Cavaliers Take On California
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(LOS ANGELES) - After a week long drive across the country from their pre-tour home in Adrian, Mich., The Cavaliers arrived in California for their first leg of the 2019 tour. The corps debuted their 2019 production, The Wrong Side of the Tracks, on Friday, June 21 at the MidCal Champions Showcase in Clovis, Cali., marking their first performance on this side of the country since DCI World Championships in 2007.
The corps continued to compete throughout the course of the weekend at DCI West in Stanford and the Moonlight Classic in Sacramento, welcomed with open arms by West Coast fans at each performance. Along the way, The Cavaliers were also able to perform at the Family Day Barbecue prior to DCI West and mingle with the members of California corps Santa Clara Vanguard and The Blue Devils.
The Cavaliers and Santa Clara Vanguard horn lines came together to perform one another’s corps songs, “Rainbow” and “Send in the Clowns,” in an encore performance following the Moonlight Classic. This was a truly special moment for both the performers and spectators to enjoy as well as a reminder of the camaraderie and community drum corps provides for thousands of young people across the country.
Between show weekends, The Cavaliers visited the Yamaha Corporation offices in Buena Park on June 24 for a stand-still performance of fan-favorite encore and lot tunes as well as their 2019 program. Yamaha’s partnership with the corps has kept our membership playing and performing at the top of their game for years and we are grateful for their continuous support.
“We love the opportunity to experience The Cavaliers show up close,” said Joel Tetzlaff, Head of Marketing Development at Yamaha. “It's wonderful for everyone to have a chance to see what Yamaha instruments can do in the hands of amazing performers. Our partnership with the Cavaliers has influenced countless musicians around the globe and we are grateful for the chance to recognize the exceptional staff and members.”
The corps also took the show from the field to streets of south-central Los Angeles at the Celebration of Sound performance at the Pullum Community Arts Center on June 25. The Cavaliers performed alongside Wayne Bergeron, Michael Martin and Tom Hooten for an incredible experience for all in attendance. With special renditions of “When You Wish Upon a Star”, “Pain for Wayne” and “MacArthur Park,” the corps had a truly unforgettable night. Grammy-winning composer Eric Whitacre also made an appearance at the concert, citing it as his first drum corps experience. Drum Major Joey Riedl remains in awe at the experience, calling it one that he will never forget.
“It’s not every day you get to conduct one of the world’s best trumpet players, especially as a 21-year-old,” Riedl said. “I felt inspired as a drum major to be standing there excited over the fact that we were performing in front of such great people, but then also literally having people around me excited over the fact that they were standing next to me. It is an opportunity that was truly once in a lifetime, and it’s probably one of the highlights of my DCI career.”
The Cavaliers rounded out their trip West with three performances from June 28-30. The Cavaliers wowed audiences at Corps at the Crest in San Diego, Drum Corps at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena and Western Corps Connection in San Bernardino.
Members of the corps from California, such as three-year vet Edward Li, were blessed with the experience to have a home show while marching with the corps they call home. This provided them with the unique experience to perform for loved ones who would have to travel long distances to see them perform.
“Having a home show for the first time in four years of drum corps was really special because my friends and family were the ones who helped me get to where I am,” Li said. “To be able to perform for them since they have been there for me every step of the way made the experience that much more magical.”
The Cavaliers are so grateful for the opportunity to show West Coast fans what they’re made of and the warm welcome they have received from audiences all along the coast. From here, the corps will march on to the Midwest to compete at the Cavalcade of Brass, Whitewater Classic and Adrian Showcase. Be sure that you are following The Cavaliers on all social media platforms to ensure you stay up to speed with the corps as they take “The Wrong Side of the Tracks” across the country. Be sure to join us on Patreon for exclusive content throughout the rest of the season.
about the cavaliers
The Cavaliers were founded in 1948 from Boy Scout Troop 111 by the late Don Warren. One of the most successful drum and bugle corps in history, The Cavaliers have won 20 national championships, including seven Drum Corps International world championships, since 1992.
The Cavaliers provide a variety of life-changing educational and performance programs for young people that go beyond music and performing arts to build personal accountability, excellence, teamwork and camaraderie. Programs include GearWORKS, Cavaliers Indoor Percussion, Chromium Winds, Crystal Lake Thunder and Midwest Connection.
A 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps is sponsored by The Village of Rosemont, Ill.