Tremendous Blast Announces 2nd Tour

Ottawa, MN (November 4, 2004) - In some of the most exciting news to hit the Tremendous Universe since the unveiling of the Tri-Cymbals, Tremendous Blast will be hitting the road for an additional tour in 2005.

riding on the wave of their recent victory, the tour will be another high-profile event designed to further the exposure of the corps, and convert more of the afore-thought unconvertible masses to the joys and pleasures that are Tremendous Blast.  This tour's main stop will be at non other than the 2nd oldest family owned brewery in the US, the Schell's Brewery in New Ulm, MN.  Well be the lead off musical group for the legendary festival, BockFest!  The grand event is going down on February 5th, 2005.  That's right, the moons and suns and tides and dirty laundry have all aligned in such a way that the Superbowl and Bockfest are on the same weekend, so put on your cleats and get ready, the Blast is going to hit the fan.

Keep alert for an update of the schedule, but the basic idea will be a parade starting around noon at the Schell's Brewery, with festivities and polka to follow.  The Tremendous Bus will be departing from St. Peter some time in the morning, to get us to the Brewery on time.

March the parade, amaze the crowd, bock to you hock and enjoy a brisk day in Minnesota.

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It's a Three-Peat Folks!  TB Wins Maple Leaf Parade

LaCrosse, WI (September 26, 2004) - In a moment rivaling that of a new father, Burt Madsen and the rest of the Tremendous Staff were proud to announce that the unbelievable has happened - "It's a Three-Peat folks," exclaimed the exuberant Madsen.

The parade was a huge success, with the crowds begging for more throughout the route, and the Blasters delivering on every level possible.  With expanded sections throughout the corps, the newer, bigger, better Blasters entered the parade route with confidence and nervous anticipation, knowing that the capacity crowd was expecting nothing but the best from the Blasters this year.  And the best they got.  Guard caption head, Always Ready was the first to feel the victory as they came off the street.  "The rookies had me concerned up to the very end this year.  They have been showing progress, but they really lit the Tremendous Universe on fire today."

Horn Instructor "Late" Shirk was particularly excited when he first got the news.  With perked up eyes and wagging tail he vehemently extorted, "Darn right."

This performance and victory will solidify Tremendous Blast's place in history, guaranteeing that generations from now, there will not just be drum corps in the world, but that it will also be frickin Tremendous.  No one will ask the question of when did you march, or who did you march with, they will ask, What is your affiliation with Tremendous Blast.

Blast Tremendous Disappears in Blazing Arena.

Ottawa, MN (October 15, 2004) - In a moment of quiet reverence, Tremendous Blast Corps Director Burt Madsen was saddened to announce that the entire membership of Blast Tremendous was consumed in a fiery blaze that destroyed the Guatemalan Region Stadium.  The corps was yet to go on for their performance, staged in the wings when a fire broke out, trapping the entire corps in a hallway, where the flames consumed them.

Although the corps had not been heard from for some time, they resurfaced after four months of mystery to perform at the DCG (Drum Corp Guatemala) Finals in exhibition.  Having been banished from the Tremendous Family after missing their DCM Finals performance, the corps was thought to be disbanded.  This however was not the case.  But that's all in the past as none of the members survived, with the sole exception of Drum Instructor Mighty P, who was seen leaving the scene at high speed, with a cloud of smoke behind him.  Mighty P has not been located since the event.

"We'll miss those rotten bastards," Burt calmly stated.  "They never lived up to the hype they had initially planned, and quite frankly they were not all they claimed to be.  The Tremendous name couldn't handle the disgrace of this 2nd rate bunch of slackers.  Rest in Peace, Blast Tremendous, but you won't be missed."

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2004 Tremendous Oktoberfest details announced!

Ottawa, MN (August 15, 2004) - Well it's that time again, time to get signed up and ready for the experience of a lifetime, marching with Tremendous Blast at one of the world's biggest Oktoberfest celebrations.

