They Are Our Men

 Rockapella in Santa Cruz

Monday, August 31, 2026

Santa Cruz Shakespeare

Santa Cruz, CA

We ate free hotel breakfast, and my waffles didn't come out right because it was too watery, but I was still able to eat most of it.  The staff put in new batch of batter after that, but I was fine and didn't make more.  It was one of those that makes 4 mini waffles instead of one big one, so 3 out of 4 ain't bad.  I made it into a waffle sandwich with my chicken sausage.  I asked for our room to be cleaned before we left for some sightseeing fun.

This was in the hotel lobby. My Bestie
loves jellyfish but I was unable to steal it for her.

We followed directions to Natural Bridges State Park because we liked the pictures online, but when we arrived, it was the same place that KP and I went to last year.  We asked the guy in the guard shack at the entrance to the actual park, and he said that we were already there.  Okayyyyy.  Perhaps all those pictures were taken before all the birds pooped all over it.

We then went to the Santa Cruz pier, where my goal was to get one of those classic Santa Cruz t-shirts.  Oh, and to see sea lions and the ocean.  I got to do all three.  

Santa Cruz Boardwalk behind us

Sea Lions on Dock

Close up

I do not know why my mouth is open in this picture.

I liked the sky and decided to 
be in the photo with it.

Seagull atop car

Next time, we'll try to visit lighthouses.

Thanks for the pic, Wendy!

Patriotic Doggie

We asked a guy in one of the stores where there was a good burger place, because the restaurants on the pier were a bit expensive.  He gave us 2 options, one of which we couldn't find a proper address, so we went to Jack's.  I ordered a corn dog and was happy.

We made an unscheduled stop at the nearby mall because we had it in our heads that we needed cake to celebrate someone's 60th birthday.  We were also jealous when KP's bro told her that he had cake at a birthday party that weekend.  There was a place called "Sherri's Cookies" and they did have some cheesecake, but it wasn't anything we wanted, so I got a bag of assorted mini cookies instead.

We went back to the hotel and got ready for the show.  Now that I know where we're actually going because of last year, we didn't have any trouble finding the place, but surprisingly, we were not the first ones there, and they were also ready for us to park in the lot.  

We could see the guys during their soundcheck, and we were trying to be stealthy, but they couldn't help but see us when we got to the souvenir stand where I got a blanket with an "S" on it.  I later used it as a seat cushion because although it got chilly, I didn't need a blanket.  It's actually the same color as the one I usually bring to drum corps shows, so I can change it out if the other one gets soiled.  KP was glad that she bought a hoodie on the pier, because it started to get chilly before the show even started.

Hey, we know them!

We were a little hungry, so we each got a charcuterie bowl.  They didn't have the garlicky Caesar salad that they had last time, and the bowl looked a little different, but I was happy for what was inside, and it was nicely arranged, which the person in the concessions booth really apppreciated.

Bowl of Eats

Sher:  "Look sultry!"

As we ate our food, we could still hear soundcheck.  I had lamented earlier that I wished Manny would be here because I want to finally hear the new Beatles arrangements live.  I love John, but want to hear that Beatles stuff already!  Well, during soundcheck, they did some kind of medley that was all Beatles songs.  My brain couldn't handle it.  I started to tear up.  Are they practicing something new, or just trying to hurt me?  KP and Wendy watched my face as my heart melted and I didn't know what to think anymore.

On my way to the facilities, my friend June saw me and I talked to her for awhile, but couldn't for too long because a) I needed to use the facilites; and b) the other were waiting for me to take turns watching our stuff.  We then went to our seats, and the 3 of us were front row center, seats A13-15.

Dene and June still a cute couple
after decades of marriage

This time, we weren't forbidden to take photos of the stage, but as usual, we didn't take them throughout the show because we were too busy enjoying seeing the guys.  We took them at some points, though.  

ROCK AROUND THE CLOCK

Scott's heart pin does not have an airtag.  Wendy wants to remedy that.

