USA Tour News

Coach Travel

242 hours

13,294 miles

Flights

International 7,700 miles

US Internal 7,080 miles

Total 14,780 miles

Amount of Travel: Flight: 4,220 miles Coach: 6 hrs, 360 miles

With just our journey home to the UK left we loaded up at 8.45am for our last epic US coach journey. After a 40 minute stop for lunch at a shopping mall we arrived at the airport just after 3pm. Even with a long queue to check-in we still had plenty of time to enjoy the usual airport activities. British Airways took care of us for our 8 hour flight back home which did include it’s fair share of turbulence! On arrival at Gatwick a very quick baggage claim left the band free to either get on the coach back to Wellington barracks or go straight home with loved ones.

Amount of Travel: Coach: 5 & ½ hrs, 260 miles

Show number: 63

Venue: Jacoby Concert Hall, Jacksonville, Florida

Time: 7.30pm

With a longer journey ahead the band loaded up at 9.30am and headed north-east up the I4 though Orlando and onto Daytona beach before heading north along the coast to Jacksonville. A standard day of travel obviously meant a one hour stop at a shopping mall for those last bargains available. With traffic fairly heavy through the Orlando area we didn’t arrive at the hotel until 3.20pm. We then had about an hour before we gathered at the hotel pool for some informal photographs to be taken before heading to the venue. Having done the sound check we then got into uniform for some formal photos to be taken on stage before getting on with our final show. At the interval some presentations were made to our kit lorry driver John, the coach drivers Nancy & Dave and our Tour Manager, Diane Daubert and Tour Director, Chris Burrell. That done we continued with the show and then carefully packed the freight boxes ready for the trip home. Upon returning to the hotel the band dispersed to make the most of their last night in the US which also coincided with St. Patrick’s Day!

Sunday 16^th March

Amount of Travel: Coach: 3 hrs, 180 miles

Show number: 62

Venue: Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Arts, Clearwater, Florida

Time: 8.00 pm

Today saw a choice of itinerary for the band. Those who wished to could get an early coach (7.30am leave) and take a trip to Busch gardens Tampa. With free entry for members of the Armed Forces 20 members of the band and 16 from the pipes and drums took this opportunity. Having arrived at 10am they had 6 hours to enjoy the gardens before getting to the hotel just before 5 pm. Meanwhile the remainder of the band didn’t load up until 10.45am and went directly to Clearwater and arrived at the hotel shortly after 1. Once the sun burned through the early cloud of the day both groups enjoyed temperatures of nearly 30C. The whole band boarded the coach at 6pm to head to the venue. A capacity crowd in the 1,200 seat auditorium enjoyed the show and with our now perfected packing routines we were back at the hotel by 10.40pm.

Amount of Travel: 0

Show number: 61

Venue: Philharmonic Center for the Arts, Naples, Florida

Time: 8.00 pm

With no travel involved the day was our own to enjoy Bonita springs and the surrounding area. With glorious sunshine many people took the opportunity to visit the beach or relax at the hotel pool or enjoy some shopping. With no sound check required at the venue we were able to leave a little later for the show, 6.30pm. Another full house at this venue and an end of tour function in a local restaurant left the band in high spirits.

Friday 14th March

Amount of Travel: Coach: 4 & ½ hrs, 270 miles

Show number: 60

Venue: Philharmonic Center for the Arts, Naples, Florida

Time: 8.00 pm

A 9.45am luggage call got our day underway. This journey took us firstly south towards Fort Lauderdale and then west on the I75 which is known as (Ali) Gator Alley and cuts across the Florida Keys. We continued all the way to Bonita Springs, just north of Naples with just a 15 minute comfort break so that we could enjoy the hotel and nearby beach. Unfortunately by the time we arrived the ‘sunshine’ state had let us down and cloud filled the sky. At 5.40pm we departed for the venue and followed the usual routines. We actually encountered a first for the tour in the fact that for the first time we have two shows on consecutive nights which meant that once the show was over we could get away in quick time and were back at the hotel at 10.40pm

Thursday 13th March

Amount of Travel: Coach: 4 hrs, 200 miles

Show number: 59

Venue: The Maxwell C. King Center, Melbourne, Florida

Time: 8.00 pm

After a complimentary breakfast at the hotel the wheels rolled at 9am. After 2 hours we had a stop in Orlando at a very large outlet mall with 3 hours to get around and pick up any more bargains if you needed them! We then continued on to our hotel and arrived at 3.20pm. With 2 and a half hours downtime and members were free once more to enjoy the sunshine or have swim in the outdoor pool and generally chill. At 5.50pm we left again to go to the venue, the local performing arts centre. The local pipe band entertained the arriving punters and a good-sized audience was very appreciative.