The specifics are as follows:

Don't be afraid to ask any questions, and make sure you're contacting the staff to ensure you've got a spot in the greatest drum and bugle corps ever, Tremendous Blast.  Plan on arriving anytime Friday night, and be prepared to rehearse before the parade on Saturday.  There will most likely be a Guard rehearsal the night before, to teach the rookies the way of the Cymbal Guard.  Buglers and Drummers need to have their music memorized before the weekend comes, as we'll only have a short time to put everything together.  Do wear your comfy shoes, this parade is about 2.5 - 3 miles long, and will test the endurance of even the toughest Blaster.

But overall, get ready to have fun.  Oktoberfest is a great time, in a great city, doing the thing we all love. 

Tremendous!
Tremendous!
Oh! Oh!
Tremendous!

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Tremendous Unification Plans Revealed

Ottawa, MN (June 4,2004) - Some will say, “Bold and Darling!” Some will say, “How odd?!”  While some may scream, “Nucking Futs!”  But whatever one’s opinion, the world of drums Corps as we know it is about to change.  In an unprecedented move the Tremendous Blast Board of Directors has approved plans to split the corps.  This move will create a new corps, to compete with, challenge to greater heights and improve one another.  This new corps will be Blast Tremendous.

 Corps Director Burt Madsen put it all on the line, "For the good of the activity Tremendous will become its own arch nemesis."  From what Blast Central is predicting, the only way to fix the current schism status of drum corps in the nation’s heartland is to send championship caliber corps to each of DCM and DCI Midwest’s championship shows.  Hence the aptly dubbed Blast Tremendous will allow the Tremendous Family to win both titles.  The unification of the titles in this season will be the solitary goal of each Corps, with Tremendous Blast going to DCI-Midwest, while Blast Tremendous will head for DCM.  All competitions thereafter will be able to be fought for the new unified title.

 Some members of the Blast have criticized the move as fool hardy and that it will eventually lead to the dissolution of Tremendous.  "This can't be done!"  Shouted former drum instructor Mighty P, "I know the Tremendous Bass Line can handle anything, but were talking about cutting the horns in half, what’s tremendous about that?" While horn instructor Ryan “Duty” Shirk quietly said, “Yep.”

 "We must search high and low.  We must never stop!  Drum Corps now needs more.  Drum Corps now needs BLAST-TREMENDOUS!!  Now go and find the Blasters and fill the holes!!  Blast On!!  Blast On!!"  With this passionate plea from the Tremendous Director Burt Madsen Stoel, the Blast and the Tremendous filled out of the palatial mansion at Blast Central like a tortoise on an oil slick with one mission, SAVE DRUM CORPS AGAIN!!!!!

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Tremendous Blasters go on Recruiting Tour

San Francisco, CA (February 6, 2004) - The first of what is hoped to be many Tremendous Recruiting Efforts has begun with a visit to the great state of California, and a cooperative effort with the a local drum corps.

Three Blasters made the trip to join up with the Renegades Drum and Bugle Corps to march in the Chinese New Year Parade, educate on the benefits of being a Blaster and expand the good word of the Blast.  The trip went well and all involved had what could only be described as a Tremendous Blast.  Joining the Renegades and helping form the 160+ member marching unit, the Blasters helped wow the crowd of nearly 3/4 million enthusiastic fans.

The Blast looks forward to all of the new members recruited from the California area, and looks forward to inducting them into the Blast in our next season.  Thanks goes out to all the Renegades for their hospitality, doubly so to the fearless ContraBago racing team for their much appreciated taxi services from Rehearsal Site X to Hotel Site D.  See you all again soon.

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Blasters Invited to sacred ceremony

Sioux Falls, SD (January 10, 2004) - Tremendous Blast was invited to attend a first for the world, and responded with the typical Blasters response - "Heck Yes!"  Taking the drive to South Dakota was a serious effort, but the cause was just, the motives true, and the need for the Blast was higher than ever.  In the first ceremony of it's kind, German Wire Haired Terriers from around the world convened in this sedate city to be the first Terriers ever to be baptized.

The ceremony itself was a sight to behold with hundreds of the hounds taking the full immersion ceremony with merely a yip.  These animals could definitely feel the honor in being the first to go through the procedure and Tremendous Blast was proud to be there to assist.  Corps Press Liaison Ben "Crappin" Findley was first to point out the obvious, "This little ceremony, this little happening is about the most Tremendous thing I've ever known, aside from our Corps itself.  The tears, well, they welled up from within and were soon pouring out with no apparent end.  It was truly beautiful.

