South Preview - 9/24
Going down south, this is one of the first weekends of competition for many groups in this region. From Cary, NC, to Boca Raton, FL, we’ll highlight some important local shows you should know about.
The first show on the list is the Panther Creek Invitational at Panther Creek HS in Cary, NC. This show features some of the best groups in North Carolina, such as Cary (NC), Green Hope (NC), and Green Level (NC), as well as the host, Panther Creek (NC). It will be an excellent chance to get a first look at many of the strong programs in the area ahead of the BOA Winston-Salem Regional on Oct. 15th, as well as Cary Band Day two weeks later. The show information is available at https://pcinvitational.org/.
Going over the border into South Carolina, there are two shows that we’re watching this week. First is the C. Phillip McIntyre Tournament of Bands hosted by James F. Byrnes (SC) in Duncan, SC, where the headliners will be Boiling Springs (SC), as well as the hosts, but Dorman (SC) and Mauldin (SC) are worth keeping an eye on. The show information is available at https://tob.byrnesband.org/.
The next show we’ll discuss is the Lowcountry Marching Band Invitational, which takes place in Mt. Pleasant, SC. This show is hosted by #19 Wando (SC) and has a consistently solid lineup, this year featuring Fort Mill (SC) and Summerville (SC) as well as the hosts in exhibition. Information can be found at https://wandobands.org/news-events/lci-marching-band-festival/.
Next is Georgia, where The Conquest, hosted by Allatoona (GA) in Acworth, GA, northwest of Atlanta, is the next show up. While not much information is available online, it primarily features bands from Georgia as well as some from the surrounding states. More information is available at http://www.allatoonabands.org/the-conquest-2022/.
Further south, the Florida Marching Band Coalition season kicks off with the Cavalcade Presentation of Bands, hosted by Boca Raton (FL). A few notable bands in south Florida will be at this show, but the one that will catch the most eyes of national fans is Park Vista (FL), who is looking to rebound after a couple of years with a smaller ensemble than they’re used to due to the pandemic. All of the show information is at http://fmbcstate.com/event/fmbc-regional-boca-raton-2/.
Looking north to Tennessee, the one that caught our eye was the Union City Invitational, hosted by Union City (TN). It features fantastic bands from all over the state, as well as BOA Clarksville Finalist Paragould (AR). Event info is at https://unioncitybands.com/uci.
The final show we’re featuring from the South is the Camellia Marching Band Festival. It’s hosted by Marbury (AL) and features many fine programs from around the area. That said, the most interesting one goes on relatively early, as they are likely to be one of the smallest groups there. One of the best small bands in the region, Saint James School (AL), will be performing second on, but surely will put on quite a show. Find information about that show at https://www.marburynorthstars.org/camellia-marching-festival.
Despite being relatively early in the season for most southern programs, there is a lot of excellent band happening this weekend. So if you’re not planning on streaming, find a show near you!
Saturday Night Lights is currently GEM’s Managing Editor. He has been involved in the Pageantry Arts for over a decade, as a performer at the highest level, an instructor, and a fan. You can find him on Twitter at @SatNightLites. He currently lives in Florida with his partner and their two dogs.