Amount of Travel: Coach: 5 & ¾ hrs, 340 miles

Show number: 58

Venue: Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Gainseville, Florida

Time: 7.30 pm

The day began with a 7.45am roll-call. At 8am we departed for the road-trip into the final State on our States tour, Florida. After a stop at a shopping mall for lunch we left Georgia and entered the sunshine state which lived up to its name by providing glorious warm sunshine. We arrived at our next hotel at 2.30pm. Many band members took the opportunity to enjoy the outdoor pool or the Harley Davidson showroom and shop across the road. We departed again at 5.15pm for the venue which was situated on the Florida University Campus. Another appreciative audience and 7.30pm start meant we were back at the hotel by 10pm.

Amount of Travel: 0

Our last tour day off offered plenty to do in and around Atlanta. Despite the cloudy weather and occasional spots of rain the band undertook a variety of adventures ranging from a tour of the CNN studios, the Georgia aquarium, the Coca-Cola factory, the Centennial Olympic park to name but a few!

Amount of Travel: Flight: 2 hrs 10 mins, Coach: 1& ½ hrs, 30 miles

Show numbers: 57

Venue: Fox Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia

Time: 8.00 pm

The day began with a 7.45am luggage call with the start of a new week came a new baggage party. We set off for the short drive to the airport at 8am and upon arrival checked in for our last internal Us flight. Continental looked after us for this flight and a very smooth landing marked our arrival at Atlanta airport. After a short train ride to the baggage claim we boarded local coaches to take us to our hotel, our regular coaches will see us again on Wednesday. After arriving shortly after 1 we had 4 hours to settle into to our base for the next two days. We boarded the coaches again at 5.15pm for the trip to mid-town to the Fox Theatre. This large impressive theatre (holding over 4,500 people) was a pleasure to perform in and we had a very appreciative audience. With the show over we returned to the hotel more than ready for a day off!

Sunday 9th March

Amount of Travel: Coach: 5 hrs, 280 miles

Show numbers: 56

Venue: Stamford Center for the Arts

Time: 7.00 pm

With a midday roll-call band members were free to check out downtown Boston or enjoy a rare lie-in. We stopped for a generous 1 hour 20 minutes at a shopping mall for lunch. We encountered some queues on our favourite road, the I95 and arrived in Stamford at 5.00pm. With a slightly shorter show required we cut a few numbers including the Changing the Guard set. Another good house and appreciative audience. After the show we boarded the bus for the hour journey which would take us to our hotel, near Newark airport, ready for our flight in the morning.

Below: Musn Gareth Lancaster with his Natural Trumpet

Saturday 8th March

Amount of Travel: Coach: 5 hrs, 255 miles

Show numbers: 55

Venue: Symphony Hall, Boston, Massachusetts

Time:2.00 pm

An early start to the day with a 6.30am luggage call. We travelled east of Long Island before heading north-east towards Boston. We enjoyed 40 minute stop at service area with the delights of Dunkin Doughnuts and Burger King! We arrived at the venue, home of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, at 11.50am with plenty of time before the 2.00pm show. With a large local Irish population we included 2 verses of Danny Boy. Probably our most enthusiastic crowd to date lifted the bands spirits and despite the rain everyone was looking forward to a well deserved evening off!

