I would like to commend the University Board for working hard to bring great acts to Eastern this year.

Some people might complain about paying a measly $10 concert fee, so multi-platinum bands and popular comedians can grace us with their presence, but my $10 is money well spent.

I waited in line for nearly two hours Saturday afternoon to buy tickets for the upcoming Counting Crows show along with hundreds of other students who were eager to see them perform April 18. That’s a lot of time to invest in such a mediocre band.

Counting Crows has been selling millions of albums for a decade now. The band has been nominated for countless awards, including two Grammys, and the group will go on tour with critically acclaimed singer/songwriter John Mayer this summer.

Eastern students are fortunate to have such a talented act play in Lantz Arena, and the UB brought Counting Crows here for the discount price of $18. Anywhere else, a fan would pay double that to see the Crows live.

That’s where the $10 concert fee comes in.

Dave Chapelle, whose fame is rising rapidly with his hit Comedy Central show, normally sells tickets for $30, but the University Board is charging only $12 for the comedian.

Not only are these acts affordable, they are diverse.

Dave Chapelle is an African-American who offends some, yet his social criticisms are revered by many. Students of various ethnicities and backgrounds watch his show, and he’s a guaranteed crowd pleaser for anyone who has a sense of humor.

With five successful albums under their belt, the members of Counting Crows offer a diverse collection of songs. The Crows have covered old tunes, written heart-wrenching ballads and even dabbled in the blues.

Maybe Counting Crows hasn’t had a No. 1 song in a few years, but that fact hardly counts as mediocrity. Being on Casey Kasem’s top-40 has nothing to do with great music or captivating stage presence.

Those of us who went to Everclear last semester might not have seen the best concert of our lives, but it was more enjoyable than a Saturday night in a crowded bar or a lame party.

Live entertainment, especially from a big act at a cheap price, is never a complete disappointment, and the UB can’t please everyone.

So, the board didn’t bring Nelly or Kenny Chesney, but the UB did not fail.

The members of the UB are not professional show-bookers; they’re inexperienced students who only had two available dates in Lantz Arena to work with this spring.

The UB has hit some rough spots this year, namely broken bylaws and disgruntled members, but students involved with the group should be proud of their efforts.

I don’t attend every event the UB sponsors, but it’s nice to know I have the option to see an independent film or hear some live music during my free time.

Every student on this campus should attend one of the big acts the UB offers before whining about a wasted concert fee.

And if you can’t find anything enjoyable to see or hear this spring, the UB can’t be blamed. You obviously have no taste.