WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Bands perform for a packed house at Summer Music Games in Salem
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Some people had to watch from the grass as this year's event was completely sold out.
"You have to be a lil' crazy to do this," says Pioneer Tim Byrnes.It was a very loud night in Salem Monday as thousands came out for the annual Drum Corps International competition.
These tough economic times couldn't slow down this show-stopper.
The Summer Music Games feature some of the elite drum and bogle corps from all over the country and the show always wows the crowd.
"Oh they're fabulous. They're just out of this world, you can't take your eyes off of it," says Huddleston resident Dayl Graves.
"They're excellent. We wouldn't spend good money year after year, if it wasn't worth it," says Moneta resident Norma Brown.
This is the 18th year for the summer music games here in Salem. You would think as the event got older the crowds would get smaller, but consider this, this year's show completely sold out.
In fact, some had to watch the groups perform while sitting on the grass.
Organizers feared the crowds would be smaller this year because of the recession.
"Oh absolutely. You kind of hope people will do 'Staycations'. We have school groups from Washington County, Virginia, Patrick County," says event organizer Jim Paxton.
Organizers attribute the sellout to the fact they advertised earlier this year.
The caliber of the groups is also better this year.
The performers tell us everything must be perfect.
"Yes, everything has to be together. If one sticks out, a judge will see it right away," says Pioneer Lexi Corbett.
That's why they practice and practice some more, between six and twelve hours a day.
They also travel all over the country and sleep on buses or a gym floor.
Some may wonder if they're crazy to do this.
"You have to be I think, you have to be a lil' crazy to do this. We had a bus break down. We had to load our suitcases onto the coat truck and cram onto the other two buses we had," says Pioneer Tim Byrnes.
It pays off in the end not only for the audience, but also for these performers.