JAILHOUSE ROCK

The audience loves Armand's low notes!  

CSL4 noticed that the front row had desks, and said they were for taking notes for Shakespeare class.  Well, yeah.  And for Rockapella shows.  

Scott is Falstaff.

DANCING IN THE STREETS

We are in the front row yet still way too far for them to easily get us to dance with them in front of the stage.  JT is the Grinder in the street.

BAD, BAD LEROY BROWN

CSL4 did some kind of gargle growl.  Like a dog using mouthwash.  Or not.  

CSL4 needed water.  Is that why he gargled?  "Maybe you can take a drink, too.  But not you."  No, he was not pointing to the Posse.

SATISFACTION

Armand was smiling instead of being scowly during his line, "What's a matter with you, boy?" because CSL4 was cracking him up,

SATURDAY NIGHT / CUPID

JKB talked to Leann and Jeffrey, and I guess he was inspired by the Shakespeare set and directed a little play of his own.   "You guys know each other?"  He had her walk by Jeffrey and told them to look back at each other.  He said that Jeffrey would give her a big, long...dollar bill. "I just love beautiful couples!"  

MOON RIVER

I love when people recognize the tag of "It's the most wonderful time of the year" done with different lyrics.

CSL4 said that they found Cal in Busch Gardens and asked him, "Calvin, will you come rescue Rockapella?"

They begged JKB to come over to California with them to sing Manny's parts since Manny couldn't be here.  We later learned that he was working on a hip hop Broadway show.

JT  is "The Shakespeare of Spit".

CSL4 is the man with the Golden Locks and Dancing Spaghetti Legs.

CSL4 said they were going to sing one of their own songs, so it was OK if folks wanted togo to the restroom.  You know the Posse wasn't going anywhere.

I AM YOUR MAN

CSL4 sang to us!  I held hands with Wendy and KP because we were so happy to hear that song.

ROCK THE BOAT

When CSL4 started to teach his dance, he kinda looked constipated, which made me giggle.

Rhythm Section Break

<Intermission>

We didn't leave our seats, just stretched a bit.  I'm REALLY glad we didn't leave, because then we might not have made it back for the first song after intermission.

Posse Selfie

Taping down the set list

BEATLES LOVE MEDLEY

O.M.G.  YESSSS!!!!  This is the what they were rehearsing at soundcheck!  I had tears in my eyes, I was so so happy.  Afterward, CSL4 said that they put that together backstage at intermission, and he thinks it worked out pretty well.  Um, YEAH!  Perhaps you want to see it for yourself.  :)

   

COMMERCIALS

CSL4: "Prior to becoming this legendary Beatles cover band..."

Someone cheered at the capitalism bit.
CSL4: "Did you say, "YEAH!"?  There's always one in Santa Cruz."

CSL4: "I'm gonna speak in a Shakespearean accent from now on."  

CSL4: "I think we've almost aged out of the Matt Lauer joke." 

CSL4 talked to Anita, who is married to Starbucks or something like that.  She said that she's from here, in Scotts Valley.

CSL4:  "It's my valley!  I should stay here."

Posse:  "Yes, please!"

STAND BY ME

Anita kind of sang?  She didn't really know the lyrics, but she gave it a good effort.

AIN'T TOO PROUD TO BEG

This is where Anita truly shined.  She danced with all of the guys, she flirted with them, she obviously was having a great time, and I'm pretty sure she also had some wine. 

 

MACKLEMORE

Do it, Rockapella!

"We sang that song every day for 54 years."

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS CARMEN SANDIEGO?

CSL4: "This crowd is fantastic, thank you! Let's just keep going."

Encore

RAPPER'S DELIGHT

Crowd really got into singing the "ooh!"s.  I love that.

UP ON THE ROOF / WONDERFUL WORLD (off mic)

JT, Armand, and CSL4 were still adjusting their places to stand when they started the song.  I'm pretty sure this is how they usually stand, so I don't know what the heck happened there.