Tremendous learned a few new polkas for the ceremony including the "She Too Mangy Polka", the "First-Aide Barrel Polka", and a couple of Wagner Opera themes to set the tone for the entrance and exit of the Terriers.  Many thanks to the folks in the International Wire Haired Terrier Organization for letting the Greatest Drum and Bugle Corps Ever take part in this sacred event.

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Photos in from the Search for the Tremendous Banquet Site

Worldwide (November 28, 2003) - Blasters were sent far and wide to hunt down the absolutely best location for the Tremendous Banquet to be held, and the photos are in.  As you can see from the shots, no stone was left unturned in the quest for the site.

Blasters Jaskulke, Scheit, and Mensing were dispatched to hunt down what they felt was going to be a prime spot to throw the most Tremendous Party of 2003.  Jaskulke was sent West, Mensing headed South, and Scheit was sent abroad, since she was the only female to head out on the quest.  Jaskulke came back with the recommendation for the Cirque de Soleil, as in his opinion it was the only place big enough to handle the entire Blaster organization, and still be able to park the bus.  This location was eventually deemed unworthy as some of those folks are just freaky.  Mensing thought the Banquet should be kept moving due to security concerns.  With banquet being high profile, and all the Blasters being located in one spot, he feared the Chiefs may plot to assassinate the entire corps.  To that end, a train was selected with the same class, dignity and level of hot air as the Blasters themselves.  We ruled out this choice because we really didn't think the Chiefs were that big of a concern, we've beat them before, we'll beat them again.  Scheit however found everything that was needed in a Blaster Banquet location.  Beauty, a sign welcoming you to the City, and best of all, an exotic foreign location for the Blasters to Visit.  We hope Tripoli is ready for the Blasters, because the Blasters are definitely ready for Tripoli.  If there are any Blasters who haven't R.S.V.P.'d for the Banquet please do, as seats on the Tremendous Jet are filling up fast, and we want to make sure there is enough room for all.  Entertainment at Banquet will be provided by a troop of Lebanese Belly Dancers, a Sitar Quintet, and half Lebanese pop-rocker Shakira.  Banquet is scheduled for December 13th, so get ready, Blasters, we're heading abroad!  Also make sure you're ready for the tour to Bethlehem, and the Christmas concert there.

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Tremendous Drum Instructor Named

Ottawa, MN (November 17, 2003) - In the long awaited announcement, Mink has finally emerged from the palatial mansion high atop Mount Blaster to declare Blastin' Meier the new percussion instructor for the Tremendous Drumline.

The smoke emitting from the chimney of the mansion slowly turned from black, to grey, and finally to yellow, indicating the critical decision had been made, after three days of deliberation from the Tremendous Board of Directors.  The Board, the nameless, faceless forces behind the Blast, took great care in this decision as it this one decision holds a third of the corps' future is contained within.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, one Board member was keen to point out, "This kid has come so far, so quickly, he's really going to give the Corps a young fresh outlook for the future.  He just got back from his journey, and we know that we've made the right choice.  He is Tremendous, there's no doubt about it.  We now just need to fill the vacant Treasurer's position, then we'll be back to our Tremendous best."

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Veteran's Day declared Tremendous

Ottawa, MN (November 12, 2003) - A solemn day was accented with the reverent tones from the Tremendous Hornline.  The Veteran's Day services held in the Ottawa Convention Hall were held yesterday evening and featured several local performing groups, highlighted by the greatest drum and bugle corps.... ever! 

Performing for approximately 20 minutes during the ceremony, the Blasters broke out some classics and some new tunes that were well received by all.  Starting the performance with a horns only version of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, they then segued into a rather zippy version of America the Beautiful.  From that point on, the Tremendous Battery joined in for a rousing rendition of the 1812 Overture, complete with 20" cannon fire coming from the Ottawa Legion Member's underground arsenal. Wrapping up the performance with what may become the Anthem of Ottawa, the Blasters brought tears to the eyes of the Lady's Rotary with Blame Canada.

Geneve Schwartz was adamant in her closing statements, "The Blast has gained my utmost respect.  They pulled off this performance with class and dignity.  I'll be their biggest fan for years to come.  %&#@ the Chiefs!"

