August 6, 2026 – Indianapolis, Indiana
I’m at the Whistle Stop, a lively bar one block from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. This is the happy hour spot my friends chose before we head into the stadium. Today is the DCI Preliminary competition, where over thirty drum corps perform throughout the afternoon and evening. We are heading in after the long intermission. Now is the time for more reunions with others who have either flown in today or arrived by car after a long drive from somewhere. This is a nexus of some of the most interesting people from all walks of life who make this annual pilgrimage to the center of the country for the annual Drum Corps International World Championships. Thirty corps will perform today. The top twenty will perform at the Semi-Finals on Friday, and the top 12 will perform on finals night on Saturday.
Yesterday, I arrived at the hotel around 4:20 PM after two days of lollygagging around Ohio and Indiana. After leaving Zoar, Ohio, from my stealth camping site, I took an unscripted route along the back roads of the Midwest. Siri was put to the test, keeping me on the straight and narrow, even when she had to reroute constantly. She did get a little testy more than once when I would not return to the route.
I was able to get many steps in, finding several locations for a hike. On Tuesday, before leaving Zoar, I walked along the Old Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Next, along the way to the Open Class Championship in Dayton, I discovered the city of Troy on the Greater Miami River. The county seat of Miami County, this is a charming small town that once had a robust economy due to the commerce along the river and then the Miami and Erie Canal. I chose to take another walk, this time along the Greater Miami River Trail. Later on, a stroll around town revealed a friendly pub. A nice large mug of the local IPA slaked my thirst from the long day before retiring to the trailhead just outside of town for another great sleep in the Volvo.
What to do on the Wednesday before getting to Indy for three shows starting today through Saturday is always up in the air. In fact, for the most part, my entire tour this season has been up in the air, following whims and larks and trailhead signs. I chose to head to Marion, Indiana, to catch a rehearsal of the Bluecoats. Life is a wild goose chase. Not a bus or truck was seen, nor a beat or blast heard. Once again, I was misinformed by the AI gods. The consolation was the opportunity to play another Boston grand piano in the Phillippe Performing Arts Center, thanks to Jama, who extended the courtesy. My 30-minute improv session was just what I needed to cleanse the miles away and prepare me for the final leg south into Indianapolis. As I pulled into the hotel parking lot at 4:20 PM, friends were already fully engaged in the pre-finals-eve merriment activities. Friend Joey serenaded us with his awesome trumpet skills, including Ave Maria. The rest is a blur.
Time to head over to the stadium for some drum corps. I’ll catch up with you on the other side. More friends will surely arrive at the post-show patio party behind the hotel.
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