Lee says that after last year’s low-budget Springfest, which only featured student bands, the council wants to improve the event by having a strong headliner.

She says Pat McGee Band, a top pick in a survey taken last semester, and Jurassic 5 are being considered by the council as the main act.

“[Council] representatives have really stressed that the student body really appreciates the quality of the artists,” Lee says.

In their choice of bands, rides and other amusements, Lee says the council is taking under consideration that this year’s Springfest will be family-oriented.

“[There are] probably going to be rides for a younger crowd,” she says. “And in choosing a possible headliner we are trying to be open to bands that would appeal to as broad as audience as possible.”

Daniel R. Fish ’03, a member of the Harvard Concert Commission, says the introduction of a family element could potentially hurt Springfest.

“That could be bad,” he says, “just because the things that I would want in a Springfest are not family-oriented.”

But Fish says he approves of the president’s sponsorship if it brings better bands to the event.

And it seems that if the council seriously intends to pursue a popular band, it will need additional funding.

“A big name band costs $20,000 or more so it will be hard for me to imagine on $20,000 there could be [enough funds for] a big name band and all things for Springfest unless they charge for admission or something like that,” says Paul A. Gusmorino ’02, last year’s council president.

Lee says that Springfest will continue to be a free event.

Compared to other colleges’ spring festivals, Springfest is a fairly modest affair.

“You hear about how other schools have these great springfests, in particular Brown,” says Lisa C. Stella ’02. “In general, I think it’s sort of a nice thing right in the Mac Quad, but I wouldn’t go if it weren’t convenient and I weren’t passing by.”

Regardless of whether the council is able to snag a big-name band as a headliner, student bands will once again entertain the crowds for most of the day.

Five or six bands will be selected based on their demos, Lee says.