runyancm

This was my very first thought. Hope they are developing contingency plan.

Count is 22 for me. First Finals was 1990, and have been to every finals since 2008. Best Finals night was 2008, in addition to comments from others, it was the last outdoor finals, and the weather was perfect. HM would be 1992: also cool weather with a great slate of shows (also year I marched as non-finalist). And 2013.

My favorites.... 1. Carolina Crown 2. Blue Devils 3. Bluecoats 4. Cadets 5. Troopers Favorite tune: either Bump or JoJo Favorite moments: Crown Set (homer), Troopers lassoing the sun (even from the ground!), and Moby Dick lives! (love that change on finals)

I cannot tell you how jarring it was to see Poppy's former profile pic next Carolina Crown at the top of the list. Seriously, it was a double take before realizing it was Vuitton.

Wow Crown. Congratulations on all you accomplished this year: Medaling, Ott, and thoroughly entertaining all of us by showcasing your incredible talent and maximizing a great show. You have made all of us alumni, friends and fans so freaking proud. Having been able to witness you in performance and rehearsal last weekend, I cannot express how impressed I am by your spirit, talent, and professionalism. I hope your summer performing was as fantastic as our summer watching you perform. Congratulations again, and thank you!!!!!

Okay, first, I have been wanting to say this all season: I love your avatar, and I love that character and love that show. Second, I am here, and still trying to decide if I go to rehearsal tomorrow, or go and catch some of the early shows. But definitely planning on catching ensemble Fri and Sat. If anyone has rehearsal schedule, please share.

Okay, I am rewatching the end of Crown's show, just chuckling at myself: At how much the crown set is making me happy each time I watch it. I think likely the most impactful use of the crown set since Inferno.

Great run Crown. Can't wait to see you Thursday. Keep driving for that medal.

Mine was a vodka martini. But, I am not near as precise as you: A slug of vodka A splash of dry vermouth A dash of bitters. I like a Manhattan, too, but I am out of bourbon.

Yeah, it's a highlight. I took a drum corps novice to Nightbeat this year, and Bloo's ballad was his high water mark for the night.

Yeah, it's not there for me. There are a crap ton of of BD Ballads that I love, going back to Since I Fell for You in 1988. This will likely be top 5, but Everything Must Change makes me tear up every time. But there is a chance: After all, it's the performance on finals night that launches it to the top. So we'll see.

That's my favorite BD ballad in last several years.

I have to say, that is my favorite Blue Stars show in a long time. Good energy, and from ballad on flows really nicely and keeps me engaged. Bari solos are great.

Still interested in a single if anyone else needs the other.

It's a thing. I am a transplant to the state, so not sure my opinion counts: I prefer Western, but Eastern can be really good when paired with a great coleslaw to offset the acidity of the vinegar. And a good beer. That goes for both. And without saying.

Thanks for the great suggestions. Unfortunately, Honkytonk and Putters are closed on Sunday, Little Richard's looks great. Also looking at Camel City BBQ and Village Tavern if you guys have any thoughts.

Anyone know a decent place to eat before the show in Winston-Salem? I go to Nightbeat every year, but always go straight to stadium. I am taking some drum corps novices this year, and want to take them out to eat before the show.

Congrats, Blue Devils. Another amazing season. Been great to watch all season long. 20 and 25 is incredible. Just incredible.

Congratulations Boston!!!!!!! So happy for you guys and the whole BAC Nation. Fantastic show, and you brought the house down in LOS this week.

Awesome Performance tonight Crown. You absolutely rocked LOS!!!!. Everyone around me was totally in to your performance. Congratulations, I hope you enjoyed the ride! So proud of all of you, Carolina Crown!!!!!!!!!!

Have you come around a bit on the size and staging? I seem to remember you had thought the size of the guard was too big and driving too much clutter a while back. BTW, this is not meant antagonistically. Genuinely wondering if above comment is despite those concerns, or if some cleaning has softened the original take (if I am attributing the original take correctly).

Honestly, I think it's the story of the season for Crown. I was optimistic about the trajectory they were on but did not expect this kind of jump this season. All the more impressive with the larger numbers. Been thrilling to watch this year.

I was wondering same. I did not see anything new in a video from Salem. If they do add anything, I hope it's not more fabric. 😁

I hope you guys are right. But Bloo closing the gap on BAC has me worried the other way. We'll see. Good show, Crown!

I would be stunned if that happened. I have no inside knowledge of the org, but every impression I have, as others have stated, is that they are more focused on putting on shows that great for the performers, and great for the audience. They probably have a competitive threshold, but i don't think three years in fourth place, with two of them very well liked by members and fans is it. JMO.