Mission Drums aims to rock Manning

LYNN – Mission Drums is preparing to rock Manning Field once again when the drum and bugle corps competition returns later this month.”It’s really even better a show than last year and we had a great show last year,” said organizer George Iacono.Last summer was the first time in nearly four years that Mission Drums had performed in the city and Iacono said he couldn’t wait to come back. Founded in 1955, Mission Drums is likely the oldest competition in New England, Iacono said.”This year we’ll have a surprise group, the Hawthorne Caballeros Alumni Corps,” he added. “They were part of a championship show and what they will perform will be reminiscent of the older shows.”The alumni corps last performed a field exhibition in Massachusetts at the 2005 Drum Corps International World Championship at Gillette Stadium. Iacono said at the end of this year’s Alumni show the group will be joined by the Caballeros competing corps and the two corps will perform a special tribute together.Also on tap for the July 20 show is the Fusion Core from Morris County New Jersey, which is making its first appearance in Lynn. Iacono called the outfit a strong new addition to the Drum Corps Associates. The Connecticut Hurricanes, a previous Mission Drums winner will be on the hunt for another first place trophy and crowd favorites Empire Statesman from Rochester, New York will be looking for its first Mission win, Iacono added.The program will feature eight corps in all and will include an appearance by the Bayonne Bridgemen, which will pay tribute to Manning Bowl. Prior to last year’s appearance the last time the Bridgemen performed in Lynn was 25 years ago in the old Manning Bowl.”I think people should come because it’s the only all age senior drum corps show held in Massachusetts,” Iacono said. “It’s a chance to see all the top corps and the only time you can really see them all. I expect to sell out.”Chris Stevens can be reached at [email protected] You Go? WHAT: Mission DrumsWHEN: Saturday, July 20 at 7 p.m.WHERE: Manning Field, LynnTICKETS: $10-$30 calling Ann at 508-341-8899 or get more information on the show at www.missiondrums.com.