Three Stages Hosts BLAST!, 3/18

Winner of both Tony and Emmy Awards, BLAST!  brings together 35 brass, percussion and visual performers in a unique explosion of music and theatre.  Born on athletic fields across the nation, BLAST! is a novel art form evolved from the showmanship of outdoor pageantry and the energy of a world-class marching band. The performance is sponsored by Comstock Mortgage.

BLAST!  will perform in Three Stages on Sunday March 18 at 2 pm and 7 pm. Tickets are $39-$59, with Premium tickets available for $69; they are available online at www.threestages.net or from Three Stages Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, and two hours before show time. Three Stages is located on the west side of Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom, CA, facing East Bidwell Street.

BLAST! evolved from the drum corps Star of Indiana, which was founded in 1984 in Bloomington, Indiana. In its initial year, Star of Indiana became the first corps ever to place among the top ten corps at the prestigious Drum Corps International World Championships. Competing against other organizations from the United States, Japan, Canada and Europe, Star’s performances revolutionized the world of drum corps, bringing an ever more sophisticated sense of musicianship  and choreography, going on to win the  World Championship in 1991.

Comprised of three performing sections – the brass, percussion and visual ensembles--months of intense training prepare the cast.The physical and musical demands of the production require that the performers be highly trained athletes as well as first-class musicians.  The brass instruments are pitched in the standard multi-keys.  The percussion section includes drums, mallet instruments and electronic keyboards.  The visual element enhances the show by spinning and tossing unusual implements along with the traditional sabers and colorful flags in perfectly synchronized, ballet-like drill.