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Photos in from Tremendous Journey

Ottawa, MN (October 20, 2003) - Photos are just in from a Blaster's summer journeys.  Blastin'meier was last with the Blasters this summer when he decided he needed to go out on a journey of epic proportions.  The pictures are in, and here are just a few to satisfy all of you Blaster Fans' need for the Tremendous News.

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Revolutionary Blaster Changes World of Marimba

Ottawa, MN (October 15, 2003) - In an extraordinary move, a Blaster apprentice has changed the world of Marimba forever, for the better.  Michelle "Papa" Roche has been developing her techniques with fury for the past 20 years and has at last achieved her crowning achievement, mastery of the ever sought after 10 mallet technique.

"It all began when I started to wonder why I was only using four, when I had so many more options left to explore," said Roche.  Over the years the number of mallets used has increased.  At 8, her performance of "Take 5, mallets that is!" with her then incredible five mallet technique was the beginning of the innovation from there the mallets just kept on coming.  At 15, new ground was broke when she gave a recital for the first time with 8.  This amazing performance of Holtz's Planets was noted in every major trade magazine of the time.   Well, at the pinnacle of her game, Papa has got a brand new bag.

With the final piece of the puzzle being pinky strength, she has finally come to the level needed to complete her goal.  With zest and panache like none other, Roche performed her opus, "Requiem for a Blaster with Skillz," to a record crowd.  The awe from the crowd was evident as the jaws dropped, the tears rolled, and bellies guffawed.  One crowd member was noted as saying, "Holy @#%t, that kicks @$$!"  Upcoming performances of this amazing technique will coincide with the upcoming performance on Boss' Day, and the following two performances.  Keep your eyes on the lookout for an upcoming Blast-Off near you.  And witness the beauty that is Papa Roche.

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Tremendous Blast declared Champions!

La Crosse, WI (Oktober 9, 2003) - For the second year in a row, Tremendous Blast has brought home the proverbial iron, and taken the Championship in the Maple Leaf Parade at the La Crosse Oktoberfest.

Ranking first in all categories, including an uncontested victory in the Cymbal Guard category, the Blasters have secured their position as Greatest Drum and Bugle Corps....Ever, by soundly trouncing all competition in the "Marching Units from towns under 200" Category, as judged by an independent panel of judges.  Although the competition was stiff this year, the Corps' perfect scores in each GE caption helped secure the title repeat.  "Always" Ready was quick to point out, "The other units were really all great, but the facts are in that Tremendous Blast is such a force to contend with on the route, it really isn't even a competition.  I can't wait to go back next year and kick some more butt, threepeat here we come!"

The entire membership of Tremendous Blast wants to thanks the wonderful crowds at the Maple Leaf Parade for their unanimous decision that Tremendous Blast completely kicks ass.  Their votes are an important part of our victory, and are why the Blasters perform.  "Cro-Magnon" Krogmann said, "The 487 folks that I managed to recruit during the parade will make great additions to the corps, they're all so excited to become Blasters, I can hardly contain them.  I was literally on my face with surprise about the awesome response from the crowd."

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Tremendous Staff Given the Tremendous Boot!

Ottawa, MN (September 30, 2003) - Citing dereliction of duty, poor performance and several other reasons hardly fit for print, Corps Director Burt Madsen Stoel has announced that one Tremendous Staffers has gotten Tremendously fired, while another has resigned from his position.

Timothy "Mighty P" Bartelt was the first to go.  Said Burt, "Mighty P my butt!  This guy was a damn fine drummer, and really was an asset to the corps, but once you put him into the pressure of performance he cracks.  When the pressure got intense, he would disappear and come back completely unfocused.  This sort of thing has been going on for some time, and although I tried to work through it with him he never really could grasp the idea.  This year at the last minute he kept himself out of the Oktoberfest trip, for fear that he couldn't be around a party like that and stay focused on the Blast.  It really isn't acceptable."

In a seemingly unrelated note, Brian "Eggman" Oviatt resigned shortly after Mighty P's dismissal, looking longingly as P wandered away from TB Central.  Brian was an excellent corps treasurer and will be sorely missed.

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Tremendous Blast rocks the socks off Oktoberfest!

