The Badger Varsity Band Show

"There's no place like home."  Dorothy Gale.

And, "there's no place like the Kohl Center for the U.W. Varsity Band Concert.

Tonight is the last of the three shows in the 41st edition of the U.W. Band's annual performance.

We were at opening night.  It was fantastic!

Much of what you might expect and more.

The band is famous for it's Fifth Quarter.  For the show, it was more like eight.  Bucky and Director of Bands Mike Leckrone flew into the arena after a video montage showing the path of a tornado that stretched from Kansas to Oz.   

It's a high energy performance.  In addition to the air borne performances there are pyrotechnics; special guest performers; and 250 members of the University of Wisconsin Band.

Jon Schipper (left) of Waunakee has toured with acts ranging from Frank Sinatra, Jr. to Cheap Trick.  He was at home on stage with the Band, reaching high notes that brought the band and crowd to its feet. 

Make no mistake, its not a typical concert where you sit comfortably and applaud politely at the end of each number.  Not at all.  The "Camp Randall Sing-a-long" was all about audience participation that reached a fever with "Sweet Caroline" and "Build Me Up, Buttercup."

Joining in may have been on the back of the ticket, as Leckrone turned his back to the band to lead the rest of us.  When you hear singing over a 250 piece band... you know its loud.

It's a fast moving show with unusual twists.  An amazing drum solo during the band's version of the theme for "Sesame Street?"  Yep, and it worked.  It certainly made the clouds go away.

Looking to the intrepid Dorothy Gale and her travel to Oz when she wanted to go back home came from the band's travel in 2014-2015.  The combined success of the school's football and basketball teams took them to 20 states.  They said they had fun, but there's "no place like home."

You may be surprised to know the Wizard of Oz debuted here in Wisconsin August 12, 1939 in Oconomowoc.  Wicked has played Wisconsin, even though it didn't start here, and both musicals were part of the show.

Two brilliant performers with degrees from the University joined in on songs from Wicked.  Amanda Paulson (below right) knocked out "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" in the first half of the show before joining Jamie Pitt (below left) in "Popular."

One moment, it was a poignant number - the next there was a first (at least for me) as a trombone played through a synthesizer played by U.W. professor of Trombone Mark Hetzler leading the way on "We will Rock You."

This was our first time seeing the show in person after catching the tape version played a week or so later by Wisconsin Public Television.  It's good on TV.  It's incredible in person.

There were many times when I could feel the music in my bones.  Literally, as the bass lines and fireworks seemed to make my sternum reverberate.

We jumped up and down singing "Hey" on "Rock and Roll #2."

The tuba section is the target of a lot of kidding - but get an opportunity to shine several times including "In the Mood."

If you've been to a home Badger football game, you know about the 5th Quarter.  After the game is over and the players clear the field, the band takes over.  The quarter indicator changes to 5 and the clock re-sets.

Members of the band play through sets while also laying on the field or tossing footballs.  It's a finely orchestrated chaotic scene that entertains.  Back before the Badger team routinely won several more games than they lost each season - a lot of fans attended the games just to experience the 5th Quarter! 

There is 5th Quarter excitement during the show as all the Badgers (adopted, alumni, or otherwise) joined in the celebration of the best college band in the country.

We also could cheer one more time this school season for the great ride we traveled with the Badger Basketball, Volleyball, and Football teams.

What a great night! 

If you can make it tonight and can find a ticket - you need to go.

If not, and you live in Wisconsin or can get a connection to Wisconsin Public TV (wpt.org) - watch the show or see it again at 7pm Saturday, May 2, 2015.  When you see it - you will want to find a way to see it in person next year.

Way to go Varsity Band - thanks for a great show and "On Wisconsin!"