cabalumnidrummer

I hear you, Fran. Believe it or not, some of my corps friends don't think it's as good as some others in town.

Less than a month until the big parade and show. One of our favorite drum corps events all year. Cabs Alumni has been part of this since the very first in 1996, and we're lookng forward to this year's weekend once again.

Tickets are now available online on their website and by phone. http://www.usathanks...ncertlineup.php Open this link for the show lineup, then go to the home page if you want to buy tickets.

Thought I'd share this for those who are planning to go: Tickets are now available online and by phone. http://www.usathanks...ncertlineup.php Open this link for the show lineup, then go to the home page if you want to buy tickets.

I believe he was called for a "penalty" during his corps performance in the Alumni Spectacular a few years back. I think that's what Fran is referring to in his post..

What's the name of that repertory theater in England that Kevin Spacey now manages? "The Old . . ." or something like that?

Hey Tony, when you were with Sun, is it true they usually practiced 'late in the evening' on weeknights?

You might not recognize him, because nowadays this person doesn't have nearly the same amount of hair.

In recent weeks several fellow alumni corps members and I have been reviewing copies of our schedules from the 1960's and 70's. We have all said the same thing: "The current DCA season is way too short!" We had an average of 14 to 16 contests a season when I competed. There was at least one season where we had four contests in June alone. July and August were also pretty much solid with respect to a contest every weekend, and sometimes two, notably the Dream contest weekend. Now, eight or nine contests is the norm for many corps, and a few do even less. Economics/finances aside, I think it's a shame there are so few opportunities for corps to compete, though I do understand the financial burdens and difficulty of maintaining a rigorous contest schedule. Shorten the DCA season? I don't think that's a good idea, and if it ever came to fruition, I believe it would signal the beginning of the end of the circuit.

You will be abandoning us before the season officially ends at Plymouth Rock???? :blink:/> :mat:/> More "Cabby Shack" chowder for you and me, Fran! :thumbup:/>

Since no one else is making it official, I hope you don't mind if I do, since I haven't been on this thread much recently. Subject #493 is none other than Cliff Richmond, a.k.a. 'sambuca' here on DCP. Ready for the next subject!

Perhaps the spirit of Jim Costello roams the contest field in Scranton . . .

Apparently, they count with the audiences, judging by the folks I've met this season. Just as much time, sweat and energy are expended by the exhibition corps, and our only feedback is crowd reaction and an occasional mention by a reviewer. Competing corps get both of these plus a score. Would it hurt to give the exhibition groups (mostly older alumni folks) a few words of review/critique/encouragement? Shows would be considerably shorter and provide far less value for the price of admission without them. Thank you to those reviewers who are kind enough to include all of the performing corps, competitive and exhibition.

What are the odds, eh, Fran?

Despite your enthusiastic plug for Mission Drums, is it safe to say you'll be heading to the Downingtown show next week, Fran? MB beckons, and it's a much shorter trip for you.

I agree, Liz. Too bad DCP doesn't show who gives the pluses and minuses, the way Facebook shows who gives the 'like' thumbs-up.

You're right, Don. Perhaps both our biases are showing. Jeff Ream is still the most accurate predictor of show outcomes. He shows no bias, and he's right every single time!

I'm guessing professional jealousy. They can't stand the fact that he's always right! I'll bet he can even predict who'll win the All-Star Game tonight.

From what I actually saw this past weekend, vs. just reading reviews and scores, I would have to respectfully disagree. Cabs made great strides the past two weeks, and I think their star is rising. Never take them for granted.

Beautifully put! I wish you could have seen the combined corps last night in Clifton playing "Cha-Cha Flamenco" together. Old met new, and I guess you could say we did a lap around the track together, figuratively speaking!

Thank you, BigW. Your reviews are always informative and entertaining. I especially appreciate your including all of the exhibition corps in your write-ups, and I know our members also look forward to the feedback.

I totally agree with you, Ray. BigW has consistently written articulate, knowledgeable reviews for several seasons. I always look forward to reading his commentaries. They are incisive, balanced, unbiased and quite entertaining. Please, W, continue to do what you do so well. And while I'm at it, Jeff Ream is another reviewer whose material is always worthwhile reading, much in the same vein as BigW's. He's objective and informative and also very accessible. I sincerely hope I get to meet both of these gentlemen someday before my drum corps marching days are over.

Liz, that negative rating must have been from a disgruntled fan (or even a member) of one of the losing corps. That's the only reason I could possibly fathom for something as dumb as that. I know you and I don't always see eye-to-eye on some things, but I respect your opinions and love your passion for the activity and all the corps in it. Whoever gave you that negative is just acting dopey, or letting biases cloud his or her judgment. See you at the Grand Prix?

This show was always the "Cavalcade of Champions," and it was sponsored by the Milton Keystoners. I recall competing there in the 1960's. It was discontinued at some point, and after a fairly long hiatus was re-started in 2003. There was no show last year due to renovations to the stadium or field. Hence, this will be the 10th Annual (rather than the 11th). I had a flashback Saturday night at the show: Anyone who has the "Yankee Rebels" album from the 1960's, the one with the beautiful color picture of the guard members, can hear them being announced at this show on one of the tracks. The announcer had a very distinct voice and pacing and he begins his intro of the Rebels by saying, "The Keystoners welcome back to this Cavalcade -- The corps from the Chesapeake Bay -- Ladies and gentlemen, Maryland's own -- The Yankee Rebels!" I would swear that this same man was announcing the show on Saturday night, all these years later!

Thanks for the mention, Kyle! Glad you liked our show. We're there to have fun, entertain, and help folks recall the past for a few moments. We always appreciate reviewer's feedback. />/>/>