Friday 7th March

Amount of Travel: Coach: 5 & ½ hrs, 260 miles

Show numbers: 54

Venue: Staller Center for the Arts, Main Stage, Stony Brook, NY

Time:8.00 pm

We assembled the cases by the coach at 9.15am allowing the baggage party a little extra time to pack the coach due to the ever-expanding number of cases as many band members now have two. Today’s journey took us back down the roads we travelled yesterday until we hit the northern outskirts of New York City at which point we carried on travelling east onto Long Island and to our hotel. The usual downtime before another 15 mile coach trip to get to the venue. The usual routines ensued along with some good catering. After packing up we boarded the coach, with heavy rain falling, for the 25 minute journey back to the hotel.

Thursday 6th March

Amount of Travel: Coach: 3 hrs, 180 miles

Show number: 53

Venue: Concert Theater, Anderson Center for the Arts, Binghamton University, NY

Time:8.00 pm 

A more standard day for the band as we left the island of Manhattan and headed north-east to the town of Binghamton. The sunny weather ensured we got some good views of the Manhattan skyline as we departed and it was nice to see the countryside of the states of New York and Pennsylvania without a covering of snow! We arrived at our new hotel at 3.30pm and had 2 hours to settle in. We went through the normal routines at the venue and due to a large local Irish population we included to verses of Danny Boy in the show.

Below: tribute to America finale positions

Amount of Travel: Coach: 1 hr, 4 miles

Show numbers: 51 & 52

Venue: Temple of Dendur, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Times: 6.30 & 8.30 pm

After some time to shop or see the sites we met in the lobby for a 3.40 roll-call. We then sat on the coach to enjoy the Manhattan traffic for 40 minutes as we crawled our way to the Metropolitan Museum of Art situated on the east side of Central Park. Upon arrival we were escorted to our changing area and then once the freight boxes had been unloaded we started rehearsals. The setting and make up of the show were to be very different from anything we had done so far. The performance area was in a large glass-sided atrium which houses the remains of the Temple of Dendur (dates back to 15 BC) and the 2 shows were to be only 1 hour each in, length, with no strings or singer and other sets cut down. The rehearsal also led to the promoter asking for the volume to be reduced by the band and pipes! With no normal stage area all the march-on and march-off points had to be rehearsed . With rehearsals over the shows proceeded with good crowds for both performances, but with no catering provided we were left to hang around and wait between the two performances. Once the second show was over the kit party helped to load the freight boxes before we took the coaches back to our hotel.

 Amount of Travel: Flight: 5 & ½ hrs 2,571 miles, Coach: 3 hour 105 miles 

Our last day devoted solely to internal US travel began early with a 6 am luggage call. After bad traffic and bad coach driving we arrived at San Francisco airport just in time to check-in and get through security to board the flight. United airlines once again looked after us on the two flights of the day. The first flight took us to Chicago O’Hare airport. Due to bad weather over the east coast we ended up with a delay to the second flight. Eventually we continued our journey and landed at New York’s La Guardia airport at 9pm local time. We got to our hotel about 11 pm but having travelled across 3 time zones it only felt like 8pm leaving energy to go exploring Manhattan.

Amount of Travel: Flight: 1 hr 20mins 446 miles, Coach: 2 hours 100 miles

Show number: 50

Venue: Mary Stuart Rogers Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, Modesto, California

Time: 7.30pm

Our whistle-stop tour of the west coast continued with another trip to an airport, on this occasion to San Diego airport, with a nice coach journey along the harbour area to get there. We flew with United airlines for the short flight north up the coast to San Francisco, our 3rd visit to this airport. After landing we boarded a coach for the journey inland to Modesto. Having arrived at the hotel we had 3 hours to explore the town or to enjoy the sunshine (temperature 22C) and the outdoor pool. We walked the 2 blocks to the venue and went through our usual pre-show routines with the addition of some freight and suitcase admin as we were not going to see our kit lorry until Thursday and the freight flying to New York (even our wonderful driver John can’t manage 2,900 miles on 2 days!) .The show went as usual and with a 7.30 pm people were loaded and ready to leave the venue by 9.40 pm.

