Tournament of Stars Review

[burdettsky]

Drum corps and the tournament of stars returned to Bayonne last night in a big way with the return of an old friend. For me it was exciting because as a 30 year old fan of the activity, I first went to a show in 1991 so this was my first opportunity to see the Bridgemen live and in person. But before that, nine wonderful units provided a great build-up to the grand finale.

The all-girl Emerald Grenadiers opened the show with a small but spirited group. This is the only all-girl alumni corps in the country for a little trivia. Luck be a Lady was their signature tune and they enlisted in some help from some of the ladies of Park City Pride and Cabs Alumni to close the show.

Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights brought their A game from all sections. A lengthy production that included all of the Knights favorites, the biggest ovation came during the color presentation of America the Bautiful. National Emblem was a hit as always.

The Yankee Rebels are experiencing some leaner numbers these days, but the quality is still more than there. It's nice to hear some fresh new arrangements from the Rebels handled very well. Some great solos were represented throughout. Battle Hymn Chorale was executed very well and was a chilling arrangement. Everything came together for Requiem for an Era and another well deserved standing ovation.

Park City Pride was next and this was my first ever viewing of this up and comer. Wow, in a word. I'll be honest in saying that I didn't really recognize the selections, but who cares, they were terrific. A wall of sound with balance, a full color guard with another incredible color presentation (anyone who could bring out a huge american flag in that wind and not get hurt earns mucho respect) and a drum line to die for, maybe the cleanest of the night.

Light Brigade was up next before intermission and played a wail of a show. Classical Gas was a nice moment for this smaller corps that still puts out a quality sound. And the color guard, well done to the max with their own drill and use of various equipment. Most of all, they looked like they were having a great time and sold it well. Danny Boy brought down the house as always.

After an intermission, the Skyliners Alumni took the field. They not only took the field, they commanded it. Sky has been working in some new charts and they are a big hit with the fans year after year. No doubt Sky was on fire tonight from the first note of the show. Don't know what to say about Flight of the Bumblebee, there's one I didn't think I'd ever hear a corps do, but it was done well. Hava Nagilah is one of my all-time favorite charts, the crowd too as it earned a standing ovation. Elk's Parade, and New York Signature left the crowd breathless and in need of a break.

Segue-------no break as Cabs Alumni entered from the starting line and entered a zone only a few corps can enter. (Sidenote, these corps were all incredible on June 10th, how awesome is the DCA Alumni Spectacular going to be in three months). The drill in the opener enables the horn line to sound, if you can believe it, even more powerful than they already are. Macarthur Park was terrific with some sweet solo work. Flamenco Cha Cha was phenomenal as always. And dare I say, I think Frank Ponzo gets better and sounds better with age. Now no offense meant here, we all know Frank can play, but I mentioned to my brother that I think he is actually starting to sound better year after year, a tough task when you play that well to begin with. Great new chord progression on the ending gets the crowd begging for more. A nice moment as Jim Russo pulled Ralph Silverbrand out of the crowd to conduct Flamenco Cha Cha.

Bushwackers changed the mood a bit with their performance. After an elaborate warm-up, Bush began their field show and presented their entire opener with drill and equipment work. The corps, unfinished to this point, then presented their closer, Rocky Point Holiday, in concert arc, which is sure to be a hit once finished. A nice start for a corps celebrating their 25th anniversary.

Jersey Surf gave us a Junior Corps dose next with selections from their program of Jersey Surf goes to the Moulin Rouge. I haven't seen Surf in a year or two but it seems all areas, sound, drill, auxiliary, are all a bit more sophisticated this year. Surf performed what appeared to be about six minutes of their show and areoff to a great start.

Did you ever watch a drum corps tape or DVD and say, "I wish I was able to have seen that live." Well, this drum corps fan got his wish tonight. Gerry Bauldoff of the Bridgemen spoke to me before the show, recognized my shirt and asked, "So why did you make the trip all the way out here?" to which I responded with the only obvious answer, "The return of the Bridgemen!"

Complete with a police escort, Bayonne was rocking as a beyond full stadium could hardly wait for what was to come. All the classics were there, Paggliacci, My Favorite Things, Land of Make Belive, Summer of 42, In the Stone, and William Tell Overture. Talk about owning a field. I couldn't imagine any corps could play louder than the audience was screaming, but the Bridgemen did. No review ofmine can do the performance justice as this was a historic moment in drum corps time. The sound was crisp, the drill was simple but well done, the percussion was as only the Bridgemen percussion could be, the gag was even there with a Hallelujah Chorus that seemed to come out of nowhere. And the finale was all that it was cracked up to be and more. $10 was the charge for everything that I just mentioned. I was impressed and in awe of the fact that you can get a crowd of that size for a drum corps show where not one score is being given.