La Crosse, WI (September 27, 2003) - Another Oktoberfest has come and Tremendous Blast was there to bring the Maple Leaf Parade to another level.  Tremendous hit the parade route and quickly went through wowing the crowds with the debut of Blame Canada, the Oscar nominated song from The South Park movie.

Highlighting this year's Blast Oktoberfest performance were several wonders of the Tremendous World.  The cymbal guard got bigger this year, and the routine was a sight to be hold.  Utilizing many innovative techniques for cooperative plate crashing, Instructor "Always" Ready delivered a performance for the crowd like none other. 

More innovation came through from the entire Corps' delivery during the cadence.  The Tremendous Chant was added in to this years cadence, and the crowd responded with delight.  The Chant was exactly what one parade goer needed as they exclaimed "Now it's Oktoberfest!!!"  Many of the parade attendants were seen perking up from near slumber upon hearing the Chant come up from the lungs of the blasters like beer from a fest goer's belly after a miracle ride on the zipper. 

Improv marching also kept the spectators on their toes, much to their amusement and dismay.  The quick paced parade was perfect for Tremendous Blast's high energy marching with the 3 mile route taking only an hour. 

Corps Director Burt Madsen Stoel said after the parade, "The crowd here in La Crosse is absolutely the best crowd we march for all year.  The people are here to have fun, soak up the Blast and spew energy back into us.  These folks are the reason Tremendous Blast comes to Oktoberfest, we can't wait for next year!  Tremendous!! Tremendous!! Oh! Oh! Tremendous!!!"

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Tremendous Blast Acquires Tremendous Bus

Ottawa, MN (September 22, 2003) - Tremendous Blast is proud to announce the acquisition of a bus worthy of being called the Tremendous Bus.

After months of wrangling and waiting, the Tremendous Bus has finally arrived in Minnesota, just in time for the Corps' return to La Crosse.  Through a series of negotiations the Blast has purchased the bus from a Ukrainian company looking to market the busses in the United States.  The bus is the first of it's kind in America, but they are looking to expand that to 30 by the end of 2004.

The Tremendous Bus is equipped to transport the entire corps at once, eliminating the need for multiple busses, multiple drivers, and along with them multiple headaches.  The dual engine monster is available in several configurations and can seat up to 223, but the Tremendous Bus has been fitted specifically for the Blasters.  The front 2/3 of the bus is capable of seating 154, and will be used for seating the marching members.  The rear third of the bus, accessed from the rear door, has been customized into a luxury suite for the Tremendous Staff with full accommodations for the up to 30 staffers present on tour.

"Mink" Stoel was beaming upon delivery of the bus.  "This mammoth is what we've been working towards for more than a year now.  We finally have a vehicle that is worthy of the corps.  Of course, we'll need to depart two hours earlier for everything now, as loading and unloading the Blasters takes about an hour each way, but that's a small price to pay for the biggest damn bus in the world."

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Tremendous Blast getting Geared up for Oktoberfest

Ottawa, MN (September 5, 2003) - Corps Director Burt Madsen Stoel is pleased to say that the Blasters are well on their way to rocking the pants off the entire Oktoberfest celebration.  All of the pieces are coming together to ensure that the world knows just who's the corps to judge all the rest by.  This year's parade performance is bound to amaze the crowds. 

New for the 2003 Fall marching season will be an expanded Cymbal Guard with revolutionary choreography.  Also expected is a Low Brass section of immense proportions.  Stoel said, "These low brass players that we've picked up in the last month are absolutely phenomenal.  They've been rehearsing day and night for weeks and I swear on my mothers grave that last night the Contras finally hit what they had been trying for, the elusive brown note.  Doubt me?  Well check our pants."

Tremendous Blast's arrival in La Crosse is scheduled for Friday, the 26th, with hilarity to ensue.

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Tremendous rehearsal scheduled for the 3rd

Ottawa, MN (July 21, 2003) - A rehearsal for the Tremendous Brass has been scheduled for the evening of August 3rd.  Tremendous Battery members are welcome and encouraged to come listen to the progress.  The location will be in beautiful Ottawa, the Corps' home town and run from 6-8 pm.  The rehearsal will allow any interested to get acquainted with the music, and get to hear their parts in with the rest of the line.  This rehearsal will be an important part of the Corps' transition to the new parade tune for the year.  Please contact the Corps Director if you'll be at the rehearsal so we can plan refreshments accordingly.

