Staff Report
"Blast!," an event that's part of the Ovation Series at Popejoy Hall, is making some big promises.
"I was helpless in the path of this visual and aural juggernaut," said Kevin Nance, critic for The Tennessean in a press release. "It far outdoes ("Stomp" and "Riverdance") with youthful energy and cocky panache."
Are you sure we're talking about the same "Stomp," man? If we are, then "Blast!" should be spectacular.
"Blast!" is comprised of 54 members in their early 20s who come from drum-core tradition.
The cast members hold over 40 world titles and are well known for the intense training they undergo for the performance.
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Brass, percussion and visual ensembles make up the three performing sections.
The brass and percussion groups are essentially what you'd expect - horns pitched in the usual multi-keys along with drums, mallet instruments and electronic keyboards.
But the added visual element in combination with the energy of the show has enabled this group to tour with great critical acclaim.
Spinning, tossing and hurling surprising implements into the air along with the standard flags in synchronicity creates the visual aspect of the show.
This element adds a demand for the performers who must be highly trained athletes as well as great musicians.
"Blast!" grew out of the drum corps Star of Indiana. In 1984 Bill Cook founded Star in an attempt to rekindle statewide interest in music education. James Mason serves as the artistic director, and he is a veteran of drum and bugle corps.
Star gradually gathered titles and acclaim until what began as a competitive drum-core group, emerged as a full-scale, theatrical show.
"Blast!," has received great reviews in London and on Broadway. The show also won the 2001 Tony Award for "Best Special Theatrical Event" and the 2001 Emmy Award for "Best Choreography."
The show will be at Popejoy Nov. 5-10.
Tickets for "Blast!" are $50, $47 and $35, and can be purchased at any tickets.com outlet or by calling.
For more information go to www.BlastTheShow.com or www.ovationseries.com.
