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Tim K

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Everything posted by Tim K

  1. I think the fan reaction to Star and Blue Devils is different. Full disclosure: I enjoyed Star though not the 1993 show, which in all fairness I did not see live. When I did see the show on a PBS broadcast, it was probably mid-fall or whenever the broadcast was shown and I already knew the results. I’m also in the “sour grapes” camp regarding their departure and I’m sure when I spoke with people in the stands at Foxboro in 1994, I believed Star would come crawling back to DCI. You can debate the sour grapes, but I’ll have to admit being wrong about crawling back. As I think back to thirty years ago and Star’s departure, they were loved by fans as they moved up, especially the circus show, “Porgy and Bess,” “Balthazar’s Feast” and 1991, which is still one of the greatest shows ever. 1993’s show was seen as a threat. However no matter how good or how entertaining, they were always the corps that money built, especially where so many corps, including iconic corps like the 27th Lancers and Bridgemen, folded during their time. If they became a dynasty, they probably would have faced opposition and would never gain the stature other champions had, namely that of Cadets, SCV, and Cavies or the popular acclaim of Crown and Bloo. We’d probably hope Blue Devils would give them a run for their money. I first saw Blue Devils in 1976, less than a week before they won their first title. At that time they were the corps to watch soon to be the corps to beat. They went back to the corps to watch, some years placing 4th or 5th, then the corps to beat which is where they have been for about twenty years. I do think if they did not win so often, or if they had more years where they came from behind, audiences might feel differently about them.
  2. The two big problems last year were concession stand lines and getting into the stadium. Getting in on Thursday and Friday was never an issue, but the concession stand lines were a disaster. Not the case this year. There was a wait but the lines moved. Just as concession lines improved, I’m hoping the same holds true for getting in for finals. I think DCI got the message and even though it was unofficially said to be a Lucas Oil issue (full disclosure, I was told by a usually reliable person that an unnamed employee for DCI made this claim), my guess is it will be corrected. Just to be safe, I’m planning a late lunch/early dinner at Shapiro’s and to be in LOS by 4PM.
  3. SoundSport and DrumLine Battle have always on Saturday. I and E was on the Wednesday.
  4. It must really depend on where you sit. Somebody already mentioned 139. I’m in 140. The people in the block where I sit are knowledgeable and seasoned fans. Everyone was standing after BD. Same with 141. I walked back to the hotel with some BD and Mandarins parents. I believe they are in the 200 section. They didn’t mention a poor response to BD. Most of the time standing ovations are based on popularity. It’s a toss up as to whether Crown or Bluecoats is the most popular corps. Boston Crusaders is growing in leaps and bounds as far as popularity is concerned. With Crown it’s been the case since 2007 and “Triple Crown.” Bloo became more popular as they became more cutting edge around 2014 with “Tilt.” Prior to that they were often considered the most underrated corps. BAC is becoming an audience favorite, but it’s been an uphill battle at times. I may be biased because I am a longtime BAC fan, Crown almost always produces a show I love, and I enjoyed Bloo when they were staid and predictable as well as when they became more cutting edge. BD may win too often for underdog status. They may not be as audience friendly as other corps. These can impact popularity, but they are respected and I feel get an excellent response.
  5. I always thought the “bad run” was what was said of those who place 2nd on down to Blue Devils explaining why the other corps did not win, although this year anytime Blue Devils’ competitors got too close to BD, they had a bad run. Beginning with Les Stentors and ending with Blue Devils, no one had a “bad run” yesterday. In the case of Boston Crusaders, they had a clean run but there were a few mic issues and they can be more impactful. At their final home show last week they were on fire and in Allentown they were very clean and also on fire. I’d like to see that tonight. Boston Crusaders has a history or proving people wrong. We’d never seem them again after 82, making finals in 1999 was a one and done deal, they were not going to make finals in 2016, no way they’d reach the top half in 2017 or stay there in subsequent years. BAC has survived, often proves competitors wrong, and loves being the fly in the ointment.