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Tremendous Blast releases Details for Oktoberfest!

Ottawa, MN (July 21, 2003) - Corps Director "Mink" Stoel has come out with the facts on what to expect from this Fall's triumphant return to Oktoberfest by Tremendous Blast.  Stoel reported, "We're all very excited to get back to the place where we most feel at home, and where the fans come from miles around to see us perform!"

The specifics are as follows:

The dues have been raised by $5 this year, and we should be able to cover ours costs this year with the extra income. 

Don't be afraid to ask any questions, and make sure you're contacting the staff to ensure you've got a spot in the greatest drum and bugle corps ever, Tremendous Blast.  Plan on arriving anytime Friday night, and be prepared to rehearse before the parade on Saturday.  There will most likely be a Guard rehearsal the night before, to teach the rookies the way of the Cymbal Guard.  Buglers and Drummers need to have their music memorized before the weekend comes, as we'll only have a short time to put everything together.  Do wear your comfy shoes, this parade is about 2.5 - 3 miles long, and will test the endurance of even the toughest Blaster.

But overall, get ready to have fun.  Oktoberfest is a great time, in a great city, doing the thing we all love. 

Tremendous!
Tremendous!
Oh! Oh!
Tremendous!
 

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Tremendous Bassline Assists Local Senior Corps

 Saint Peter, MN (July 6, 2003) – The Tremendous Bassline has continued it’s philanthropic efforts by assisting in a time of need for the Govenaires. 

Fate dealt a cruel hand to the Govenaires when their Bassline went to lunch at local buffet on the 4th of July.  The members, after enjoying what seemed to be a nice lunch of delicious Chinese, realized that something was amiss when the stomach pains began.  Andy Ripka, bottom bass for the Govies said, “The pains began a little more than an hour after the meal, and began to worsen quickly.  I was the first to feel them, and began to have worries about our home show immediately.  That’s when I first suggested we make the call.”

The group waited a couple more hours, in which the remaining two members of the line also came down with an intense stomach pain.  They were then shuttled off to the hospital, where they remained in the ICU for the next 48 hours, with a rather nasty case of food poisoning, characterized by projectile vomiting and explosive diarrhea.  Soon after their being admitted, the call went out for assistance from Tremendous Blast.

The Tremendous Bassline was there in a pinch, ready to heed the call, and save the day.  Still in Washington, DC, after a stupendous concert during the fireworks show on the Capital Lawn the evening of the 4th, they answered the call and immediately packed up the truck, and headed back to Minnesota.

Arriving at noon on the 4th, the group had spent the drive back learning the Govie’s show music, rehearsing the entire trip in the back of the truck, while Instructor Mighty P drove all night.  They then began the daunting task of hitting the field to take the next 24 hours to learn the drill, music firmly ensconced in their minds.

“The guys really stepped up to the plate on Saturday,” Mighty P said.  “They were a bit worn out from the trip back, and a bit bruised from being thrown around the back of that truck on the drive, but it all turned out for the best.”  The drill proved to be challenging, but workable, and a mere 18 hours of rehearsal later, they had completed their run through, with the only casualty being Mighty P, who fell off the scaffolding, light headed from a full day of rehearsal.  He merely suffered a broken arm and ego in the fall.

The Govie’s home show went off without a hitch, with the Tremendous Bassline hitting every set, and keeping tempo like they’d been there all season.  Govenaires Drum Caption Head Justin Tollefson commented “These guys are just amazing, learning an entire show in less than a day, they’ve proved to me that they really are Tremendous.  Their work ethic is really like none other, and by golly, they’re a bunch of really nice guys.  Thanks Tremendous Bassline.”

Everyone in Tremendous Blast is very proud of what these fellas have accomplished, and what they’re willing to sacrifice for the good of the sport.

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Tremendous Bassline Puts on Clinic in Vegas

Las Vegas, Nev (June 24, 2003) - The mightiest of all, the Tremendous Bassline traveled to Las Vegas for an instructional clinic held at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.  The eight piece section loaded up their drums and made a one day trip to feature in the Great American Bass Drum Learn-it or Lose-it Convention.

