Celebrating good times is exactly what the University Board is expecting when Kool and the Gang comes to town.

Saturday Oct. 2, the longest running R&B group in history will roll into Lantz Arena and perform for Family Weekend.

The goal of selling at least 3,000 tickets is just shy of the halfway mark with 1,100 tickets already sold.

The goal for this event is to have a similar outcome of last year’s success with Styx, according to Ceci Brinker, the director of Student Life.

“Styx set the bar high,” Brinker said.

However, Brinker also said she thinks Kool and the Gang will provide quality entertainment that would be enjoyable for all audiences. This would lead to results similar to past years.

Kool and the Gang was selected by the board because they wanted a diverse sound considering the past three bands, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon and Styx, are all the same genre.

The R&B group is not only a different genre than those of Foreigner and Styx, but they also have different credentials.

They have won countless awards and honors and have been touring continually all over the world for more than 30 years. With songs such as “Celebration” and “Jungle Boogie,” anyone can enjoy it.

Not only does the board want a good show, but they also want to keep it affordable.

Brinker said they generally do not want to go above the $18 to $20 line. With the way the economy is today and taking into consideration that parents will also be paying for various

other costs throughout the weekend, it is

very important to keep these events affordable for everyone.

The event is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. with the doors opening at 7 p.m.

Tickets are on sale from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr., University Union box office or by calling the box office at 581-5122. Tickets are available online and will also be available at the doors on the night of the concert.

Tickets are $20 and can be bought with cash, check or credit card.

All seats for the concert are reserved.

Aaron Martin can be reached at 581-7942 or almartin3@eiu.edu.