For me, it was a 130 mile drive one way, well worth it. What a great night of drum corps. Be sure to look for Steve Vickers review in Drum Corps World in the near future. The Bridgemen brought him in from Wisconsin to take in the show, a class move from the hosts. To all corps in the Tournament of Stars, a job well done.

[Drack1cba]

Drum corps and the tournament of stars returned to Bayonne last night in a big way with the return of an old friend. For me it was exciting because as a 30 year old fan of the activity, I first went to a show in 1991 so this was my first opportunity to see the Bridgemen live and in person. But before that, nine wonderful units provided a great build-up to the grand finale.

The all-girl Emerald Grenadiers opened the show with a small but spirited group. This is the only all-girl alumni corps in the country for a little trivia. Luck be a Lady was their signature tune and they enlisted in some help from some of the ladies of Park City Pride and Cabs Alumni to close the show.

Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights brought their A game from all sections. A lengthy production that included all of the Knights favorites, the biggest ovation came during the color presentation of America the Bautiful. National Emblem was a hit as always.

The Yankee Rebels are experiencing some leaner numbers these days, but the quality is still more than there. It's nice to hear some fresh new arrangements from the Rebels handled very well. Some great solos were represented throughout. Battle Hymn Chorale was executed very well and was a chilling arrangement. Everything came together for Requiem for an Era and another well deserved standing ovation.

Park City Pride was next and this was my first ever viewing of this up and comer. Wow, in a word. I'll be honest in saying that I didn't really recognize the selections, but who cares, they were terrific. A wall of sound with balance, a full color guard with another incredible color presentation (anyone who could bring out a huge american flag in that wind and not get hurt earns mucho respect) and a drum line to die for, maybe the cleanest of the night.

Light Brigade was up next before intermission and played a wail of a show. Classical Gas was a nice moment for this smaller corps that still puts out a quality sound. And the color guard, well done to the max with their own drill and use of various equipment. Most of all, they looked like they were having a great time and sold it well. Danny Boy brought down the house as always.

After an intermission, the Skyliners Alumni took the field. They not only took the field, they commanded it. Sky has been working in some new charts and they are a big hit with the fans year after year. No doubt Sky was on fire tonight from the first note of the show. Don't know what to say about Flight of the Bumblebee, there's one I didn't think I'd ever hear a corps do, but it was done well. Hava Nagilah is one of my all-time favorite charts, the crowd too as it earned a standing ovation. Elk's Parade, and New York Signature left the crowd breathless and in need of a break.

Segue-------no break as Cabs Alumni entered from the starting line and entered a zone only a few corps can enter. (Sidenote, these corps were all incredible on June 10th, how awesome is the DCA Alumni Spectacular going to be in three months). The drill in the opener enables the horn line to sound, if you can believe it, even more powerful than they already are. Macarthur Park was terrific with some sweet solo work. Flamenco Cha Cha was phenomenal as always. And dare I say, I think Frank Ponzo gets better and sounds better with age. Now no offense meant here, we all know Frank can play, but I mentioned to my brother that I think he is actually starting to sound better year after year, a tough task when you play that well to begin with. Great new chord progression on the ending gets the crowd begging for more. A nice moment as Jim Russo pulled Ralph Silverbrand out of the crowd to conduct Flamenco Cha Cha.

Bushwackers changed the mood a bit with their performance. After an elaborate warm-up, Bush began their field show and presented their entire opener with drill and equipment work. The corps, unfinished to this point, then presented their closer, Rocky Point Holiday, in concert arc, which is sure to be a hit once finished. A nice start for a corps celebrating their 25th anniversary.

Jersey Surf gave us a Junior Corps dose next with selections from their program of Jersey Surf goes to the Moulin Rouge. I haven't seen Surf in a year or two but it seems all areas, sound, drill, auxiliary, are all a bit more sophisticated this year. Surf performed what appeared to be about six minutes of their show and areoff to a great start.

Did you ever watch a drum corps tape or DVD and say, "I wish I was able to have seen that live." Well, this drum corps fan got his wish tonight. Gerry Bauldoff of the Bridgemen spoke to me before the show, recognized my shirt and asked, "So why did you make the trip all the way out here?" to which I responded with the only obvious answer, "The return of the Bridgemen!"