Amount of Travel: Coach: 5 and ½ hours 330 miles

Show number: 49

Venue: Copley Symphony Hall, San Diego, California

Time: 8.00pm

The day started with a 8.45 am baggage call and a chance for the band to exchange stories of winning and losing in Vegas! We left at 9 and drove to San Diego with just a 1 hour lunch stop. We arrived at our hotel at 3.30 pm and a lucky few were able to head straight for their rooms whilst the rest waited for their rooms to become available. We had a short amount of time before we were back on the coach to head to the venue situated just a few blocks from the hotel. With only 1 wireless microphone available all the strings performed acoustically. The 7.30 pm start time meant we were back at the hotel by 10 with some off to explore San Diego whilst many opted for an early night especially with another long day of travel to look forward to tomorrow.

Saturday 1st March

Amount of Travel: Flight: 1 hr 10mins 413 miles, Coach: 1hour 35 miles

Show number: 48

Venue: Artemus Ham Concert Hall, University of Nevada at Las Vegas

Time: 8.00pm

The day began with a 6.45am baggage call before departing for San Francisco airport. For this short flight we were on Ted airlines, part of the United group. We landed at Las Vegas airport, Nevada which is a stones throw from the strip itself. Once we had got our rooms keys to our hotel rooms we had over 3 hours to explore this unique place. At 5.30 pm we departed for the venue, another university hall. Having completed the show the band we keener than usual to pack quickly and further boost the already thriving local economy.

Below: LSgt Richard Evans & LCpl Nick Stones hit the strip!

Amount of Travel: Coach: 1 hours 30 miles

Show number: 47

Venue: Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, Vacaville , California

Time: 8.00pm

With no travel required today it was a nice easy day at the office! This left the daytime for band members to either travel into San Francisco, look around the local outlet mall or just chill at the hotel. We got on the bus for a 5.45pm departure to head just 15 miles up the road. This venue had limited back stage space so there was some unloading from the back of the kit truck required. One of the smaller type theatres but a full house again. Were back at the hotel by 10.30pm ready for another long day ahead and another State to travel to.

Below: LSgt Darren Hardy plays piccolo in his American War of Independence  uniform.

Amount of Travel: Coach: 2hours 100 miles

Show number: 46

Venue: Memorial Auditorium , Sacramento , California

Time: 8.00pm

After our full day of travel yesterday we had a relaxing day which commenced with an 11.45am roll-call and the luxury of travelling straight to the hotel in Dixon which is to be our base for the next 2 nights. It was good to find upon arrival that we had free internet, free breakfast and outdoor pool! After an afternoon off we headed to the venue which was a 40 minute drive away. The journey was made more enjoyable by the premier of Musn Darryl Neville’s animation which took a behind the scenes look at the tour with some light-hearted mickey-taking! The usual routines at the venue which was slightly more unusual being more of an arena style but with theatre lighting and entrance points! Once the show was finished we were kindly invited to the Scottish Meat Pie Companies Dixon store to taste some of there pies and sample some other Scottish delicacies such as haggis and Irn-Bru! After some entertainment from the pipes and drums we departed for the hotel

Below: The unusual Memorial Auditorium Sacramento with the stage being on the same level as an arena style area.

Amount of Travel: Flight: 1 & ¼ hours 413 miles Coach: 2 hours 90 miles

Show number: 45

Venue: Marin Center , San Rafael, California

Time: 7.30pm

After enjoying our complimentary hotel breakfast we departed for Palm Springs airport. After one of the quicker group check-ins courtesy of Alaska Airlines we once again experienced a delay to our flight due to a screw being changed on the aircraft wing! Having arrived at San Fransisco we boarded the coach for the trip north which took us over the Golden Gate bridge. As we were running bit behind schedule we had a quick turn around at the hotel before heading to the venue. With a relatively small backstage area several of the flight boxes remained on the truck to be unloaded from there. Another full house and a very warm stage! By 9.45pm we were headed back to the hotel.

Amount of Travel: 0

Our 4th complete day off was spent in Palm Desert, California. With glorious weather the band undertook various activities including pony trekking, cycling , Disney Land, Universal Studios, Shopping, sunbathing etc.!

