Drums Along the Waterfront – Tour of Champions, Western New York’s favorite “music in motion” event, will take a one-year hiatus in 2020 due to the Coronavirus pandemic, according to DATW President Jack Gaylord Jr.
Featuring Drum Corps International’s (DCI) top-ranked teams, the annual event was planned for Sunday, Aug. 2, at New Era Field in Orchard Park.
DCI’s voting membership unanimously reached the difficult decision with great regret after thorough evaluation of numerous factors including participant health and safety, travel requirements, logistics, venue availability and other associated issues. The membership also agreed that in order to preserve the opportunity for this year’s class of age-outs, performers will receive additional eligibility based on existing age requirements with a one-year extension.
“Sharing this news is made with a very heavy heart,” added Gaylord, “but with the current pandemic environment being so unstable, we truly believe we had no other choice. Our number one priority is and always will be the health and safety of our participants and fans. We look forward to our return in 2021, and we hope to make that event bigger and better than ever!”
For updates on Drums Along the Waterfront, please visit www.drumsslongthewaterfront.org or follow the organization on Facebook for frequent updates.
