Access Atlanta > Blog > Archives > 2006 > January
January 2006
Showdown at the Battle of the Bands
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s on in the “Battle” zone! Ten black college bands are about to get down and dirty in the Dome, here at the fourth annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase. A sold-out show, I might add. This blog opens live from the scene of the action.
With two minutes ‘til show time, the drum majors from each of the participating bands are lined as one near the sideline.
After a brief word from former mayor Andrew Young, the show kicks off. The excitement swells as the drum majors step forth and the band from each school runs onto the field. Oh yes, the entire Invitational Showcase. It’s a colorful sight to behold, to say nothing of the power of this big, blaring brass section. The burst of fireworks heightens the excitement, and it’s on to the “Show of Unity” performance. The bands join together in big band style to play the national anthem, followed by the gospel tune “Let it Rise.” Musicians, dancers and drum majors veil the field from end zone to end zone.
This, my friends, is the “Super Bowl” of black college marching bands!
THE LINEUP
- Central State University, Wilberforce, OH
- Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA
- Virginia State University, Petersburg, VA
- Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL
- Langston University, Langston, OK
- North Carolina Central University, Durham, NC
- Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX
- Jackson State University, Jackson, MS
- Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL
- Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach, FL
THE SHOW
OK, we’ve gotta fast forward here. Geez, I thought I’d be able to keep a running “broadcast” on each band’s show, but there is just so much good stuff that it would never fit in one blog. (Not one that you’d wanna sit through anyway.) My challenge here is to watch the bands, type the real-time action and jot down notes. The following text will be a post-show summary after all the bands perform.
6:35 p.m.
Among the songs performed today were a few old school jams; songs by Earth, Wind and Fire and Tina Turner among others. Then of course, there was the collection of overworked new releases that several bands played arrangements of: “I’m Sprung” by T-Pain, Jamie Foxx’s “Unpredictable and “Trapstar” by Young Jeezy.
The theatrics of black college marching bands is truly a culture of its own. Several bands had dramatic pieces in their shows. There was CAU’s mime-dance piece with the princess ballerina and JSU’s “heavyweight” dancing man. He collapses in exhaustion toward the end of his performance and the crowd roars in laughter. No cardiac arrest here, it’s all part of the show. There were gospel selections with accompanying vocalists. NCCU played “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” and LU performed “The Battle Is Not Yours.” (Hmm…no subtle message there, is it?)
Even the drum majors have a show of their own now nowadays. PV, TU and NCCU were among the bands who prefaced their shows with brief dance routines showcasing their high-stepping, back-bending, pelvic-thrusting, pole-wielding drum majors. They were quite the spectacle!
For me, some of the most compelling musicianship and marching precision came from…well, I’ll let you guys call it first! I’ve got my personal ranking, but I’ll save it until we’re well into the discussion here.
Overall, it was a highly energetic show of quality showmanship, impressive musicianship and good choreography, though I must add that there were some well-worn moves. I’d like to see more innovative elements to the bands’ shows next year. Most of the formations and dance routines were good, but the performances that really stood out for me were those with a little “outside the box” creativity. Also, I was particularly impressed with how the organizers opened and closed the Showcase with a unified performance, considering the intense rivalry surrounding this event. All the bands returned to the field for two closing selections, including “America, the Beautiful.”
YOUR CALL
Now it’s your turn. Time for post-show roll call. Students, fans, alumni, anybody - join in the discussion here and share your thoughts on this year’s Honda BOTB. Since there’s no “official” winner, you make the call!
- Rank the bands in terms of overall quality and creativity.
- In your opinion, who had the tightest drumline?
- The best dance team?
- Finally, whether or not you attended, which band do you think should have made the cut but didn’t?
Are you afraid of chicken?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Are you eating less chicken or avoiding it because of bird flu fears? Or do you think the bird flu scare is overblown?
Dining adventures
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
We’ve given you our top adventurous dishes. Now tell us — what dish were you dared to eat? (No. Eating a bug as a kid doesn’t count). Do you have a favorite meal that’s on the unusual side?
Teaching about the Bible
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Democrats in the state Senate are introducing a bill that would allow Georgia public schools to teach classes about the Bible. It would allow for “nonsectarian, nonreligious academic study� of the Bible and would require it “be taught in an objective and nondevotional manner with no attempt made to indoctrinate students.�
What do you think? Is this a way to teach kids about a prime source of philosophy and morals and literature, or a risky step toward preaching in the classroom?
Permalink | Comments (619) | Categories: Bible in schools
Globes fashion: More on Mariah
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Women’s Wear Daily reported that Andre Leon Talley, Vogue magazine’s editor-at-large, personally asked Karl Lagerfeld to design a dress for Mariah.
Lagerfeld, the lead designer for Chanel, created the dress — against the recommendations of publicists for the famous fashion house, according to WWD.
As Marylin Johnson said, “Chanel is spinning in her grave.”
Globes fashion: Beauties and beasts
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time.
If certain actors and actresses strolling the red carpet during the Golden Globes Monday night find themselves in the fashion penalty box from now until Oscar night, they have only themselves to blame.
On the other hand, some could spend the rest of the year in hiding — they’ve already cemented images of near-perfection in our minds.
Here are our picks for best and worst of the Golden Globes.
BEST
A. Scott Walton
Natalie Portman, wearing vintage Chanel, displayed a down-to-earth, other-worldly beauty not seen since the heyday of Audrey Hepburn.
Renee Zellweger, who, with a flash of her newly sculpted legs beneath scant layers of sheer chiffon gave us a new interpretation of what lies beneath.
Charlize Theron, in a Dior creation by John Galliano, left little to the imagination and — much to be desired.
Marylin Johnson
Anne Hathaway’s one-shouldered navy dress by Marc Jacobs was short, sweet and of the moment. Her best accessory? Red lipstick
Keira Knightley looked sleek in Valentino?s strapless white sheath, which she wore with great aplomb.
Geena Davis proved that old fashioned can be stunning — in Escada?s full-skirted red satin ball gown with a jeweled bodice.
Morieka Johnson
Natalie Portman proved that short can indeed be chic. Her classic haircut and lace Chanel party dress set the perfect tone for the young ingenue.
Felicity Huffman will always be the least desperate of all the housewives on her series. She shows the 20somethings that style is not wasted on the youth.
Terrence Howard was purr-fection.
WORST
A. Scott Walton
Geena Davis, in a randy interpretation of a lipstick red Jessica Rabbit dress that should get whoever suggested it impeached.
Mariah Carey, in a black-and-white paneled satin “spray-on” dress that she said Chanel’s Karl Lagerfeld whipped up within minutes. It deserves to be put away wet.
Drew Barrymore, in a green jersey knit sheath that — suffice it to say — super-sized all her attributes and assets for the public?s viewing displeasure.
Marylin Johnson
Mariah Carey — the late designer Coco Chanel is spinning in her grave.
Charlize Theron’s strapless black Dior dress did not flatter the usually stunning actress.
Johnny Depp, because red and black should be reserved for University of Georgia sporting events.
Morieka Johnson
Rosario Dawson dressed for the after parties rather than the actual award show. Her formless coral gown was as flattering as a burlap sack.
Pamela Anderson gets points for effort … but not many.
Scarlett Johansson chose to spray on the dress rather than the tan.
Are you buying or selling?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Does the Dow closing over 11,000 make you feel more optimistic about the economy? Do you feel richer? Or are you expecting it to fall back quickly? Give us your prediction.
Will you miss Music Midtown?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Music Midtown has been canceled for 2006. Will you miss it? Should another festival replace it?