Complete with a police escort, Bayonne was rocking as a beyond full stadium could hardly wait for what was to come. All the classics were there, Paggliacci, My Favorite Things, Land of Make Belive, Summer of 42, In the Stone, and William Tell Overture. Talk about owning a field. I couldn't imagine any corps could play louder than the audience was screaming, but the Bridgemen did. No review ofmine can do the performance justice as this was a historic moment in drum corps time. The sound was crisp, the drill was simple but well done, the percussion was as only the Bridgemen percussion could be, the gag was even there with a Hallelujah Chorus that seemed to come out of nowhere. And the finale was all that it was cracked up to be and more. $10 was the charge for everything that I just mentioned. I was impressed and in awe of the fact that you can get a crowd of that size for a drum corps show where not one score is being given.

For me, it was a 130 mile drive one way, well worth it. What a great night of drum corps. Be sure to look for Steve Vickers review in Drum Corps World in the near future. The Bridgemen brought him in from Wisconsin to take in the show, a class move from the hosts. To all corps in the Tournament of Stars, a job well done.

Thanks Adam, and as a player on the field last night....... Man I have not felt that good since 1987....

[XMEN74-78]

Thanks Adam, and as a player on the field last night....... Man I have not felt that good since 1987....

May i add one more quote to last nite's show........ "I was totally Blown away!!!!!" all i can say is welcome back to the long needed oldstyle fresh slap of drumcorps.. Bridgemen( and i mean every one who was involved) you gave this old corps member a renewed drive that i thought was long gone. you gave a performance that rocked the gates of heaven itself. even god applauded at the end of your show..

Thank you for the show that never ends. I look forward to East!!!!

[kstein]

My phone has been ringing off the hook this morning with people calling to tell me how wonderful you were. (My Dad was absolutely choked up.)

I'm so sorry I couldn't be there in person, but you were in my thoughts all evening.

I can't begin to tell you how happy I am for all of you and how very, very proud I am to have had the pleasure of marching with and knowing so many of you. May you enjoy the heck out of this Summer and leave them laying in the aisles and screaming for more every time you perform.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Hype!

Karen

[Drack1cba]

My phone has been ringing off the hook this morning with people calling to tell me how wonderful you were. (My Dad was absolutely choked up.)

I'm so sorry I couldn't be there in person, but you were in my thoughts all evening.

I can't begin to tell you how happy I am for all of you and how very, very proud I am to have had the pleasure of marching with and knowing so many of you. May you enjoy the heck out of this Summer and leave them laying in the aisles and screaming for more every time you perform.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

Hype!

Karen

March with us ???? !!!! baby we followed you were ever you told us to go.

Miss you much also.

xoxoxoxoxo,

Drack

[kstein]

Drack,

So glad you and the gang are able to do this! And by all means, lay a low brass smack down on Hoosier Sara if she gets out of line!

Enjoy this wonderful second time around,

Karen

[XMEN74-78]

Drack,

So glad you and the gang are able to do this! And by all means, lay a low brass smack down on Hoosier Sara if she gets out of line!

Enjoy this wonderful second time around,

Karen

PLease do it again and again and aagain... i so loved that show, it made me feel youn again....

[Sky Contra]

Drum corps and the tournament of stars returned to Bayonne last night in a big way with the return of an old friend. For me it was exciting because as a 30 year old fan of the activity, I first went to a show in 1991 so this was my first opportunity to see the Bridgemen live and in person. But before that, nine wonderful units provided a great build-up to the grand finale.

The all-girl Emerald Grenadiers opened the show with a small but spirited group. This is the only all-girl alumni corps in the country for a little trivia. Luck be a Lady was their signature tune and they enlisted in some help from some of the ladies of Park City Pride and Cabs Alumni to close the show.

Blessed Sacrament Golden Knights brought their A game from all sections. A lengthy production that included all of the Knights favorites, the biggest ovation came during the color presentation of America the Bautiful. National Emblem was a hit as always.

The Yankee Rebels are experiencing some leaner numbers these days, but the quality is still more than there. It's nice to hear some fresh new arrangements from the Rebels handled very well. Some great solos were represented throughout. Battle Hymn Chorale was executed very well and was a chilling arrangement. Everything came together for Requiem for an Era and another well deserved standing ovation.

