Quick Navigation

Northern Illinois University

Northern News


News Release

Contact: John Benson, Campus Activities Board
(815)753-1580

October 8, 2003

Northern Illinois University
presents singer-songwriter Michelle Branch

DE KALB – NIU’s Campus Activities Board will kick off its fall-semester lineup with singer-songwriter Michelle Branch performing at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, in the Duke Ellington Ballroom on NIU’s DeKalb campus.

Branch’s folksy pop sound and incredible guitar skills make this an event you won’t want to miss. Not only did her 2001 Grammy-winning album, “The Spirit Room,” stay atop the Billboard Top 200 for 82 weeks, but also it has established her as one of the nation’s premier female songwriters.

“I knew this is what I was set out to do. I wanted to share my music with the world and inspire people,” said Branch. The results speak for themselves – over 2.5 million records sold, a Grammy, and MTV Viewer’s Choice Award on the basis of four top10 hits, sold-out tours with Sheryl Crow, a smash duet with Carlos Santana and an opening slot courtesy of the Dixie Chicks during the summer.

“Hotel Paper” has undoubtedly created new opinions, as well as a deeper appreciation for her artistry from both critics and fans alike. This appreciation was shown as the album debuted at no. 2 on the Billboard Top 200. Branch’s first single off the album, “Are you Happy Now?” has had a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the past 18 weeks. Other strong tracks include: “Breathe,” “Find You Way Back” and the duet with Sheryl Crow titled “Love Me Like That.”

Her album, “Spirit Room,” has gone platinum, and her singles “Everywhere” and “All You Wanted” were Billboard Top 20 hits.

Tickets for the event are available at the Holmes Student Center box office. Prices are $15 for NIU students with a valid I.D. and $20 for the general public. The box office is open weekdays 12:30-5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Or charge tickets by phone at (815) 753-3146.

For more information, call the NIU Campus Activities Board office at (815) 753-1580 or visit us online at http://www.niu.edu/cab. The Campus Activities Board Concert series is funded in part by the NIU Student Association and is open to all.

###