Boy, it's been a long time since I've seen a June Drum Corps show (1991). I've forgotten how spoiled I've become not seeing shows until the July Texas Tour. Now that I live in Illinois, my season can be more than 3 weeks.

June shows are ragged. Period. Everyone there tonight was ragged, to different degrees. The show was run nicely, although parking was an incredible pain. Did they plan that at all?

Joliet Kingsmen -- only got to see from the sidelines, but it was great to see these kids out there trying. Great to see some minority representation in Midwest Drum Corps, too. I wish these guys the best.

Blue Stars -- This may be a heck of a show. The end got pretty ragged, and the brass sound is not mature yet. Drums seemed a definite strength, as did Color Guard. Definitely have the potential to win Division 3, I'd say.

Capitol Sound -- First time I've ever seen them. I was impressed. Nice new uniform. Music book is solid. I enjoyed them. Don't really like the trash cans, etc... by the guard, but I guess it fits the theme from the movie (NEWSIES).

Phantom Regiment -- Why in the world were they on this early??? Before Pioneer & Colts? Come on! I've been quite worried about them after a winter of not too positive press, but I have to say I was quite intrigued by their possibilities this summer. I would have to say their show was easily the most difficult of the night. Where Cavaliers keep their horns tight, PR spreads them out and exposes them. Of course, that will haunt you in June, but will be impressive later. Music book is very, very full. Also by far the most energetic and exciting show of the night. I will have to admit, I absolutely loved the black uniform and was dreading seeing it go, but the new uniforms are dynamite. The pure white pants are incredible, and really give the corps a GE lift. Brings back memories of the high-class all white days of the late 80s/early 90s. The middle piece of the show (forgive me for not having their pieces memorized) was absolutely gorgeous. Looks like the show stopping slow movement of Regiment is BACK -- (Can we say Reliable Rondo's favorite musical moment). Not to gush, this corps is also absolutely filthy right now. Difficult drill was not pretty. Had a huge train wreck in the beginning -- 4 or 5 people piled up on the ground. Fortunately no one was hurt. The last rotating block was hardly a block tonight, but if they clean that, the end of Rite of Spring & the show will really rock. PR was way ahead of Colts & only 4.5 back from Cavies. They may be top 6 bound again. The Color Guard is certainly vastly improved over the past 2 years' debacles. I don't know if it is the uniforms or not, but they sure do look young(never seen a PR corps look that short!) Maybe they can finally put the last few years behind them and move back up in the elite. Was also great to see the old Block movement to take the field, too.

Colts -- I absolutely loved their show last year, and maybe it is prejudicing me, but I did not enjoy the Colts tonight. I don't like the move to off-white in their uniforms, either. The pure white pants always gave the Colts pizzazz. That's what's missing from this show. Maybe it's just June (again, it's been forever since I've seen June shows). The music book was very uninspiring. I've come to expect much more entertainment (and volume) out of the Colts. Hope this is just a rough start. If it isn't, they could be the one sitting on the outside looking in at Finals.

Pioneer -- They really held their own going after PR & Colts in several respects. Their show is very pleasing, and a hell of a lot more entertaining than Colts (I'd rank them 2nd in Entertainment for the night, after Phantom). Horn line is small (counted 36), but they were louder than Colts! Some overblowing that does need cleaned. The end of the show obviously hasn't been worked much yet, but the 1st half was quite nice. Pioneer looks like they are gonna fight like hell to stay in top 17. Will give Patriots a run for their money, though I'm hearing great things about them. Pioneer needs to pick up more horns to secure themselves a Semis spot.

Cavaliers -- I was waiting with much anticipation for these guys after their run at the end of last year. Maybe that was the problem, because I was very disappointed. Musically, very uninspiring after a great couple of music books from them in 98 and 99. Visually, looks interesting, but without a WOW move or 2 like the past couple of years. Some neat "flows" to go with the Niagara falls water theme. I didn't think their show was that difficult to be honest. Especially musically. And somewhat jazzy music just doesn't seem to fit these guys. Additionally, it looks like their visual demand is not as high as Phantom's either. That's tough to say without seeing from up high, however, and it could be that the fact that they are cleaner than PR just makes it seem that way. Cavies are certainly cleaner than PR. I don't know if PR can clean a very difficult show up enough to catch them or not, but I'd have to say their show has more potential than Cavaliers.

All in all, was a great night. Had a first timer with me, and he enjoyed it, although I had to point out a few times that things will be much, much better come August. 2 things disappointed tonight:. 1) Color Guard shows are no where near complete, and most corps don't have their 2000 flags out yet; 2) Musically, with the exception of Phantom & Pioneer (to and extent), was very, very drab. Hope other corps have more interesting musical books than what I heard tonight out of Cavies & Colts.

My humble opinions,