Ray Priester

L-R : Andy Lisko, John Harris (RIP), Roy Anderson (RIP), George Sullivan, Carl Ruocco, Wes Myers, Bob Hamilton (RIP), yours truly, Rick Vale and just out of the frame is Joe Candelaria.

1969

Yeah Andy, I'm thinking the same guy. I don't know his wife's name though. Cha Cha After Six is a lot easier to dance to than SeaHawk.

Kyle, Thanks for the review and the opinions. In my mind you nailed a lot of the problems whether obvious or not. For the record, Sky is playing on G horns. They are a very young corps, compared to when I marched with them. ( I was 20 and was one of the 'kids'.) Many of them had NEVER been in any form of competition before, and all of the alumni who were there saw the "opening night jitters" and inexperience on the field. Given time, they will pull it all together and become the 'old pros' that a lot of us became before long. I think it was also the first time they marched on grass, since their rehearsal facilities are either an artificial surface or an asphalt parking lot. It is a different 'feel'. All in all, they put on a good show for their very first time on the field in 8 years and we are very proud of the corps and their efforts. The average age of the corps is probably in the mid to late 20s, but as Larry told us, take the 5 lead sopranos out of line and the average goes down to 17. In spite of the nerves, they put on a commendable show and can only get better from here on. It was a very emotional experience to see THAT uniform back on the field and to hear the announcer introduce them as the New York Skyliners! "We don't know when we are licked, and never will say die!" Sock it in Garbarina! Ray

Pepe used to refer to them as "useta wases".

Also expect to see a whole lot of Sky alums there to welcome the red and black back to the competition field. Sock it in Garbarina!!

I know you're referring to Mr. Fallon, but sometimes a little specificity can go a long way, My Lord of the Vertically Challenged! I ain't that far behind you! Glad to hear that you are on the mend and hope to see you somewhere this season. Hell, after my cataract surgery, I'm looking forward to actually SEEING anybody! Be well, all my friends here in Whoville.

And the T-birds were there. I have some pix somewhere.

Before he went to Sun, Screech played with L.I.C. Saints, then the S.I. T-birds for a couple of years ('63 and '64 definitely) and, then Little Falls Cadets, '65 I think, and then on to the Sunrisers. BTW, the circuit that the Saints competed in was the Liberty Circuit which was for corps just starting out in M&M. I don't think they went on to GSC or L.I. Circuit.

The Long Island City Saints were not just a parade corps. We (T-birds) completed against them in the early 60s. Good little corps with some very talented folks!

Jim, Why not post this in the 60s drum corps group on Facebook. That picture should bring all of us a rapid answer as to the identity. How's Krista doing???? Ray

Most of the photos have been deleted. What's up with that?

Prayers on the way for both John and Barbara. Hang tough, John!!!!

Prayers on the way for John and Barbara. Hang tough, John!

I've told her on Facebook and in an e-mail that the "Traffic Jam" was the brainchild of Bobby Hoffman. It was not a 'scatter drill' , it was more of semi-organized chaos! Why do you not believe me, my Queen?? OK Andy, your turn!

Not to be picky, but I think you meant to type Ruben Ariola. Thanks for all your insight over the years and very glad to hear that you are back to your old self again. Continued good health to you!

Well, here's the scores and placings from the '63 A.L. Nationals. Some choices can be eliminated right off the bat, but other than that, I have no clue as to who the Cavie look-alike is. 1. Blessed Sacrament 86.416 2. Garfield 83.775 3. St. Lucy's 77.240 4. Muchachos 74.800 5. Magnificent Yankees 73.916 6. Argonne Rebels 72.263 7. Miami Vanguard 71.456 8. Marion Cadets 70.183 9. Austin Lancers 65.000 10. Katahdin Rangers, Maine 62.530 So, who is it?????

Andy wins the pennant! Andy wins the pennant! Andy wins the pennant! BTW, I absolutely HATED Russ Hodges for those words when his Giants beat my Dodgers as the" Staten Island Scot" hit THAT home run! Wait 'til next year. sigh Went to a dinner here on the Island for Bobby Thomson and showed him his picture in my Mom's Curtis HS yearbook. He was a couple of years behind her class.

V-Z was opened in Nov of '63, so it could have been '64 at Cichon Post. BTW, the times HAVE changed quite a bit. Back then, the toll on the bridge was $0.50 each way; now it's $15.00 round trip! I would have thought it was paid for by now?! But then again, over 75% of the tolls today are used for upkeep on MTA, LIRR and Metro North trains. We Islanders continue to be screwed by the powers that be!

I think we're on the same page, Frank.

Enjoy your time off, Your Majesty. Hopefully, there will not be too much for you to "de-shamble-ize" upon your return to the realm! OK, let the games begin!!!!!!!!

Thank you, Tony!

Any reviews from the show last Saturday night? Not all of us could be there. Just wondering how the performances stacked up. Anyone?

And my first guess would have been the FanfarenKorps from Germany who performed at the Shea Stadium show back in '64. I guess not, unless they moved, like the Crossmen and Cadets.

Good news, Jim and Krista. Glad to hear it!