Spring has arrived, and with it, so has ACE’s Big Spring Concert. Something Corporate and the All-American Rejects are the big names on this year’s ticket, marking an indie departure from years past. Along for the ride are Action Action, who hail from the same genre. Taking place in Trask Coliseum on April 23 at 8 p.m., ACE expects about 4,000 fans to attend.

With All-American Rejects headlining, college and high school students alike, along with some of the community, are excited about attending. Many students, however, would rather their student fees go towards more “top of the charts” bands like Maroon 5 or Dave Matthews.

“We here at ACE try our hardest every year to get exactly what the students want,” said Katelyn Leary, president of ACE. “We understand that students have preferences about what bands they want to see featured. We just want the students to know that they are not being ignored and all of their suggestions are considered. Regardless, we are hoping for a lot of student support, which in turn will make this an even better show.”

According to ACE, every year, months before the spring concert, 50-100 bands are contacted and about 30 are actively pursued.

“Just when you think you can get them, you can’t,” Leary adds.

Students, as well as Wilmington citizens, have had trouble in purchasing tickets this time around. Due to a university regulation, obtaining the tickets online has become the only option. Would-be attendees having problems with ticket purchasing are urged to contact ACE at 910.962.3842, and they will be happy to talk students through it. They also advise that tickets, which are going fast, should be purchased early.

Many don’t fully comprehend all the tedious work that goes into putting on a concert. Dealing with agents, finances, ticket sales, technical glitches and rain dates is enough to make anyone throw up their hands in defeat. Lathan Goumas, concert chair for ACE, admits that it’s hard work but also a lot of fun.

“Working on a big show is great,” Goumas said. “It provides lots of experience working with an industry that everyone wants to be apart of. The main thing that is needed, though, is student support. If we have more of it, we’ll have more of a budget and more of a chance to get bigger bands for next year.”

Regardless, students are still responding to this upcoming spring event. Remembering past ACE shows such as Matchbox Twenty and Dave Chappelle, many feel this show will be no exception to the tradition of excellence.

“This show is going to rock, I’m really excited to see what they have to offer,” says Byron Stevens, senior at UNCW. “I know they’re not the most popular bands right now but sometimes I’d rather hear music from groups that they don’t incessantly play on the radio. It’s unquestionably going to be a good show and everyone should try and check it out.”

To purchase tickets, students should log onto www.uncwtickets.com where they can purchased for $10 each.