  6. Yesterday was a great day of drum corps. Here are a few thoughts about today to spark discussion: Everything went smoothly at Lucas Oil, at least from my vantage point. Lines were manageable, no entry snafus. Crowds are a bit bigger today, let’s hope the same is true. It could be a battle Royal between Crossmen and Blue Knights for 12th. BK will not give anything away and Crossmen’s vastly improved show packs a punch and could be even more powerful today. I’m feeling 2012-like vibes from them. Troopers will not want to remain in 11th. Blue Stars has more energy than many of us thought entering into Indy, Colts won’t give anything away. Perhaps this is not as intense as 5-7, it will still be a great match up. 5-7: This could be a “you never know” grouping. I think we’ll see Cadets remain in 5th. I think Phantom’s show is underrated by the judges and Mandarins is pretty fired up. Though “blood in the water” usually refers to sharks, don’t think Boston Crusaders isn’t out for blood and will be content with 4th place. Crown has shown us that the “sword is drawn” and while Bloo may want us to experience love among the flowers, they’ll be like the champion gardener who discovered a beetle on a prize rose bush when it comes to their competitors. BD knows the heat is on and will not get caught off guard. Scores will be tighter. All four will have great runs.
  7. I just arrived back at the hotel. My ears are still ringing and probably will for a while. I was a bit surprised with 2-4. Blue Devils were on target though I thought they were too over amplified but I don’t know of any corps who has ever had their score influenced positively or negatively by being over amplified. I thought it would be either Crown or BAC battling for 2 and 3 with Bloo in 4th. Both Crown and BAC have a clear story and tell it well. Boston Crusaders is impeccably clean. Crown was on target tonight and their brass amazing. Bloo was great but their opening doesn’t grab me. We will see movement in the top 4. Cadets in 5th was no surprise but I expected Phantom to place 6th. Mandarins have a great show but it is gimmicky and I expected they’d be in 7th. I thought Troopers were better than 11th though Colts had a great run. After Glassboro and Allentown I thought Blue Stars had plateaued, but they were alive this evening. 12-15 placed as I thought they would but I expected it to be closer. Blue Knights should not test too comfortably, Crossmen could come out roaring tomorrow. No major surprises with 16-31. I did wonder if The Battalion might find themselves in the top 25. Guardians were better than I expected based on quite a few negative comments in other posts. We’ll be hearing more from Columbians in the future. Raiders had an enjoyable show and Les Stentors have a lot of talent for a small corps. They still offer lessons to young people with no musical experience.
  8. I’m 100% Irish based on what my parents told me, 96% according to Ancestry.com. We forget everything but a grudge!🙂
  9. Dan Potter asked an ill advised question in 2019. He was pilloried for it, apologized to the corps. He got the wrath of DCP and I may have even commented. I spoke with people with the corps after it happened, some whom I have known for over 30 years, who shrugged it off. If the corps can forgive, we can too.
  10. You’re very fortunate. Last year was the only year I had to wait to get in to finals, but the wait was 90 minutes. Don’t forget, they started the show later due to the lines. The concession lines are problematic. I do have a heart issue/blood sugar issue and as luck would have it, I had issues while waiting in line at semi’s. Someone grabbed an orange juice that was on display and I was able to sit down. Someone held my place in line, but again it was an hour wait. I’m thinking it will not be an issue this year, but it was for me and many others last year.
  11. I do love Allentown and would not like to see it moved. As I said in another thread, I did find the accommodations for older people and disabled people problematic. I do realize there is a handicapped section, but the people I saw struggling most were older folks. I’ve sat in approximately the same seats since 2012: Section H, between row 4 and 15 depending on when I order tickets and the availability, always on an aisle seat. I don’t recall seeing so many people having difficulty with the stairs or having to help people up or break their falls. Allentown does attract an older crowd so it is something to keep in mind. Two great things. First, the incredible volunteers, always the best. Second, there were quite a few school buses field with high school aged kids. Unless they parked in a new spot this year, I saw more young people than in past years and young people at shows is usually a sign of growth.
  12. Your four predictions for OC corps moving to semi’s are mine as well. I have yet to see Columbians so I’m basing it on scores alone. I did see Spartans early in the season and at their home show. What a show. There has been speculation Gold will move to WC in either 2024 or 25 and I wonder if they’re coming as far East as New Hampshire this year was testing the waters for a fuller national tour. Southwind was in the New Hampshire show and while they still had work to do, you could see the potential. Judging from the prelims scores they did the work.
  13. We may moan, groan, and complain about Lucas Oil Stadium, lines, not enough open concession stands, but the show itself never disappoints. I’m one who is in my seat for the first corps and doesn’t miss any competitors.