And then it was over and I already missed them.  

Sorry for the weird shadows.

But wait!  After saying bye to June and Dene, we hung out for a little bit to see if we could say hi to the guys before they left and were about to sit down on a bench when we saw someone walking toward us.  CSL4!  He hugged us hello, and suggested we walk with him to get his stuff and see the rest of the guys.  So wait.  He didn't have his stuff already, and walked over to get us?  What a sweetheart!  JT was the first of the guys that we saw.  

Wendy:  " I was gonna say 'Welcome Back to California!' but I don't live here anymore."

JT:  "Why?  Where do you live now?"

Sher: "She lives by you, Dude!"

JKB had brought wife Cristina  on this trip, and we talked to them for a bit.  It was so good to see Cristina!  She has lavender hair now and I reached out to touch it when she told me how she colors it.   I apologized for reaching out to touch her hair, and she said it was OK.  Ooh, it was nice and soft and now I want her to do my hair.  

I told Armand that the audience loved his voice tonight, and he said, "Why?"  

Sher: "OK, Mr. Grammy Nominee!" and he laughed as I hit his arm.

Cal to KP:  "It's hard to stalk you if I don't come to California enough to see you."  Aw, Cal, you are welcome to come out here and stalk KP anytime.  OK, that's me just assuming she's OK with that.   I apologized to him for not making treats but I was afraid one of the main ingredients would make him sick because of all the crazy food stuff going on right now.

Cristina took this photo of us.

Sher: "PELLA POSSE IN DA HOUSE!!!"

I asked CSL4 about the kids, and he said that Natalie is in France with her filmmaker boyfriend.  I told him that I went to France this year and visited Disneyland Paris.  I told him it was gorgeous and he wants to go someday. I would totally go with him, but did not say that out loud. Jesse is in a duo band called "Bass Envy" with Jack (from Sean's Everly Set shows).  He's proud that they're pursuing what they love and doing well.  I told him that I went to Tokyo Disneyland and looked for where he performed.  He said that he performed at Tomorrowland Terrace in Tokyo and also in front of the castle.  I also told him that  I saw Kyoko when I was in Tokyo and that she misses seeing them.  He said that he's been trying to get back to Japan, and called me a World Traveler.  Lisa is still working for Disney as well as teaches dance in New York City public schools, and also judges dance competitions.  He told KP that Natalie still has her "Little Mary Snowflake" miniature that she made for CSL4 because she loves that song.  

CSL4 also shared that he has the makings of a Beatles sampler for an upcoming show someday but they haven't booked one yet, so get cracking and market our guys, Posse!

My favorite exchange of the night:

Sherry shows CSL4 her personalized Rockapella ring made by Enso.

CSL4: "How did they get it so small?"

KP to CSL4: "We have something to confess to you."

<Sherry expresses panic in her eyes,  not knowing where she's going with this confession.>

KP explained that when we saw NKOTB in Vegas, Donnie asked us to all to repeat vows after him and the entire audience marrried the New Kids.  I wasn't sure I should say these vows due to my loyalty to Rockapella.  KP said it was OK because our NKOTB vows were to be faithful to only them as our favorite Boy Band, and Rockapella is a band of Men. So we're married to NKOTB, but my ring shows otherwise.  :) 

CSL4: "You guys are fun."  Or maybe he said "You guys have fun."  Or both.  

Somehow, I didn't mind that she told him our story, and now I'm wondering if CSL4 told the other guys about it.  Can you imagine that conversation?  I'm so giggly right now as I type this.

We went to Denny's and I made sure that KP had her share of our joint bacon order.  We were excited that all of us could order from the 55+ menu.  It's the little things.

We giggled ourselves to sleep, so happy to have seen our guys!  

The next day, we checked out after breakfast and drove down the 101 to drop off Wendy at her friend Shelly's house in San Luis Obispo, where she'd be staying for a couple of days.  We had lunch with them at Taste, and Shelly said I could park in the Governor's Space, which was the only one available in the lot.

