WOW!! That is about the only word that sums up the 2005 Spring Varsity Band Concert ... Traditions. Well, one could also use the word extraordinary or stupendous or fantastic or incredible or amazing or astounding or exceptional or ... you get the point ... The 2005 Spring Concert was, according to many people, the best one ever. There was just the right combination of music variety, guest artists, frivolity and tradition. Starting with Mike's "interview" with Conan O'Brien to the "On Wisconsin Finale", the show flowed smoothly from song to song with something for everyone's taste in music. It was also the most well attended, as a record crowd of over 7,500 people appeared for the Thursday show and the Friday and Saturday performances were both sold out!! Thank you to all who attended. We couldn't present this show without your loyalty and support.
Kicking off the night was a little tradition ... "On Wisconsin" and "Hot Time" followed by a little frivolity (Mike's intro and jokes) then a little musical variety with Lionel Richies' "All Night Long", which included a great drum solo by Jason Bitters, the Tuba Feature and Steve White playing "Flight of the Bumble Bee" on baritone sax. More tradition and frivolity was mixed in with a little 5th Quarter and then the Band moved on to an Annoying Song medley and a medley of songs by the great duo of Simon and Garfunkel.
Then there was Pender, who started our cavalcade of guest artists. On loan to us form Late Night with Conan O'Brien, Mark Pender dazzled the audience with his high energy performance. Starting out with a tribute to the late, great trumpet player, Bill Chase, and his hit song "Get It On", to two tunes off his CD, "Oh Baby Please" and "I Like It", Mark almost seemed to catch the Kohl Center crowd off guard. However, from his searing trumpet playing and vocals to his awesome display of circular breathing, Mark connected with the audience and as a result received a huge ovation and reception. Thank you Mark for your talent, energy and enthusiasm!!
Next came the 1st half finale, a tribute to one of America's musical legends, Ray Charles. The Band started it off, but was soon joined by the wonderful and talented Jaemie Harley, who belted out two Ray Charles staples, "Hit the Road, Jack" and "I Can't Stop Loving You." As she did two years ago, Jaemie reeled the audience in with her powerful and enchanting vocal style. Then, the beloved Mt. Zion Baptist Choir joined in with a wonderful rendition of "He's Blessing Me." Led by Leotha Stanley, the Mt. Zion Baptist Choir never fails to please the Kohl Center faithful with their terrific Gospel sound. Finally, with Leotha Stanley on keyboards, Jaemie and the Choir singing and Mark Pender over the top, Mike and the Band ended the tribute to Ray Charles with a stirring version of "America the Beautiful." Nobody can deny how powerful that piece was ...
The 2nd Half started a little untraditionally, with a staggered entrance to "Bolero", but soon things got back to "normal" with "Space Badgers" and Mike entering on a flying Harley. After a performance of our Outback Bowl show, "First Rock Record", came Madison's own Marcy Heim, who heads up her own band, Marcy and the Highlights. Marcy graced the Kohl Center with her vocal prowess in yet another tribute to a musical legend, Frank Sinatra. With backing from our all female tuba quartet, Marcy entertained the crowd with "The Lady is a Tramp", which was followed up by Marcy joining the entire Band for a memorable performance of "That's Life." A special thanks to Marcy Heim for sharing her talents with us.
Following Marcy was Mark Pender once again and a beautiful rendition of "Here's That Rainy Day" as a salute to the late Johnny Carson. The guest artists kept on coming, this time in the form of Madison a cappella quartet, BC3, who delighted the crowd with their unique vocal offerings. They performed a variety of songs, including "Magic Carpet Ride", "All Right Now" and "Free Ride." Many thanks to BC3 for their performance.
After a little more frivolity with the Fifth Quarter, which was highlighted by a surprise guest artist, Bucky Badger, who performed "Wipe Out" (which was taught to him by UW student Tom Hoban), came more "Tradition", literally, as the Band performed UW alumnus Jerry Bock's, "Fiddler on the Roof." Sparked by performances from UW Violinist, David Huntsman, and UW Band member, Alexis Schrubbe ("Matchmaker"), the Band showed it's versatility, musicianship and flair for the dramatic with this incredible performance.
As always, the night ended with plenty of tradition. There was Mike flying high above the crowd, pyro, confetti, gymnasts, Cheerleaders and the Dance Squad, Bucky Badger, the Statue of Liberty and Uncle Sam. However, the most beloved tradition of all comes at the very end as Mike and the Band end the evening with "Songs To Thee Wisconsin." From the playing of "If You Want to be a Badger", to the singing and playing of both "Songs To Thee Wisconsin" and "Varsity" to the sentimental "On Wisconsin Finale", where we say goodbye and thanks to our seniors, tradition comes full circle as Mike says, "We never say goodbye, we'll see you real soon and ON WISCONSIN!!"