Amount of Travel: Coach: 2 hours. 120 miles

Show number: 44

Venue: McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert, California

Time: 7.00pm

With only a short journey to complete we loaded up and left Costa Mesa at 11.30am. The journey took us back west along the I-10 with great views of the snow covered summit of the San Gorgonio mountain. We stopped of at Palm Springs for just over an hour to get some lunch before arriving in Palm Desert at 3pm. We only had an hour and a half to enjoy the warm temperatures and outside swimming pool before we were back on the bus to go the venue. This theatre was one of the smaller venues seating just over 1,100 but was full to capacity. An early show meant we were back at the hotel at 9.30pm with time to plan activities for our day off tomorrow.

Below: The Pipes and Drums and dancers perform the sword dance.

Amount of Travel: Coach: 7 hours. 400 miles

Show number: 43

Venue: Renee & Henry Segerstrom Hall, Costa Mesa, California

Time: 3.00pm

An early start to the day with a 7.15am luggage call, many of the band taking advantage of the breakfast menu at the International House of Pancakes restaurant next door to the hotel. With just a 15 minute comfort break we headed straight for the venue. Our bad luck travelling on Sundays continued with traffic queues as we headed to the Los Angeles area. The westerly journey took as to within a couple of miles of Newport beach and the North Pacific ocean. We arrived at the venue at 1pm and cracked on with the form-ups and sound checks after which people could go and find some lunch before the show started at 3pm. The hall had an unusual array of angles but delivered good acoustics. A near full house and appreciative crowd. After the show we were able to walk across the road to the hotel with a rare evening off to look forward to as well as a relatively late start in the morning.

Below: The Harmony group in the America Tribute

Saturday 23rd February

Amount of Travel: Coach: 2 ¼ hours. 130 miles

Show number: 42

Venue: Ikeda Theatre, Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, Arizona

Time: 8.00pm

A leisurely start to the day with a 11.45am luggage call enabled the band to either have a lie-in, a look at the local music shop, make contact with home and many other things. A nice short journey took us across the barren landscape of Arizona. We had a lunch stop at a shopping mall before checking into the hotel about 2.45pm. The nice weather (about 21C) meant that for the 3 hours off the outside pool was a popular option along with using the impressive state university gym or taking a stroll around the low-rise town. At 6 we left for the arts center which is a very new looking facility. A smaller house than we are used to but still appreciative. We have now received some professional photos that were taken at the Newark show and will feature some of these over the next few days.

Below: Drum Major Steve Staite salutes

Friday 22nd February

Amount of Travel: Flight, 3 & ½ hrs, 994 miles, Coach: 1hr 30 miles

Show number: 41

Venue: Frank Erwin Centennial Hall, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona

Time: 8.00pm

An 8.15am luggage call for another day involving 2 internal flights which was to proceed a lot more smoothly than our last adventure in Kansas City! This time we took a short flight to Dallas-Fort-Worth, a massive international hub airport and then flew from there to Tucson, Arizona. Our descent into Tucson let us have a good look at the desert landscape with impressive mountains jutting out of the otherwise dead flat area. After 2 hours to get familiar with our location we headed to the venue, another State university. The usual pre-show routines and usual good house and reception. Witht the show over the band were free to enjoy the local night-life which in Arizona includes plenty of Salsa bars!

Thursday 21st February

Amount of  Travel:Coach,  4hrs, 210 miles

Show number: 40

Venue: Frank Erwin Center, University of Texas, Austin, Texas

Time: 8.00pm

 A 10.15am luggage call as we headed south-west towards Austin. A one and a half hour stop at an outlet mall enabled band members to get in some retail therapy. We arrived at the hotel at 3pm and had 2 hours downtime. Sunshine and 23C meant the pool was a popular option. We left for the venue a little earlier than usual, the extra time and arena space gave us time to rehearse forming olympic rings for a future marching display! A good crowd were very appreciative.

Wednesday 20th February

Amount of  Travel:Coach,  4hrs, 270 miles

Show number: 39

Venue: Nancy Lee & Perry R Bass Performance Hall, Fort Worth, Texas

Time: 8.00pm

 A reasonable length journey along the straight roads of Texas took us north to Fort Worth, not far from Dallas. With a 40 minute lunch stop we arrived at the hotel at 2.30pm. We left again at 6 to walk to the venue which was just one block away. The usual routines show before the show and an extra rehearsal of the tribute to America set to incorporate The Yellow Rose of Texas tune. Another lively crowd and a near full house.