Focusing throughout their three hour presentation on the skills that they have honed through the years at Tremendous Blast, they reaction from the crowd was outstanding.  Experience levels of the pupils ranged from neophyte bass drummers to some of the most well known and influential drummers in the world.  None less than the likes of Allison Miller, Ringo Starr, Bill Berry, Neil Peart, Brendan Hill, and several suspected Blue Men were in attendance for the groundbreaking clinic.  "These men have forever changed the way I'll view my bottom," said Starr.  Peart is reportedly working on revamping his touring set with 7 additional basses to try to utilize what he learned from the Blasters.

Blast instructor Mighty P was at the Clinic to assist in the delivery.  "These young men have come so far in such a short time, to rise above the rest of the drum world, and yet be willing to give, give, give.  I've never been so proud of my pupils.  We just want to give thanks to all the people of this wonderful city for welcoming us with open arms, and of course, helpin' a brother out when he was in need."

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Blast forced to Cancel Dad’s Day Concert

OTTAWA, Minn. (June 12, 2003) – In what seems to be just a large misunderstanding, Tremendous Blast has been forced to cancel it’s Father’s Day Concert in Kansas City, planned to take place at 3:30 PM.

Local officials contacted Tremendous Blast Staffers on the morning of the 10^th with news that the performance would not be happening.  It seems as though there has been a brewing disagreement in Kansas City, that officials fear will come to a head on Father’s Day if the Annual Papasiner Canyon Park Celebration was allowed to continue.  The celebration coordinators have long been selective in whom they have allowed into the festivities, which inclusion for the Blast was quite an honor, but when they turned down the application for 12 stoned base jumpers to fly in from the nearby Mitephalis Building, things turned ugly.

The base jumpers, intent on being a part of the celebration, have sworn to jump in, with or without permission from the celebration committee.  In retaliation, celebration Head Coordinator, Donna Moore, has sworn to defend her celebration through any means necessary.  The rising tempers of the committee, and the extremely stoned nature of the base jumpers has led the city officials to cancel the celebration, in favor of keeping the peace.  Officer Tommy O’Rielly said “I realize that these two groups may find a common ground before the weekend, but it’s really not worth taking the chance.  These adrenaline junkie stoners are just so stoned all the time, and although you’d think they’d be docile then, there’s something in the jump that skews things a bit.  Not to mention the fact that the Papsiner Canyon Park Committee is just basically a bunch of assholes looking to pick a fight. It really could get ugly."

Plans for the Blast’s weekend have been scrapped, in favor of spending time with our own Fathers. 

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Tremendous Blast Confirms LaCrosse Gig

OTTAWA, Minn. (June 6, 2003) – Setting up a return to the limelight, Tremendous Blast Staffers secured another slot in the history of Drum Corps, with confirmations to the Oktoberfest Parade Committee, and the Pettibone Campground for this fall’s Oktoberfest Celebration in LaCrosse, WI.

With last year being the first year at the festival, the corps was excited to bring the revolution to the fest goers in LaCrosse, and festers responded with all the excitement we’ve come to expect when Tremendous Blast takes over a crowd.  The attendees were wowed by the entertainment, and many were overheard stating; “Now I’m having a tremendous blast too!”  Many participants also were caught joining in with the Tremendous Chant, overcome by the excitement of the Blast!  This year they can expect a performance to overshadow all others, as TB will unveil their newest parade songs, and a greatly expanded corps.

Pettibone campground was home base for the Blasters last year, and we’ve been welcomed back with open arms.  Even with a larger membership this year, the Blaster Staff is confident that Pettibone will be the ideal command center.  Corps Director Burt Madsen Stoel said, “The wonderful staff of Pettibone, the proximity of to the fest grounds, and the gorgeous setting for the campground all make Pettibone the greatest base of operations in the world, for the greatest drum and bugle corps in the world!  Viva Pettibone!!  Viva Oktoberfest!!  Viva Tremendous Blast!!!” 

Reservations for Blasters at Pettibone begin on the evening of Friday, 26^th of September, with the parade taking place on Saturday the 27^th, post-party in downtown LaCrosse, with Tremendous Blastoff back to Ottawa on Sunday morning.

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