Music

New Pornographers gig gets canned because of name

by Ciaran Thompson

Calvin College, an educational institution of the Christian Reformed Church, has canceled a New Pornographers concert that was set to take place next month because of the band’s name.

According to The Grand Rapids Press, the college has released a statement explaining the specific reasons why the Canadian band are not allowed to perform.

“After weeks of discussion and consideration, the irony of the band’s name was impossible to explain to many,” the statement said. “The band’s name, to some, is mistakenly associated with pornography. Consequently, Calvin, to some, was mistakenly associated with pornography. Neither the college nor the band endorses pornography.”

The student activities director at the Michigan college has said refunds would be issued to ticket holders and called the cancellation a “peaceful parting of ways” between the school and the band.

“We regret the message we have sent to the band and their fans with this cancellation,” the statement continued. “We have been in contact with the band to explain this regret and the breakdown in our own processes that led us to first invite them and then withdraw that invitation. Calvin College remains committed to the difficult, yet important work at faithfully engaging popular culture.”