Over the years, Sacramento State has played host to the likes of Dr. Drew Pinsky of Love Line fame, feature film director Oliver Stone and bands which included Flogging Molly, Hieroglyphics and De la Soul. Like Barbara Streisand said, that’s the way we were.

UNIQUE Programs is a volunteer group that brings innovative, quality entertainment to campus. Student volunteers work hard each semester to plan, promote and produce all UNIQUE events. At least, that’s what it says on its website.

Funding for the program comes from students paying their University Union fees, which go to building operations, maintenance and debt.

Zenia Diokno, programs adviser for UNIQUE Programs, said a small amount of the fees go to UNIQUE.

Diokno gets input from a staff of 40-50 student volunteers, but ultimately it is up to Diokno to decide what entertainment to bring out.

If its purpose is to bring innovative, quality entertainment to campus, what’s the hold up?

Upon reviewing UNIQUE’s events calendar for the semester, one of the two biggest events on the ballot is the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech with panels and discussions from Dr. Clayborne Carson and Juan Williams. The celebration will take place on October 16. After that, the only other notable appearance will be from Reel Big Fish on November 8. Ozomatli was mentioned as being a part of the scheduled events, but it wasn’t mentioned on the official schedule on the UNIQUE website.

Scheduling conflicts for concerts have been an issue for this fall and apparently, this happens periodically, Diokno said. Today, UNIQUE is presenting Sacramento locals Minus Halo as their nooner attraction. This would be great if we couldn’t see the band at any other venue in Sacramento.

Let’s see that “low ticket price” for an attraction that makes Sac State students feel like they’re special – like no one else could get the performance unless they go to Sac State.

Diokno says she still has a few dates to fill this fall for other shows. Let’s give the students someone or something they can feel good about spending their money on.

If the Empire Club can book dub/reggae band Slightly Stoopid for a one-night show September 23, and alternative rock band She Wants Revenge for another one-night show November 13, Sac State should be able to as well.

The State Hornet staff can be reached at [email protected].