the enormous influence of the Harry Potter series," said Phil Nel, K-State English professor and director of K-State's children's literature program. "How many books do you know of that have inspired an entire musical movement?"

Ball co-organizer Rachel Parkin, a master's student in English, Olathe, said that wizard rock is contagious.

"A year and a half after the release of the seventh and final Harry Potter book, the fan base is still amazingly strong and wizard rock just keeps growing," she said. "Wizard rockers have so much fun expressing their love for the series that it's difficult not to be entranced by their music and inspired by their commitment to service."

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 at the Union Program Council office on the third floor of the Union, or by calling 785-532-6571 or online at http://www.myspace.com/ksuchalc

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