Discount seating on the lawn will have students thinking twice before passing on grass this summer.

Meadow Brook Music Festival recently announced the return of the Grass Pass for OU students. This online promotional offer allows students to attend five select summer concerts of their choosing on the lawn of the outdoor amphitheater for $100. 

The 16 concerts to choose from include Robert Plant with Pixies, Flogging Molly, David Gray with Amos Lee, Tedeschi Trucks Band with Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, violinist Lindsey Stirling, Sublime with Rome, Hozier, Brand New, Diana Krall, comedian Jim Gaffigan, Umphrey’s McGee, NEEDTOBREATHE, O.A.R., Jackson Browne, Twenty One Pilots and Alt-J.  

“We’ve tried over the last few years to bring eclectic, unique and poplar artists that would appeal to college students,” said Nick Bartolone, senior director of advertising and promotions at The Palace of Auburn Hills. “What better way to energize the student body about being a student at OU than to develop an offer that is unique to them?”

This past March, Bartolone invited members of the Student Activities Fund Assessment Committee (SAFAC) to The Palace to discuss ways in which students could become more involved with Meadow Brook Music Festival.

“They have to create that connection for students,” said Jean Ann Miller, director of the Center for Student Activities. Miller was at the meeting and suggested bringing back the Grass Pass.

Miller, who also attended OU as a student, remembers purchasing a Grass Pass for summer concerts at Meadow Brook for $5 during her time as an undergrad.

“I remember going to jazz concerts with friends,” Miller said. “They were always packed.”

Since then, Miller has seen her fair share of concerts at the venue. She looks back fondly on seeing acts such as John Denver, Leonard Bernstein, Kenny Loggins, Barry Manilow, The Music of ABBA, Chuck Mangione and more.

“Meadowbrook has always been a unique venue,” Miller said. “Your jaw would drop if you saw the list of acts who have been there over the years.”

Lauren Barthold, general manager of WXOU, introduced Magic! to the stage last fall during Student Program Board’s annual concert at Meadow Brook Music Festival. She says the Grass Pass is a deal for students.

“If you break it down, that’s $20 a show,” Barthold said. “Even if it’s not a sold-out show like Mumford and Sons, that’s an excellent deal for an easy night out regardless who is playing.”

Meadowbrook Music Festival, located at the northeast end of campus off of Meadow Brook road, was opened in 1964 and has rich history of bringing quality music, theater, dance and comedy acts to OU’s campus. The Palace assumed management, marketing and booking of Meadowbrook Music Festival in 1994 and continues to operate the venue.

For more information on the summer concert lineup and purchasing a Grass Pass, visit www.palacenet.com/grasspass

Spak’s Picks (5 must-see’s)

June 23

Tedeschi Trucks Band “Wheel of Soul” Tour with Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings

Virtuoso guitar player Derek Trucks gained notoriety for joining the Allman Brothers band in 1999, a band his uncle, Butch, was a founding member. Trucks now performs with his wife in Tedeschi Trucks Band playing smooth, Southern-rock jams similar to the Allman Brothers.

Opener Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings received a Grammy nod for “Best R&B Album” for their 2014 album, “Give The People What They Want.” Get to the show early to catch these 60’s soul revivalists.

July 30

Brand New with Desaparecidos and Basement

Emo veterans Brand New from Long Island, New York released four genre-defining albums in the 2000’s and continue to make music. The recent re-press of 2006’s “Deja Entendu” on vinyl was a popular buy during Record Storde Day 2015 and their new song, “Mene” was released last month, their first new material in six years.

August 7

Jim Gaffigan

This comedian’s material focuses in on everyday topics like Hot Pockets (“How about we fill a Pop-Tart with nasty meat?”), bowling (“The activity you do after you’ve done everything else”) and hotel pools (“I didn’t shower before I got in here. Gonna count this as a bath”). Prepare to laugh.

August 15

Umphrey’s McGee with Lettuce

Jam band journeymen Umphrey’s McGee return to Meadowbrook after playing with STS9 on the same stage two years ago. Dizzying improvisation, guest appearances and a wide range of cover songs with a twist assures that you will never see the same Umphrey’s show twice.

September 22

Alt-J

These artsy English rockers are a band that is hard to pigeonhole into a specific genre. Elements of indie rock, electronic, soul and industrial music can all be heard, sometimes all in one song. The band is touring in support of their latest album from 2014, “This Is All Yours,” which featured the hits, “Left Hand Free” and “Every Other Freckle.”