I enjoyed my trio of Sweet Potato Fries, Fly Figgy Fly chicken sandwich, and Strawberry Fields salad.  

We gave Wendy really long hugs and drove the rest of the way to my house.  Thank you to Wanda for picking up KP so that I didn't have to drive farther.

I had lots of fun with the Posse and I hope it isn't long before we have another Pella concert to attend together.  

Mmmm...Cinnamon Toast

DCI Finals Week

Travel Day

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Bro and I were the only ones who woke up at our regular times this morning, so we walked across the street to Cafe Patachou for breakfast.  It's good we got there before 9am as there were still several tables open.  We had tried to eat here a previous year but it was very crowded.  I'm familiar with the place because they used to have one in the airport and I liked to get breakfast there before going to my gate.  They don't have one there anymore, so I'm glad Bro was interested in it.  

They have a coffee bar with unlimited coffee, but I wanted herbal tea.  Bro ordered a make-your-own omelettte that sounded like the flatbread we used to get a Tastings.  I got a basic eggs & chicken sausage breakfast, but the highlight of my plate was the cinnamon toast.  It was soooo good that I ate all 4 slices that came with my meal.   Bro also had the cinnamon toast and it reminded both of us of our mom toasting buttered bread with sugar in the oven, but with cinnamon.  

We lounged in the hotel room until checkout time and took an Uber to IND.  We still had lots of time before boarding, so we had time to relax and eat lunch.  I also bought candy from the expensive candy place at the gate, and my Jelly Belly flavors included "Assorted Bubble Tea", which had matcha, strawberry, taro, and Thai tea.   I now need to see if I can get those as a pack by themselves.  

As we were boarding the plane, a guy in front of us was having trouble with all of his carryon items, and we wanted to help him, but V said that we would make it worse because then unknown people woul be handling his bags.  He ended up sitting next to the nephew.  I was happy to see that he was wearing a Pacific Crest corps jacket.  

During the flight, I watched "Rocky" because I had never watched it in its entirety.  

When we go to LAX, we took a shuttle back to the economy lot.  One of the guys on the bus had a signed drum head from SCV.  I think his mom was carrying an age-out feather in a box.  They were talking to another family about what food he missed while he was on tour.  I think he wanted a burrito from a certain restaurant, but someone was already making some good home cooking for him at home. 

I was jealous of the sticker on his water jug, because I had never seen it before.  It's probably only available for corps members, because it's not in the store online, nor was it in the booth at Finals.  

See how cool it is with the chains?

When we got back to Bro's place, I got my stuff that I had left there before the trip, and Bro and I were going to go by ourselves.  But the nephew hadn't eaten all day and was asking for In N Out.  Then the niece wanted to join.  Then V didn't want to just be by herself.  So everyone piled back into Bro's car to go to my house and exchange me for Coda after picking up In N Out near my house.  

I had a great time on our trip!  Bro and I will be making arrangements this week for next year, because it will be SCV's 70th anniversary.  We might make plans for other places because I'll have more free time next summer.  Also, so that maybe we can travel elsewher with the kids for drum corps.  The niece's school schedule conflicts with Finals next year, and the nephew found the whole Finals experience to be too exhausting and will not be joining us next year.  

Until then:  Drum Corps Withdrawal 

Leslie Speakers Rule

 DCI Finals

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Lucas Oil Stadium

Indianapolis, IN

Most everyone slept in for most of the morning.  We actually didn't even leave our hotel rooms until they decided to have lunch at Sushi Boss.  V told me it was 1.5 blocks away, but that kind of depended on which exit we took from the hotel, so it could have been more like 2.5 blocks away.  I was only concerned because I didn't feel like wearing my walking shoes yet, and preferred to wear my flip flops.  So we walked however many blocks to the restaurant.  

