Ultra successful rock/pop band Maroon 5, named Best New Artist at the 47 th Annual Grammy Awards Sunday night, will be the latest award-winning group to take the stage at West Virginia University when the band plays the Coliseum at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 31.

Well-known for its hitsHarder to Breathe,This LoveandShe Will Be Loved,Maroon 5 started out as Karas Flowers, a popular LA high school group, before regrouping a few years later with a new hard core, straight-up funk R&B style that has taken them to the top of the charts.

Maroon 5 is the type of group WVU s Arts and Entertainment unit tries to identify and bring to campus, according to Eric Andrews, A&E director.

We take great pride in identifying up and coming talent and exposing these artists to our students, faculty and staff,he said.

Several other musical artists who were honored at this years Grammys also made recent appearances at WVU .

FallFest 2004 headliner, Kanye West, one of the most nominated artists of the year, won three Grammys, including Best R&B Song, Best Rap Song and Best Rap Album. The songwriter-producer made his rap debut in 2004 with the cutting-edge CD,”The College Dropout.”

John Mayer, who has twice performed at WVU most recently in March at the Coliseumreceived two Grammys for Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

The Black Eyed Peas, also featured at FallFest, received a Grammy for Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group.

In addition, WVU has staged performances over the past several years by other Grammy award winners, including the late Ray Charles, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Tim McGraw, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Ricky Skaggs, Nancy Wilson, Herbie Hancock, Gladys Knight, Youssou DNour and Tom Chapin.

Tickets for the March 31 Maroon 5 concert, with special guest, The Donnas, can be purchased at the Mountainlair Box Office, online atwww.ticketmaster.com, by phone at 304-292-0220 and at all Ticketmaster outlets.

Tickets are $27 for the general public. WVU students receive a $7 discount with valid WVU student ID at the Mountainlair Box Office only.

For more information, visit WVU Arts&Entertainment atwww.events.wvu.eduor call 293-SHOW.