Ladysmith Rejects Offer To Play Sanders Concert

Ladysmith Black Mambazo yesterday rejected an offer to play at Harvard this fall, concert organizers said.

Officers of the Student Production Association (SPA), an arm of the Undergraduate Council's social committee, said the Black South African vocal group declined their $7000 bid because of scheduling conflicts.

"It wasn't matter of money it was a matter of time," said said SPA chairman Jeffrey A. Nachmanoff '89, who was instrumental in bringing Elvis Costello to Bright Hockey Center last spring. "Their management said the band has nine shows during the two weeks of our show's date," he added.

The band's management could not be reached for comment.

Nachmanoff said he knew that the fall concert was a longshot because of the popularity Ladysmith had gained from touring with Paul Simon during his "Graceland" tour. He also said their bid was more risky because it was placed only two weeks shy of the concert date.

"We had to wait until the council [Harvard Radcliffe Undergraduate Council] was formed before we could suggest the show and secure money for a bid," he said.

Members of the council said they were disappointed by the broken plans. Council Chairman Evan J. Mandery '89 said that he and the Director of the Harvard Foundation, S. Allen Counter, will be calling the group's manangement tomorrow "to see if we can get them to change their minds."

The Harvard Foundation, a body designed to improve race relations on campus, had promised the council $500 for the Sander's theater concert.

While SPA members said no definite plans arebrewing for a fall concert, they will try to bringa "big name" comedian to Harvard "hopefully beforeChristmas."

Nachmanoff said that it was more difficult tohost a fall concert because there is little freespace.

"The only place we really have is Sandersbecause the football team is using the Stadium andthe ice is down in Bright Arena," he said.

There "definitely" will be plans for a springconcert, SPA members said yesterday