Sushi Boss means that you're the boss.  At least I think so, because you could choose your own ingredients for their rolls or bowls.  So I chose a roll with salmon, mango, cucumber, avocado, and tempura crunch with teriyaki sauce.  Later I thought maybe I should have ordered ponzu sauce instead, but whatever.  It was tasty, except my sushi rice had something left to be desired.  It was kinda dry.  I loved their Strawberry Dragonfruit drink, though, and got a refill for drinking later.  

Bro, V, and the niece went antiquing to the same mall we went to last time, while the nephew and I just chilled out in the hotel.  When they returned, there wasn't much turn around time, so Bro and I walked to the stadium ahead of the others.  Today's food for me:  Chicken Caesar Salad.  I thought of getting the foot-long corn dog, but I had hot dogs the last two days and I needed something more healthy.  

IN-Pact Band

They played "Soda Pop" from K-Pop Demon Hunters and Black Sabbath's "Crazy Train" with Al Chez.

Congratulations to Gold for winning Drumline Battle this morning!

US Marine Corps "The Commandant's Own"

I like the snare fetaure during "When Johnny Comes Marching Home".

Star-Spangled Banner

Marine Corps Hymn as they marched off the field.

I was concerned that people were sitting in the area where they usually sit, which is in the stands on our right side.  Then I realized they would probably just sit on the left side.  I actually wanted them to go to the right side and kick all those people out of their seats.  

Poor Brandt has to do the damn spiel.  Bro:  "I came back too early."  He was hoping he'd miss the spiel.

BLUE KNIGHTS

We made bets on the gender reveal.  Bro and V were betting on blue.  I'm voting for twins - because then we'll have two clouds.

I like when they use their sleeves to look like flags.

Oh, NO!!!  The cloud light didn't work at all.  Sadness.  

TROOPERS

Darn!  It's not naked corps.  There were more people without shirts today, though.  I think someone is secretly stealing their shirts little by little.

Bro:  "It IS hot outside."

V:  "They're very dirty, too."

S:  "Maybe they're still hanging their laundry."

Ugh, the talking.  I know I don't understand what's going on in this show, but the talking doesn't help.

SPIRIT OF ATLANTA

Aw, they had a "Help Us, Crossmen" cardboard sign.  Nice shoutout to their sister corps to have them still appear at finals in their own way.  

V likes the colors in this show, but I don't like them on the field because I don't think they show up enough.  

COLTS

Oh, no!  They didn't unfurl the flag so it just sat there folding into itself instead of waving proudly in the air conditioning.  Love that high piercing trumpet!

CAVALIERS

Caught the Diamond Cutter maneuver today, as well as Spin Cycle, which I now understand why they have the shirts for this show.  I didn't get to see the gear formation from Machine, but V did point out the corners yesterday. Now I need to watch some videos of this show to see all of the maneuvers.  Nobody tosses a flag to their fellow color guard members like the Cavaliers.  Nobody.  I love that.

Hey, look!  RUFIO!

PHANTOM REGIMENT

GOOOO, CALEB!!!!!  Bro finally reminded me in time so I yelled twice for the kid whose Dad I talked to at the Columbus Saints booth and told him I would cheer for him.  I forgot the other two nights until Bro reminded me too late.  I like when the pointy things turn in toward the middle at the end.  V and I had never seent he ending where the guy is being carried to the front.    

<Intermission>

BLUE STARS

V:  "They're good clappers!"  

When they make their star formation at the end, they hold up a frame with artwork of a blue star.  I finally got a photo of the person in the Escher prop.

SANTA CLARA VANGUARD

Wow, that's LOUD!  They really got into that Reckless thing today.  Great show, SCV!

Google Photos made this animation
of my photos

BOSTON CRUSADERS

Wait, they got the drumline to dance with the color guard?  And hold flags?  I haven't seen the pushups thing before.  I like when they're in pairs and leaning on each other.

CAROLINA CROWN

Whoo, that brass.  Just gorgeous!  Their "Ave Maria" has been getting well-deserved standing ovations each night.  V also can't get excited about their jump ropes after seeing SCV.

