For fans of drum corps, those who refer to Drums Along the Rockies as “a bunch of marching bands” clearly haven’t witnessed the Denver summer tradition.
On a soggy night, corps from around the country competed Saturday night at Sports Authority Field at Mile High for the 49th year in a row.
“This is the show all drum corps want to be a part of,” said Mark Arnold, executive director of the Denver-based Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.
An afternoon downpour delayed Drums Along the Rockies for about an hour while fans tried to stay dry in the concourses of the stadium.
“Drum-corps fans are very loyal, and this won’t keep them away,” Arnold said.
The show did go on, but the weather had a big impact. Usually, the corps march concise patterns while performing pitch-perfect music. Saturday, for the first time ever, weather forced the corps to stand in place and play. Scores were based entirely on music, not on color guard or marching. Also, intermission was canceled.
“This is the worst I have seen it in 27 years,” Arnold said.
Nevertheless, the 8,000 fans cheered as the music filled the stadium.
Soaked despite his poncho, Jerry Watren said he was excited to see his first drum-corps show.
“I am not sure what to expect, but I have heard from friends it’s amazing,” he said.
While drum lines warmed under the bridges near the stadium, Watren watched and listened.
“What they’re able to do is really impressive,” he said.
Drums Along the Rockies is one of many competitions to which junior corps travel throughout the summer. The season culminates with the Drum Corps International Championships, where the top ensemble is crowned.
The corps competing Saturday included the Blue Devils of Concord, Calif.; Phantom Regiment of Rockford, Ill.; and, of course, the local Blue Knights, founded in 1958.
“People who come see drum corps for the first time are stunned by the level of talent and performance,” Arnold said.
“The power of the performances are so great, you forget these are just kids.”
Most who march are teenagers — 21 is the age limit for membership. Junior drum corps, which all competing at Drums Along the Rockies were, are limited to 150 members.
There are 44 world- and open-class junior corps. Seven of them were in Denver on Saturday.
Held at Jefferson County Stadium its first year, Drums Along the Rockies called old Mile High Stadium home for years and, just like the Denver Broncos, moved to the new Mile High, formerly called Invesco.
“This is one of the first big venue shows of the season for most corps,” Arnold said.
Mike Evans attended the event for the third year in a row to cheer on his son, Keenan, a member of the Blue Knights.
“They have an amazing sound, but to get it while they are marching the way they march — it’s just unbelievable,” Evans said.
Ryan Parker: 303-954-2409, rparker@denverpost.com or