Below: Rehearsal at the Bass Hall, Fort Worth

Tuesday 19th February

Amount of  Travel:Coach,  3hrs, 200 miles

Show number: 38

Venue: Jesse H Jones Center, Houston, Texas

Time: 7.30pm

 After the enjoyment of a day off it was time to get back to work. A shortish journey took us back to Houston and its impressive downtown skyline. After a couple of hours of to have a look round we proceeded to the venue which was a couple of blocks from the hotel. The usual pre-show routines and a near full-house enjoyed the show. Upon our return to the hotel we found a high level of security present due to the presence of former President Bill Clinton and his wife Senator Hilary Clinton who were staying at the hotel as they were campaigning in Houston for the presidential primaries, the next round of which take place in Texas, Ohio and Vermont on March 4th.

Below left and right: Band, Pipes and Drums on stage for the finale sequence at Jesse H Jones Center, Houston

Monday 18th February

Amount of  Travel: 0

The band enjoyed a well-earned day off in the city of San Antonio, Texas. With a variety of things to do the guys were spoilt for choice. With the Alamo within easy walking distance as well as the riverside walk, shopping, many restuarants and the viewing 'Tower of the Americas' there was almost too much to do. For the first time the weather was a balmy 20c with bright sunshine and we were able to ditch the coats and warm hats so the could be replaced with T-shirts and stetsons!

Below: CSgt Martin Brooke swaps his 70's shades for 4-D specs at the 4D theatre, Tower of the Americas whilst CSgt Pete Mac enjoys a river ride.

Below: View from the Tower of America, last night's venue highlighted!

Sunday 17th February

Amount of  Travel: Flight: 2 hrs 10 mins, 643 miles, Coach 4 hrs 220 miles

Show number: 37

Venue: Municipal Auditorium, San Antonio, Texas

Time: 8.30pm

 The day started early with a 5.15 luggage call. With the rain falling the coach was loaded and headed for Kansas airport. By the time we arrived the rain had turned to snow and the days itinerary was about to change from the published list! As the snow continued to fall and it was annouced that the runway was not open! As time dragged on flights were being cancelled and connecting flight arrangements being changed. After about 5 hours waiting it was announced that we could board our flight.  We landed at Houston airport just about 3.30pm but with no prospect of a connecting flight to San Antonio the organisers had to arrange for us to do the journey by coach! With time running out for us making the show it was announced that the performance time was to be delayed 1 hour, that still leaving our margins very tight. After a lighting stop for food and a georgous sunset an extremely tired band arrived at the venue at 7.50pm. The rush then began for us to unpack our gear and get on with the show. With no time for any sound checks the string ensemble and clarinet went acoustic. The band were ready for the 8.30 start, and being the red machine got on with the task in hand. A very enthusiastic crowd, dare i say the best so far, lifted the performance. A very weary band then returned to the hotel to check-in and find there suitcases.   

Saturday 16th February

Amount of  Travel: 0

Show number: 36

Venue: Music Hall, Kansas City, Missouri

Time: 8.00pm

 The band enjoyed a whole day off as the venue was literally across the road from the hotel. This left band members free to enjoy the many museums, fountains,  or recover from the all-night jazz venues situated in the city. A 6pm lobby call where we picked up our dry-cleaned uniforms for the trek across the road as the rain teemed down. The usual routines ensued and a good crowd were very enthusiastic. We left the hall to find the rain still teeming down ready to set the alarm clocks for an early morning.

Friday 15th February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 2hrs, 85 miles

Show number: 35

Venue: Lied Center of Kansas, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas

Time: 7.30pm

 A nice short journey with no change of hotel meant band members could explore the many museums and sights of Kansas. The trip to the venue took as across the state line from Missouri into Kansas, to its university. The usual routines took place! ie. sound check etc. This a chance to mention LCpl Nick Stones and his team of CD sellers who, every show, 'work' the audience with the official CD as well as wristbands. The team are in a variety of uniforms, 18th Century, mess dress and Summer Guard Order and move amongst the audience in the foyers during the 20 minute interval. As ever Nick is highly organised and motivated for the task!

