Counting Crows coming
to Johnson Coliseum

The band, which is now in the studio recording a new album slated for release in early 2002, is the author of several modern hits such as "Mr. Jones," "A Long December," and "Round Here."

Ed Chatal, coliseum manager, said Sam Houston State worked in collaboration with fellow Southland Conference school Southwest Texas State to bring the Counting Crows to the area. The night before the band is to play in Huntsville, they will make a stop in San Marcos to play for students.

Chatal said Sam Houston State is fortunate to have a band such as the Counting Crows to kick off the new school year and give students a reason to be excited about the beginning of classes.

"We wanted to bring this group in because of their popularity in the 90s," he said. "Hopefully, they will be able to hit our college age group. Most of our students were brought up on that kind of music. Once we found out the band had accepted our offer to come to Sam Houston State, we were very excited."

The Counting Crows jumped into the national spotlight in 1993 with the release of their debut album, "August and Everything After," which Rolling Stone magazine called "one of the best rock releases of the year." The album went on to peak at No. 4 on the Billboard Charts in 1994.

In that same year, the band won the "MTV Video Music Award for Best New Artist" in a video for "Mr. Jones." A year later in 1995, Counting Crows won the "American Music Award for Favorite Alternative Artist."

Their next album, "Recovering the Satellites," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard chart on Oct. 20, 1996. That album went on to receive double platinum status in 1997.

Tickets are now on sale and are available at the Coliseum Box office, Murski's Icehouse, or by phone at (936) 294-3021. Reserved floor seats are $25 and general admission seats are $19 (tax not included). Sam Houston State University students can receive $4 off the $19 general admission seats with a valid student ID.

SHSU Alumni Association members may receive the same discount as students by showing their current Alumni Association membership card.

The opening act will be announced at a later date.

- END -

SHSU Media Contact: Brandon Autrey
July 23, 2001
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