Trey Songz, Common and Fabolous performs at Al Lawson Gym on FAMU campus for Haiti Relief concert

After months of anticipation, artists Common, Trey Songz and Fabolous took to the stage in Alfred Lawson Multipurpose Teaching Gymnasium on Thursday night.Revenue generated from the concert was one of the night’s biggest concerns. Official numbers have yet to come in, but concert organizers estimate the crowd somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000.Despite an audience size that was smaller than originally projected, Student Senate President Asia McFarland said she was pleased with the outcome of the event and optimistic concert’s benefits.“I think it’s a good effort. I think it’s a good thing for all the people of Haiti. I hope that more people come. We really wanted to make $100,000, but I definitely think it’s a good thing,” McFarland said.Some concert patrons were surprised by the size of the audience.“I would’ve thought that lines would’ve been crazier. It’s not as packed as I thought it would be,” said Kierra Craig, 21, third-year healthcare management student from Alexandria, Va. However, most students were pleased with the outcome of the event and in strong support of the concert’s efforts. “I feel like it’s a good concert for a good cause. FAMU really cares,” said Stephen Angry, 20, a third-year business administration student from Orlando. President James Ammons spoke anout the underlying purpose of the event, which was held through a partnership with the Student Senate. “I think we have some outstanding artists as a part of the rebuilding of Haiti. Florida A&M University has a long history of outreach to those in need,” Ammons said. State Rep. Alan Williams presented a check of $2,300 for the FAMU Foundation. He said he plans to provide more funding for Haiti.“I think it’s a good way to raise money for Haiti and get the students involved,” said Williams. “Personally, I’ve raised $7,500. Being a dad and being a son, if it doesn’t affect you then you’re not a human being.” Details about the revenue generated from the concert will not be available until Wednesday.According to the agreement for artist services between Florida A&M and the District 7 Promotion team on Wednesday, FAMU will provide the promoter with a written report of all Concert Tickets sold. The revenue will then be divided with most of the proceeds going to FAMU. The contract reads, “The remaining balance after all appropriate expenses are paid, if any, shall be divided as follows: FAMU will receive 81 percent of the net ticket sales and Promoter will receive 19 percent of the net ticket sales.”This is an amendment made on April 1, to the original agreement that stated that FAMU would only receive 70 percent and the promoter would receive 30.According to Ricquel Jackson, the senior senator who authorized the bill, money received by FAMU will go directly into a Haiti Relief Fund established by the university.“The funds will go to directly to Haiti and help students affected by the earthquake,” Jackson said. The concert was allocated $120,000 from Activity and Service Fees to “cover the costs of the artists and performers and certain other expenses related to the event,” which includes payment to the management companies, agents and security. The promoter also reserves the right to the exclusive sale of records and other literature.