The general public will be treated to a rare in-town free performance by the 2008 Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps at 7 p.m. Friday, July 11 at Englewood High (EHS) School Stadium, 3800 South Logan. On a 25-city nationwide tour until Drum Corps International Finals in early August, the Blue Knights --consistently ranked in the world's "elite Top 10" drum corps -- will arrive at EHS that morning, get rested, then commence practicing.
This is an exclusive preview of the Blue Knights' performance the following day at the drum corps' signature fundraiser, "Drums Along The Rockies" at INVESCO Field at Mile High. The free concert has become an annual tradition and promises to be an exciting night for families, friends, and fans. It's also an opportunity to thank Englewood Schools for hosting the corps at EHS for a number of their weekend music camps.
In honor of the Blue Knights' 50th Anniversary, this free performance will take on a homecoming "pep rally" atmosphere, without the actual bonfire. Come out and cheer for the home team, before they take the field for their home show on Saturday, July 12.
Blue Knights Present 38th Annual "Drums Along the Rockies",
7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 12th at INVESCO Field at Mile High.
One of the Rocky Mountain Region's most renowned and entertaining summer events, "Drums" is one of three regional drum and bugle corps competitions under the auspices of Drums Corps International (DCI), Marching Music's Major League™. This outdoor pageant is presented by -- and the major fundraiser for - the Blue Knights,a 501(c)(3) educational youth organization.
This year's competition features eight elite groups- including the Blue Knights; current DCI World Champion Blue Devils of Concord, California; Cavaliers, Rosemont, IL; Santa Clara Vanguard, Santa Clara, CA; Phantom Regiment, Rockford, IL; Madison Scouts, Madison, WI; Troopers, Casper, WY (also celebrating their 50th); and Mandarins, Sacramento, CA. These drum corps will wow the crowd with their magical field formations, creatively-costumed dancers (color guard), pinpoint marching precision and thrilling "Wall of Sound".
Ticket Information for "Drums Along the Rockies"
Tickets: $15 - $80 (VIP). Group rates, special needs, handicap seating available. Tickets and information: in Denver (303)424-6396; Outside Denver 888-306-DRUM; Ticketmaster (303)830-8497or www.drumsalongtherockies.com.
Walk-ups welcome!
Colorado's Musical Ambassadors for 50 Years
2008 is an historic year for the Blue Knights, which has proudly represented Colorado in drum corps competitions across the United States since 1958. From mid-June through early August, 134 corps members (ages 15 to 21) from
27 high schools and nine colleges in Colorado, plus 11 other states and two countries (Japan and Canada), will travel to more than 25 major U.S. cities, covering 12,000 miles. Their tour will culminate at the 2008 DCI World Championships August 5-9 in Indiana.
The Blue Knights Drum Corps has been a Drum Corps International World Championship finalist numerous times. The corps is known for its moving interpretations of classical music, strong use of choreography, and hand-painted silk flags.
The Blue Knights organization also offers a winter brass ensemble that performs throughout the Denver area, two competitive indoor marching percussion ensembles (World Percussion Ensemble and Open Percussion Ensemble), and "Stampede", the official drum line of the NFL's Denver Broncos.
At Colorado state high school band championships, 60% of the high school bands participating are instructed by individuals who received their training with the Blue Knights programs.