Tony L.

Could be worse. I overslept and missed my flight from New Orleans. But still on track for a 6:00 arrival!

The problem with Indy (of which there are plenty) is that Thursday night is a virtual graveyard for doing anything. Everything closes too early. Friday and Saturday have options, but on Saturday in particular, the places are swamped by fans and corps members (of age) and it can be difficult to get food. But I highly recommend the Hooters loaded tater tots!!! You can usually get in there.

Regardless of all of this, the Blue Devils can go out and play scales and still win.

I felt it from the very beginning of the show. Has any show started like that before? And by the time we get to the third movement, that is where it was clear that they were on another level. I was lucky enough to see them early and then have my confirmation at Finals!

Many do!

There are certain shows where you see them, even early on where you just know that this show is a game changer and will be a beast by the time I get to July. I felt that with this show and the Downside Up Bluecoats. We always know who is going to be good at the top. But, it is that special spark. A je ne sais quoi ? On the other hand, as a Cadets fan I always hated June, ignored them in July and then came back in August. And, to quote Vanguard Cadets, "And that has made all the difference"!

I come not to bury Vanguard, but to praise it! So, perhaps we should talk about Vanguard. What are you favorite Vanguard shows? Personally I loved 1997-1999. They literally took everything I was listening to and made it so amazing. 1999 I saw them very early in Oregon and I knew when I saw it that the show was extra special and definitely championship material. And you?

I think the number of seats you can get is determined by the level of your friendship. I forget what my level is, but it allowed me to get two tickets in the Friends Zone.

OH that Vanguard! Yeah, I guess that is why Noone is talking. But they should! But in another forum. 😆

Was ist das Vanguard? Enough.

As I reflect on the trajectory of some corps this season, I find myself going back to the lost season of DCI. By lost, I am referring to the non-judged season. I attended that weekend and at the time I came away with a few opinions: 1. The Cadets had stopped the fall. It was a fantastic show that really built a huge fan response. It had to help the development of where they are now. 2. The Troopers would have made Finals that year regardless of the fact that several corps were not present. It was clear that they had a new approach and it worked! 3. The Mandarins showed their continued growth and made it clear that they were not going anywhere. I loved this show. 4. Phantom Regiment announced that it was was back as a real player moving forward. Great way to build from that foundation. From that year I can see the growth of these four corps and here they are in 2023. Who knows where they go from here!

I really enjoy this year's show from BAC, but my only two quibbles are that I think the shanty songs? Portion just seems a little out of synch. And it seems like it is there just to have the guard showcased. They are always showcased. So the shift in tone to do this just seems a little off. And I am still not loving the arrangement of the ballad. You can use a French horn, so just do it. Otherwise, they are nails at performing what they have and I love their drill this year. Indy is going to be a roller coaster I think.

I have to say that I thought parts of the voice over were effective. And if anything, I would just cut some of it. I never have to hear what the heaviest thing I will ever have to lift is my spirits (unless it is a gigantic cocktail 😆). Otherwise, it is just editing IMHO.

Wow. No idea of where this goes, BUT, I am loving this Cavaliers show. I am an old head, but this show is just the right balance! I am loving it!

I am loving this Colts show!!! So solid!!!!

Watching from behind. Why on Earth are Crossmen destroying Letters from Hom with the insipid references to Long and Winding Road. Just cut it all. Without it it is better.

My only comment to this is that I have always and will always love the Blue Devils. Keep setting the course for the present and the future of the activity!!! I can't wait to see what they concoct next year. I can only hope it is a 99!!!

I started both streams and paused them during Music City and I watched it well after the fact. So now I know! One to learn on!!! 😆

I actually really loved the Mandarins that same year (IIRC). The running guard across the wood "piers" was so great.

Last night I went in after it concluded, but I do not remember how late it was. I think there is a buffer though.

Flo Question: how long does the multi-cam feed stay open after it concludes?

Thank you for the additional context. I just hope it is not visual demand in drill in the absence of actually playing. SCV did some great drill, but they also had a handful of players on a platform stationary while everyone else moved. I am sure Phantom will find the right balance. They usually do!

Phantom is doing a great job this year. And I appreciate how they have evolved over the past few years. That being said, they remind me of the Scouts last year. Other than the closing minute, there is limited drill where the people actually moving are the ones playing. I know that is not something that is necessarily needed now, but, too much of having one section standstill and play while others move or just simply being silent while running into the pre-designed circular tarp is just disappointing for me from Phantom. But, I have not seen them live, so I reserve my right to change my mind.

Yes it was. That is why I used the "off" line. I will always wait until I see something live to make a decision on a show (except for Phatom's virtual non movement while playing thing that is self evident online) 😆. I still say it is a curse that I actually like BD this year.

I do think think my impression of BD this year changed last night. I had thought they were going to run through it this year, but they had some performance issues and a general lack of impact that was a little shocking. But, everyone gets the right to have an "off" night.