ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Another type of music gathering — one that highlights the talents of drummers, bugle players and dancers — will also bring thousands of people to the region this weekend.
Twenty-two drum corps will compete in the 47th annual Drum Corps International, or DCI, Eastern Classic.
The event will take place on Friday and Saturday at J. Birney Crum Stadium.
Competitions start each night at 7 p.m.
The show features more than 1,000 student musicians and performers from across the country, ages 13-22.
Jazz and Broadway beats
The event in Allentown is one of three regional competitions held by DCI.
It precedes the DCI National Championships held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Aug. 8-10.
Last year, thousands of people attended the competition, which was also held at J. Birney Crum at 2027 W. Linden St.
This year's event will bring together national drum corps including the Academy from Tempe, Arizona; the Blue Devils from Concord, California; the Blue Knights from Denver, Colorado; the Cavaliers from Rosemont, Illinois; the Boston Crusaders from Boston, Massachusetts; the Phantom Regiment from Rockford, Illinois; and the Jersey Surf of Camden, New Jersey.
Each team will have 11 minutes to perform and be judged on music, marching and special effects.
The music ranges from classical and jazz to Broadway show tunes.
According to the DCI website, judges also look for the movement of the musicians, accompanied by the color and majesty of flags, sabers, rifles and numerous props.
Tickets cost from $39 to $59. Scholastic groups of 20 or more receive discounted tickets starting at $29.