Lincoln "Cornhusker Music Games" Review

[MaestroBen]

Lincoln, NE “Cornhusker Summer Music Games” Review

I’m writing the first part of this review before the show, so I can get it posted before I head to Madison for the final MSARP rehearsal weekend. I’ll post the actual review—assuming the thunderstorms don’t wipe out the show—when I return from Madison on Monday.

The City:

This is Lincoln’s first drum corps show. The Cavaliers rehearsed here in 2004 at the beginning of finals week. There was supposed to be a show last year (with the same 4 corps) but Coach Callahan decided that the Memorial Stadium turf needed to be replaced.

Lincoln would be a great venue for a major regional show. The airport is very close to downtown (5 minutes max., unfortunately only Northwest & United fly here. Cheaper fares and more flights can be found in Omaha, 50 minutes east), there is a lot of hotel space (80,000 Husker fans need a place to sleep during football weekends, many good restaurants, abundant corps housing possibilities, and a great stadium.

The Lincoln/Omaha area reminds me a lot of Madison/Milwaukee, for those of you whose only connection with Nebraska is driving through it in the middle of the night coming back from Drums Along the Rockies (that would be me before I moved here). Except, Lincoln doesn’t have nearly as much ‘character’ as Madison, there are no lakes, and we have more tornados.

The Stadium:

Ever since I moved to Lincoln 8 years ago, I’ve thought that Memorial Stadium would be a prime venue for a drum corps show. Tonight I’ll find out for sure, but here are some of the features. The stands are right on top of the field, on both the home and visitor sides. And, the stands are steeply banked, so wherever you sit you feel right on top of the field. The stadium is also completely enclosed, so the sound should really ring. Again, I’ll have a full report Monday.

There’s a nasty looking thunderstorm outside my window right now that’s heading towards Lincoln. The radar suggests that this storm should blow through quickly, but the forecast is for scattered strong storms throughout the evening. I hope we can get the show in. I’m not particularly excited about seeing Cavies in a standstill inside.

-Ben