The Undergraduate Council last night narrowly endorsed a rock concert organized by a group of Mather House students led by a council officer.

The council voted 36-24 to approve a $20 allocation to advertise a Spin Doctors concert scheduled for February 12 in the Black Rose, a local bar.

Michael P. Beys '94, who was elected treasurer last night, won council support for the concert after a 20 minute debate. Beys and 11 Mather residents are financing the project.

If the concert is profitable, Beys and his group will pay back the $20 allocation to the council and keep the remainder of the profits. If the concert is not profitable, Beys will not have to repay the allocation.

The council sponsorship of a private and potentially profitable venture drew criticism from several veteran council members.

Before the bill passed, social committee Co-Chair Tree F. Loong' 93 argued that Beys may be inappropriately using the council's name for personal profit.

But Beys said he used his acquaintance with the band to bring it to the Harvard campus as a service to the undergraduate body.

"The U.C. requires individual initiative to get things done," he said. "A body of 88 people cannot make decisions effectively. I took it upon myself to bring a band to Harvard."

Beys said the Spin Doctors usually charge several thousand dollars for a performance but are only charging his group $1000.

Beys said he expects 300 people to buy the $7 concert tickets, which he said will barely provide revenues to cover costs.

Several council members criticized the resolution, calling it a personal loan to Beys.

Residential committee Co-Chair Jennifer W. Grove '94 repeatedly questioned Bey's motives.

"Is Mike throwing a party and wanting to put [the council's] name on it to make sure enough people come," Grove shouted from the back of the room.

At the meeting, Beys responded angrily to the criticism, insisting that his only concern is to serve the community.

"Obviously, people who have dissented feel intimidated because they haven't been able to get the job done over the years," Beys said after the meeting. "Here's someone who overnight got this band to play. My only hope is that they show up."

Beys and Vice Chair Malcolm A. Heinicke '93presented the resolution to the council last nightwithout the approval of the social committee, bypassing regular channels.