Park City Pride was next and this was my first ever viewing of this up and comer. Wow, in a word. I'll be honest in saying that I didn't really recognize the selections, but who cares, they were terrific. A wall of sound with balance, a full color guard with another incredible color presentation (anyone who could bring out a huge american flag in that wind and not get hurt earns mucho respect) and a drum line to die for, maybe the cleanest of the night.

Light Brigade was up next before intermission and played a wail of a show. Classical Gas was a nice moment for this smaller corps that still puts out a quality sound. And the color guard, well done to the max with their own drill and use of various equipment. Most of all, they looked like they were having a great time and sold it well. Danny Boy brought down the house as always.

After an intermission, the Skyliners Alumni took the field. They not only took the field, they commanded it. Sky has been working in some new charts and they are a big hit with the fans year after year. No doubt Sky was on fire tonight from the first note of the show. Don't know what to say about Flight of the Bumblebee, there's one I didn't think I'd ever hear a corps do, but it was done well. Hava Nagilah is one of my all-time favorite charts, the crowd too as it earned a standing ovation. Elk's Parade, and New York Signature left the crowd breathless and in need of a break.

Segue-------no break as Cabs Alumni entered from the starting line and entered a zone only a few corps can enter. (Sidenote, these corps were all incredible on June 10th, how awesome is the DCA Alumni Spectacular going to be in three months). The drill in the opener enables the horn line to sound, if you can believe it, even more powerful than they already are. Macarthur Park was terrific with some sweet solo work. Flamenco Cha Cha was phenomenal as always. And dare I say, I think Frank Ponzo gets better and sounds better with age. Now no offense meant here, we all know Frank can play, but I mentioned to my brother that I think he is actually starting to sound better year after year, a tough task when you play that well to begin with. Great new chord progression on the ending gets the crowd begging for more. A nice moment as Jim Russo pulled Ralph Silverbrand out of the crowd to conduct Flamenco Cha Cha.

Bushwackers changed the mood a bit with their performance. After an elaborate warm-up, Bush began their field show and presented their entire opener with drill and equipment work. The corps, unfinished to this point, then presented their closer, Rocky Point Holiday, in concert arc, which is sure to be a hit once finished. A nice start for a corps celebrating their 25th anniversary.

Jersey Surf gave us a Junior Corps dose next with selections from their program of Jersey Surf goes to the Moulin Rouge. I haven't seen Surf in a year or two but it seems all areas, sound, drill, auxiliary, are all a bit more sophisticated this year. Surf performed what appeared to be about six minutes of their show and areoff to a great start.

Did you ever watch a drum corps tape or DVD and say, "I wish I was able to have seen that live." Well, this drum corps fan got his wish tonight. Gerry Bauldoff of the Bridgemen spoke to me before the show, recognized my shirt and asked, "So why did you make the trip all the way out here?" to which I responded with the only obvious answer, "The return of the Bridgemen!"

Complete with a police escort, Bayonne was rocking as a beyond full stadium could hardly wait for what was to come. All the classics were there, Paggliacci, My Favorite Things, Land of Make Belive, Summer of 42, In the Stone, and William Tell Overture. Talk about owning a field. I couldn't imagine any corps could play louder than the audience was screaming, but the Bridgemen did. No review ofmine can do the performance justice as this was a historic moment in drum corps time. The sound was crisp, the drill was simple but well done, the percussion was as only the Bridgemen percussion could be, the gag was even there with a Hallelujah Chorus that seemed to come out of nowhere. And the finale was all that it was cracked up to be and more. $10 was the charge for everything that I just mentioned. I was impressed and in awe of the fact that you can get a crowd of that size for a drum corps show where not one score is being given.

For me, it was a 130 mile drive one way, well worth it. What a great night of drum corps. Be sure to look for Steve Vickers review in Drum Corps World in the near future. The Bridgemen brought him in from Wisconsin to take in the show, a class move from the hosts. To all corps in the Tournament of Stars, a job well done.

Thanks for great write up Adam! As Drack stated earlier, it was as amazing performing the show as you can imagine! I stayed at the post late enough (2am?) to watch a video from the top of the stands! It was beyond amazing !!!

Romeo B)

[CROSSMENCORPS30]

Barry....thanks soooooo much for making the trip last night!! I can tell you really enjoyed it! Thanks for your support & enthusiasm at the show.....feels great to be back on the field. I am honored to be with this crazy, exceptional bunch. hey.....I think YOU would look good in yellow as well my friend...take care & thanks! :P

[Jeff Ream]

i can not wait for Allentown