  14. I consider 2020 the lost season. I can recall in 2020 two times I really missed drum corps: one being when I would have been in Allentown, the other Indy. I was going to be moving in September of that year and I hate pitching junk, organizing, and packing. I kept thinking I should be in Indy or Pennsylvania right now. I loved 2021. With the exception of some day trips, I hadn’t traveled out of state since 2019 so going to the airport, getting on a plane, and staying in a hotel was fun. The shows were great, the mood in Indy was easy going, and I appreciated the effort of each corps that participated, while also understanding why some corps chose not to participate. For some of the WC corps there would not have been a 2022 if there was not a 2021. OC was very hard hit by so many corps not participating. They understandably could not afford to do so, but it set a few corps back. One OC director told me returning to the field in 2022 was more difficult than the early years of the corps and they’re starting all over again.
  15. The late 70’s is probably the last time we had so many corps vying for the open spot. The reason I’m calling it open rather than 12th is because two of the corps (Crossmen and Spirit) are making great progress in a short time, one has a show that packs a punch in surprising ways (BK), and one has wanted a finals spot for so long, they could gain momentum (PC). It’s similar to 78 when Kilties snuck past Freelancers, BAC, and Garfield or 79 with the one time only Associates contest (don’t get Crossmen alums of ‘79 started on that one). Right now I’m going with Crossmen. I think it will also be interesting to see how close they get to Blue Stars this evening.
  16. I can’t speak for those who saw Friday night on Flo, but seeing BD live, I did not think Blue Devils had an off night in Allentown. The show is colorful, creative, well designed, and “Both Sides Now “ is one of the season’s best ballads. I thought Bluecoats had a better run in Lawrence than Allentown, but it was still an amazing performance. Crown blew me away with that amazing sound. BAC could go in the field, play “Mary Had A Little Lamb” and I’d still think it’s great, but last night was an unforgettable night. I think some folks believe this year’s show is the greatest Blue Devils show ever, something that in the case of Blue Devils, who has had so many amazing shows over the years, can’t be determined until the season is over. That being said, the two pointers fans should probably rewatch 2014, a year BD did have a two point spread and more than deserved the victory. Then watch Bloo and Cadets. That’s what a two point spread looks like, at least in my opinion.
  17. Two things regarding Allentown. 1. the damaged seats, except for those who may have had to sit elsewhere, was a huge non-issue. It was a minor inconvenience, but it was hardly a whole section. I would guess maybe 50 seats were impacted. If I had to sit elsewhere because my seat was gone, I might not be so diplomatic, but that alone is not a reason to change venues because of it nor is it an example of negligence by the Allentown school district. Since it was a school event, it may be an example of poor monitoring, but that’s not a drum corps issue. 2. while I love Allentown as it is, there is a serious reason to consider a change of venue. I sat in Section H, Row 8, Seat 1. I was on the aisle of the 50 yard line. The stairs are uneven in size. A number of older people stumbled going up and down. Many people with special needs whose ability to due walk is impaired due to conditions such as cerebral palsy navigate stairs by taking on stair then attempting two. It seems to come naturally and part of the way they navigate stairs. My brother was born with CP and lived his adult life with people with CP and it’s fairly common. Stairs installed with people with disabilities in mind would not be so problematic. I did see a few people with special need’s have difficulties going up and down. I’m surprised at the accessibility issues since the stadium is primarily a venue for high school football games, but where it was built prior to the Americans with Disabilities Act and hasn’t been majorly revamped, so it’s probably grandfathered.
  18. I love Allentown and it never fails at being memorable, but this year may be the best, or at least one of my favorite years. Saturday always sizzles, often with the stronger overall line up, but this year both nights were pretty equal. Favorite moments: Hearing Boston Crusaders placed first tonight. I wasn’t sure it would happen. Boston had an incredible run. The story telling is strong and the show is clean and precise, but Crown also does an excellent job telling a story and the brass, unbelievable! The three amazing performances of Cadets, Mandarins, and Phantom. I was thrilled for Cadets placing third. Troopers having an exceptional performance. We may see them ascending in years to come. The strong return of Spirit and Cascades. I spoke with some folks from Spirit. There were quite a few times over the past year it did not look like a return would happen. And to Surf, your show improved and packed a punch tonight. Colts and Genesis were pleasant surprises and in my opinion underrated. I think so much attention has been paid to the potential 1-4, 5-7, and the open spot, as well as Troopers, Cavies strong percussion, Blue Stars, being green, Colts has been forgotten. I’m surprised more attention hasn’t been paid to Genesis either. They have a very clever show. Madison put some muscle in their show and Music City is making steady improvement. My one complaint? Bluecoats. I was supposed to go to Amish Country today but went to Hershey Gardens instead. What played in my mind over and over? “I went to the Garden of Love” Thanks a lot!🙂
  19. You could also look at it another way: the corps that performed yesterday have an extra day to get ready for Indy. It all evens out in the end.