BLUE DEVILS

Bro: "It's funny how many people like them when they're in second."

Have I told you how much I like their ... rifles?  I'm not just about the pants, people.  

BLUECOATS

There are a lot of people behind us.  I guess they gave up on leaving that area as a pathway.  Love the rifle tosses at the beginning.   I need to get video of them swaying to "God Only Knows" when they win this thing.  

Drum Majors for the Open Class Medalists were honored:

Bronze medal: Gold

Silver medal: The Battalion

Gold medal:  Blue Devils B

Drum Majors for the All Age Corps Medalists were honored:

Bronze medal:  Atlanta CV

Silver medal:  Hawthorne Caballeros

Gold medal:  Reading Buccaneers

The corps started to enter the stadium, and those on the right side marched down the wrong yard line, so they had to fix about 4 corps' positions so that they could all fit on the field.  Spirit formed the Crossmen "X", Phregiment did their chevron, Crown brought one of their doors, Troopers only had one half-naked person, and the Cavaliers wore their traditional uniforms.  V asked Bro to tell the kids the reason that they didn't bring in their instruments, especially the drums.  Ah, memories of Finals Past.  

See how SCV's guard has 20 yards,
but the corps does not?

OH MY GOD.  Rita Moreno is here!!!  We're in the same huge building!  AAAHHHH!!!  Rita Moreno joined a DCI Broadcast many years ago when they used to air on PBS.  Steve Rondinaro connected with her again, and here she is, looking fabulous and having lots of energy!

The kids in the audience got the wave going all the way down the stadium...except for the Marines.  Oh, hey!  The Marines are back and sitting on our left side, playing what we call "A World of Cheeses", as well as other marches as the corps enter the stadium.  :)

The crowd is getting restless: we've done the wave.  The kids section did the Norwegian Row, and now they're acting like they're on a rollercoaster.  

Brandt finally declared "Let the finals begin!" and it was so.

The montage of Finals Week is always fun to watch and try to name all the corps we recognize and cheer for our favorite clips.

Scores and Caption Awards

Fan Favorite Award:  Phantom Regiment

12) 86.175 -- Blue Knights

Jim Jones Leadership Award -- Megan Conlin of Santa Clara Vanguard

Congrats, Megan!

11) 86.950 -- Troopers

10) 88.588 -- Spirit of Atlanta

George Zingali Color Guard Award -- Bluecoats

9) 90.125 -- Colts

John Brazale Visual Performance Award -- Bluecoats

8) 92.175 -- Cavaliers

Jim Ott Brass Award -- Carolina Crown

7) 92.600 -- Phantom Regiment 

6) 94.138 -- Blue Stars

Fred Sanford Percussion Award -- Bluecoats

5) 95.025 -- Santa Clara Vanguard

4) 95.675 -- Boston Crusaders 

Don Angelica General Effect Award -- Bluecoats

3) 97.038 -- Carolina Crown

2) 97.500 -- Blue Devils

1) 99.100 -- Bluecoats

Then lots of hugging and photos and goodbyes happened before corps finally left the field.

SCV Group Hug

Encore

Bluecoats ran their show again, but this time with GoPros.

Drum Warmup

Fan in a Doppler Dress

Please excuse the very excited person at the end of this video.  I was doing so well at our angle until then.   I recommend you watch in landscape full screen.

Congratulations to the Bluecoats for an amazing undefeated season, and one of the highest scores ever!  I'm glad I got to see them in person so many times because they came to California this season.

As we were leaving the venue, a guy was holding the exit door open for a bunch of people and the woman he was with was annoyed that he was taking so long doing so.  I thanked him and told her she would appreciate it someday.  I don't think she heard me, but it's true.  

Brady was hungry when we got back because he didn't eat dinner.  They ordered Wing Stop and surprisingly, there were no issues like the night before with Steak 'n' Shake.  

Next up:  Travel Home