The rhythmic cadence of snare drums. The melodic sound of brass instruments. A salvo of dance moves.
More Top Picks Best Santoku Knives
A Battle of the Bands showcase will kickoff at 10 a.m. Saturday when three historically black college and universities — Alabama State University, Grambling State University and Mississippi Valley State University — perform at the U.S. Steel Yard in Gary.
James Oliver, Alabama State University band director, said that the historically black college bands traditionally perform with more panache and flare than other collegiate bands.
“HBCU bands are show bands,” Oliver said. “We entertain a little bit more than some of the regular bands and some of the Big Ten bands because we’re going to do more dance movements and different formations that are really going to get people involved in what we’re doing.”
Oliver said his students are excited about coming to Gary and are prepared to “put on a show.”
“It’s really exciting for myself and for the students to come to Gary, a city with so much history,” he said. “It’s great exposure for our university and a good opportunity to recruit kids from the area as well.”
Sharon Chambers, the organizer of the event, said she takes pride in having unique events like the Battle of the Bands take place in Gary.
“We don’t want people to have to leave the community to attend events or go all the way to Indianapolis to see something like this,” Chambers said. “We want to put on events right here in our city so people can start supporting our city. Battle of the Bands is an experience a lot people have not experienced.”
Oliver said he has planned some special performances to acknowledge the history of Gary.
“We put some things together from the Jackson family,” he said. “We can do a little ‘2300 Jackson Street’ or ‘Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough,” he said, referring to two songs by the Jackson Family and Michael Jackson, respectively.
“We’re going to put on a halftime show.”
Chambers said this event is a great opportunity to learn about the culture of historically black colleges and hopes the showcase encourages people to support them in the future.
The bands will take part in a parade beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday when the bands will march from the Genesis Center to the U. S. Steel Yard.
Tickets can be purchased for $20 at three Gary locations: Billco’s Barbershop, 2448 Broadway; Big Daddy’s BBQ, 4213 Cleveland St., or State Farm Insurance, 5275 Broadway.
Twitter @JavonteA