Chrysalis 2016: “Jessie’s Girl” artist Rick Springfield

Rock and roll hitmaker and Grammy award winner Rick Springfield once said, “If the timing’s right and the gods are with you, something special happens.” Members of Activities & Campus Events (ACE) would likely agree with this statement—they confirmed the Australian performer to be the headliner of this year’s Chrysalis Ball, which will take place on April 29 in Gerhard Fieldhouse.

Last semester, ACE circulated a survey throughout campus to garner feedback regarding the type of artist students hoped to bring to the University for the annual event. According to Amber Habib ’18, the chair of this year’s Chrysalis Ball, several respondents suggested Springfield and encouraged ACE to have their agent look into the possibility of inviting him to the event.

“Rick Springfield was actually [ACE’s] top choice, which it makes it that much more exciting that he is the artist,” Habib said.

Heather Mabie ’18 recalled going to Chrysalis Ball last year when Joan Jett & the Blackhearts performed, and said that she had a good time and would likely go to this year’s event as well.

“It was really fun because students from all grades were there. It was great seeing a ton of people in the same place, and it had a good vibe. The fieldhouse was all lit up and I loved that,” Mabie said.

Springfield, a singer, songwriter and actor, is predominantly known for his’80s hits. Some of his songs that have made it to Top 10 charts in the United States include “I’ve Done Everything For You,” “Don’t Talk to Strangers,” “Affair of the Heart,” and “Love Somebody.” Springfield’s popularity skyrocketed after the release of his song “Jessie’s Girl” in 1981, which reached No. 1 in both Australia and the United States. Its commercial and critical success earned him a Grammy award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance.

“[Whoever comes should be] someone that people can dance to. It should be an upbeat performance that appeals to everyone,”Ally Raith ’18 said.

Just last week on Feb. 19, Springfield released his 18th studio album “Rocket Science” under his music label Frontiers Music.

“He is awesome; his songs are big hits that people will recognize and be able to have fun singing and dancing along to, and he has been making a lot of new music lately that is actually really great as well,” Habib said.

Although Springfield was confirmed as the headliner for the Chrysalis Ball in late December, ACE has decided to release the news now.

“He brings a full show, he is still a high energy performer, and it’ll be a really fun concert,” Habib said.