The 30th Annual Spring Concert took place April 15, 16 and 17, 2004 at the Kohl Center and by all accounts, SUPER BAND XXX turned out to be the best show yet. First off, there was a lineup of strong, powerful and moving music arranged by Mike Leckrone including "Porgy and Bess", "Billy Joel: Movin' Out", "The Music of ABBA", "A Salute to the Duke", "The British Invasion" plus many Fifth Quarter tunes and Wisconsin melodies. The Band also paid tribute to the immortal Badger, Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch, during the playing and singing of "Songs To Thee Wisconsin."
Outstanding guest artists highlighted the evening. The legendary drummer, Ed Shaughnessy who played with Doc Severinsen for many years on The Tonight Show Band with Johnny Carson, joined the Band and wowed the audience with "Strike Up The Band" and a rousing rendition of the jazz classic, "Sing, Sing, Sing." From Nashville, TN came country artist Amber Dawn Carter who fronts her family band, Silk and Saddle. Amber Dawn showed off her fiddling and vocal skills with The Beatles', "All My Lovin'" and then fired the audience up with "The Devil Went Down To Georgia." Greg Brumfield from Madison showcased his tremendous vocal skills by dazzling the crowd with "There's No Business Like Show Business" and a powerful presentation of "A Woman Is A Sometime Thing" from "Porgy and Bess." Former Wisconsin Band member and Spring Concert favorite Dr. Grant Manhart let his trumpet do the talking as he blew the audience away with "Five Foot Two, Eyes Of Blue" and "She's Got A Way." Erik Leckrone, yes he's related, joined his father and the Band and captivated the audience with his mallet and keyboarding acumen. Erik was backed up by the Band during "Xylophonia" and then went solo on "Tribeca Sunflowers." Finally, as if we could give you more, UW - Madison's female a cappella group, Tangled Up In Blue, entertained the Crowd with Fleetwood Mac's "Everywhere" and kicked off the "The Music of ABBA medley by singing "Take A Chance On Me." The Wisconsin Band would again like to thank these these extremely talented performers for performing with us.
Just as amazing were the technical and behind-the-scenes aspects of the performances. Professional staging, sound, lighting, video and pyrotechnics not only worked to enhance the show but gave it a flavor that makes the Annual Spring Concert the most unique event anywhere in the United States.
Finally, we thank you, the loyal Badger Band fan who has made the Spring Concert what it is today. Without your support we could not put on the high-tech performance you see every April. Again, Thank You and ON WISCONSIN!!