Even with the rainy season Minnesota has experienced, storm systems won’t be the only things bringing the thunder this summer.
The roar of top-class drumlines and brass ensembles will make its yearly appearance back in Mankato and visitors can expect a stunning show July 9, according to organizers of the 32nd annual Kiwanis Thunder of Drums.
It will be 7 p.m. at Blakeslee Stadium with performances from six top drum and bugle corps from across the Midwest and a pre-show performance by the 204th Army Band/jazz ensemble.
Thunder of Drums will feature three world-class corps and perennial world championship contenders in Phantom Regiment, Madison Scouts and the Colts, with additional groups the Govenaires, of St. Peter; River City Rhythm; and Colt Cadets.
“It’s an excellent lineup,” said Doug Faust who has been the committee chair for the Kiwanis Thunder of Drums since 2013. “These are some of the top corps in the country.”
Phantom Regiment will be conduct this year’s Thunder of Drums student clinic, where area high school students have the opportunity to learn from top corps professionals.
“It’s really inspirational for these students to be able to see bands marching at the professional level,” Faust said.
Thunder of Drums brings more than 3,000 people and 600 performers to Mankato each year and is a major revenue source for the Mankato Kiwanis club. Money from ticket sales and other donations goes to support Kiwanis-affiliated scholarships, Camp Patterson and other club activities.
“People come to the performance because it is something unique. It’s the only drum and bugle show in Minnesota,” he said.
New this year was the Kiwanis Thunder of Drums/Music Mart Drum Corps Scholarship. The scholarship was presented to Colin Besel and Elie Wendinger, both former Mankato ‘77 Lancers participants. The money will be used to support their marching with the Madison Scouts this summer.
“We usually have two or three former Lancers marching with the corps at Thunder of Drums,” said Joe Meidl, the owner of The Music Mart in Mankato and longtime Kiwanis Club member. “So we wanted to defer the expense and give the opportunity for students to participate. We wanted to support music programs all around.”
Meidl is enthusiastic about the continuation and expansion of the scholarship program. “We will most definitely continue it into the future.”