Daily Skiff

Rachel Patman, a freshman political science major, wanted to sing at the sixth annual Night at the Apollo today, but she will not have an audience.

Night at the Apollo, one of a series of events celebrating Black History Month, has been canceled.

"Our publicity wasn't probably where we'd liked to have seen it," said Greg Trevino, director of intercultural education and services. "We weren't just drumming up the right support, so we thought it was best if we went ahead and didn't do the program."

Trevino said he is disappointed because the event has been an annual tradition.

Joanna Bernal, a senior advertising/public relations major and one of the coordinators of the event, said she was saddened that the plans did not work out. Event organizers planned to get a DJ, a band, a comedian and a jazz saxophone player.

"I really wanted to have it this year since it's my first time putting together this event," Bernal said. "We were supposed to have rehearsal today."

Brittany Richards, a sophomore advertising/public relations major, said she was sad to hear about the cancellation.

"I wish people could have been able to participate because it's a huge part of history," Richards said.

A combination of various factors led the coordinators and event committee to decide to cancel the event, Trevino said.

He said the time factor could also have contributed to the event's cancellation. Previously, the events were on Thursdays at the end of February, but limited on-campus facilities caused coordinators to schedule it earlier in the month.

The lack of interest from participants was also a reason for cancellation, Bernal said. Seven participants had signed up and four of them backed out because they had scheduling conflicts.

Trevino said it might have been bad timing since the students are loaded with busy schedules.

Richards, who withdrew from the event, agreed with Trevino. She said she wasn't able to give time and effort to the event.

"I didn't want to participate if I wasn't able to give 100 percent," Richards said.

A Night at the Apollo started in 2003 and has been successful with more than 300 audience participants in past years, Trevino said. The organizers plan to reschedule the event later this semester.

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