The Program Board booked the rap group The Roots to perform at this year’s Spring Fling, an annual daylong event that will take place April 21 on the Quad.

The event will feature music, food, vendors and giveaways from GW and corporate sponsors.

Student musicians will perform from noon to 4 p.m., including students’ top choices at this week’s Battle of the Bands competition and winners of the Battle of the DJs, held March 29.

The Roots formed in Philadelphia in the late 1980s, and released its first album Organix in 1993. The group’s popularity rose internationally with album Illadelph Halflife, and The Roots hit the mainstream with What They Do. The band received two Grammy nominations in 1999 for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “You Got Me” and Best Rap Album for its platinum effort, Things Fall Apart.

Program Board members said they are excited about this year’s event.

“Having the Roots come to campus for Spring Fling is a great way to close out an excellent year for Program Board that began explosively with Cypress Hill at Fall Fest,” PB Concerts Chair Alex Haridiadis said. “We are very excited to be able to present one of the best hip-hop acts in the nation.”

Spring Fling will feature giveaways from companies including Haagen-Dazs, Student Advantage, Tower Records, BMG Entertainment, Trade Secret, Kozmo.com, Tower Records and possibly the Washington Post, Program Board Executive Chair Seth Weinert said.

“Students should get there as early as possible, and bring their GWorld

card,” Weinert said. “There will be lots of giveaways from GW and our corporate sponsors, but they will go fast.”

Fall Fest drew more than 4,000 students with the Cypress Hill performance, giveaways and booths offering massages and makeovers.

Last year’s Spring Fling, held in Kogan Plaza and on H Street, featured a performances by The Bloodhound Gang and GW bands, free food, a dunk tank, moonwalk and laser tag.

Weinert said he looked forward to this year’s event.

“If you remember Fall Fest, come out for Spring Fling.” Weinert said. “It will be even better. This is going to be one of the best Spring Flings
ever.”