FYI, Calvin College is where fun goes to die.
The New Pornographers concert at Calvin College has been canceled because of the band's name.
The college released a statement explaining, "after weeks of discussion and consideration, the irony of the band's name was impossible to explain to many. The band's name, to some, is mistakenly associated with pornography. Consequently, Calvin, to some, was mistakenly associated with pornography. Neither the college nor the band endorses pornography."
Calvin student activities director Ken Heffner, who books concerts for the college, said refunds would be issued today, and that the cancelation is a "peaceful parting of ways" between the school and the band. The group was scheduled to perform Oct. 15 in the Calvin Fieldhouse Complex. The Calvin box office can be reached at 526-6282.
The New Pornographers are a critically acclaimed indie-rock outfit fronted by singers A.C. Newman and Neko Case. Newman reportedly named the band after a 1966 Japanese satirical film titled "The Pornographers."
"We regret the message we have sent to the band and their fans with this cancellation," the press release states. "We have been in contact with the band to explain this regret and the breakdown in our own processes that led us to first invite them and then withdraw that invitation. Calvin College remains committed to the difficult, yet important work at faithfully engaging popular culture."