  20. I agree. The scores and captions can be interesting for discussions and predictions, but the two nights can be very different. Will I feel the same way if BAC scores 98.65 compared to BD’s 95.775? Probably not. Then it will be fine to compare the two nights.🙂
  21. My favorite thing to do on the Saturday of Allentown is take a ride in Lancaster County to visit Amish Country. After an afternoon of horses and buggies, red barns, cows, mules, sheep, and people out and about in attire from another time, it’s time for the crowds and excitement of J. Birney Crum Stadium. Tonight will be amazing. Like everyone the Boston Crusaders Carolina Crown face off will be great. I’ve said before that BAC and Crown always give electrifying performances in Allentown. Indy is always the best performance for both, but the outdoors, enthusiastic crowd, etc., loots of fans, always motivates both. I’m thinking one of the two will score higher than Blue Devils last night which will give us all kinds of DCP battles between now and Indy. I’m hoping it will be Boston Crusaders. Mandarins, Phantom, and Cadets will also be corps to watch. With Mandarins so mesmerizing, Phantom so powerful, and Cadets so clean (at least from my vantage point), it will be close and can go any way. I’d love to see Cadets place third. They’ve taken a lot of flack this year but there’s something about their show I really love and they sell that number, but Phantom’s Rachmaninov piece alone is worth watching. Mandarins, you’ve had a soft spot in my heart for years after the help you gave FREE Players at Allentown a few years back, something repeated in a Indy. There are things I love in your show even though you’re spinning people around makes me dizzy and makes me wonder if you’re taking guilty pleasure in spinning those folks around. Spirit and Crossmen will also be corps to watch, both hoping for that coveted 12th spot.
  22. I saw Madison the other night in Glassboro. I did not find the show as bad as some on this thread claim, but it did lack enthusiasm. A great deal of performing a show is selling it. This is where alums can play a huge role. Fast forward to Lawrence, MA. I was also at the BAC show. Alumni support played a huge role in getting Boston Crusaders where it is today. Yes BAC has deep pocketed friends and folks who know how to turn a dime into a dollar, but from about 2009 to 2015 there was a huge effort to reconnect alumni, make former rivals fans, and local get drum corps enthusiasts to get behind BAC. For Madison folks who marched 40 years ago, did you ever think there would be a day when 27th, Bridgemen, and North Star slums would be enthusiastically supporting Boston Crusaders? Alums also supported the corps even if they were not pleased with show themes. Do you really think that old timers really thought “Animal Farm” was the way to go in 2014? That didn’t stop them from supporting marching members on the field. Another example is Cadets. There is no way Madison has had the drama and issues Cadets had with its infamous former director and chaos in leadership afterwards, but alums at least supported the kids on the field. From what I understand from folks I know who have been associated with Madison, major work needs to be done to rebuild bridges, but don’t let that keep you from supporting the kids on the field.
  23. You may need to take an Uber or taxi, but if you’re in Indy on Wednesday, the Indiana State Fair is an option. It is about five miles from Downtown but it’s something different. You do see people wearing drum corps t-shirts at the fair so I’m not the only one who attends.
  24. I was in Lawrence tonight, I was impressed with Boston Crusaders (no surprise). I last saw them in early July. While there are more additions to the show, I think the improvements come from the strengthened nuances in the show. Cases in point the sea chanties were better performed, had life, and added humor to the show. The Dropkick Murphy’s piece was in your face. “Thomas Tallis” had more power. Regarding Bluecoats, I was also in Glassboro last night. Even though the score was lower tonight, I thought they were stronger in Lawrence. Glassboro was a good run, no question, but the show got off to a slower start. Lawrence was on fire from start to finish. I was surprised it was Mandarins over Phantom but the two being so close was not a surprise.
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