Drums Along the Waterfront, an event that features the top seven drum corps in the world, was last hosted in the city back in 2008. Since that time the competition has taken place on the outskirts of the city, and was scheduled to appear at the University at Buffalo football stadium. Due to unforeseen circumstances a last minute venue change-up has been made, and now Drums Along the Waterfront will be moved to Robert E. Rich, Sr. All-High Stadium, located at 2885 Main Street.
Altogether the drummers have 40 DCI world championship titles among them (including the Blue Devils, Cadets, Cavaliers, Carolina Crown, Troopers, Bluecoats and Santa Clara Vanguard).
“The decision to leave the University at Buffalo was unfortunate and completely out of our control, and necessitated due to unexpected field repairs,” said Jack Gaylord Jr., organizer of the event. “However, the are extremely excited with the level of talent that we will once again bring to Western New York. We are working very hard with Drum Corps International and the management of All-High Stadium to ensure a seamless transition to the new venue and a highly entertaining event!”
In the past I have posed the question to the event organizers as to why Drums Along the Waterfront is not held on the waterfront. The response was that there is no place along the waterfront to accommodate such a production. Maybe someday when the Outer Harbor plans are finalized, these types of events might find some room and adequate facilities to perform?
In the meantime, All-High Stadium fits the bill for the Drum Corps International (DCI) Tour. That is the same venue where the competition was held back in 2008, one year after the 5000 seat stadium was renovated.
Drums Along the Waterfront Tour of Champions | Sunday, Aug. 3, 2104| Kick off at 7 p.m.
Patrons who have already purchased tickets to the event at the University of Buffalo will receive a complete refund of their purchase from Ticketmaster. Tickets for the new venue will go on sale to the general public through the Drum Corps International Box Office beginning at noon Friday, July 4. For information, visit www.dci.org/tickets or call (317) 275-1212. For more information regarding the Aug. 3 event, please visit www.drumsalongthewaterfront.org.
Image: The Carolina Crown made a promotional appearance in West Seneca and participated in Community Day events on June 28.