Above: LCpl Nick Stones, CSgt Martin Brooke and Sgt Steve Gatfield poised for selling

Below: LSgt Paul Wedge makes a sale!

Thursday 14th February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 10hrs, 600 miles

 With a long day of travel ahead we started valentines day by sharing breakfast poolside, inside of course as the snow gently fell outside! This was to be our longest coach journey to date. A big thanks to Bubba, our coach driver, who has been with us since we boarded his coach at JFK airport, New York. A long day was punctuated with the normal comfort break and lunch stop at a mall. Afternoon entertainment consisted of a quiz (thanks to CSgt Desmond, quizmaster extraordinnaire!) and a DVD. We arrived at Kansas City, Missouri at 7.30pm ready to stretch our legs and knowing this would be our base for an incredilbe 3 consectutive nights.

Below: Left, our tour bus, red for the Red Machine, blue for the Pipes and Drums

Wednesday 13th February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 2hrs, 110 miles

Show number: 34

Venue: Fox Cities Performing Arts Center, Appleton, Wisconsin

Time: 7.30pm

 A nice short journey made for an 11.45am luggage call and a direct journey to the next hotel. Once again a very cold day with temparutes hovering around -10C and plenty of snow everywhere we looked. We arrived in the relatively small town of Appleton which lies quite close to Lake Winnebago. Some afternoon downtime as per usual and then a short drive down the road to the venue, another smart theatre with excellent backstage room/facilities. The 7.30pm show time got us back to the hotel for 10.00pm ready to see if anything was still open in Appleton.

Tuesday 12th February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 3hrs, 180 miles

Show number: 33

Venue: Grand Theatre, Wausau, Wisconsin

Time: 7.30pm

 A more sociable start to the day saw us depart at 10.30am for the trip north. This journey was to take us as far north as we had been in Maine. Todays hotel had the novelty of its own indoor water park and with 4 hours of time off once we had arrived the band made the most of it! A 6pm departure for the venue which was one of the smallest of the tour, seating just 1,217! A quick form-up check and sound check before we took to the stage again. 

Monday 11th February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 7hrs, 470 miles

Show number: 32

Venue: Young Auditorium, University of Wisconsin, Whitewater, Wisconsin

Time: 7.30pm

Once again an early start for the band as we deposited our bags at the coach for 6.15am. The start of the week brought a new kit party to load the cases onto the coach. Once the last of the stragglers had arrived we departed for another epic journey. Once again we traversed a snow covered barren lanscape with mile upon mile of similar view! The customary comfort stop for 15 minutes and a 50 minute stop at a mall for lunch. By 3 we had arrived at our next hotel and had 2 hours to check out the local area. The usual routines once we arrived at the venue and a special thank-you to Karen who baked some lovely cookies for the Green room! A 7.30 show meant that we were back at the hotel by 10.

Sunday 10th February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 5 & 1/2hrs, 320 miles

Show number: 31

Venue: Holland Concert Hall, Omaha Performing Arts Center, Omaha, Nebraska

Time: 2.00pm

Having had a few hours sleep we boarded the coach for the journey to Omaha. An afternoon show mean't a 7.00am luggage call. The 5 hour journey included a restroom stop and some more views of a snowy landscape. By the time we got to Omaha we had left the snow behind but not the freezing cold temperatures. Todays venue was very modern and impressive in its own way and was a concert hall rather than a theatre. After a lunch provided by the venue' and the usual rehearsals, an enthusiastic crowd (with a larger than usual Scottish supporters contingent!) enjoyed the show. After the show we travelled for 20 minutes to our next hotel and the prospect of a rare evening off.

Above: View of the Holland Concert hall from the stage. DoM and Sgt Steve G confer, Musn Chris Dymott tunes the timps for the opening fanfare and Chris (our stage manager) does his thing

Saturday 9th February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 4 hrs, 250 miles

Show number: 30

Venue: Fox Theatre, St. Louis, Missouri

Time: 8.00pm

 A change in our schedule mean't we got the daytime off to explore the local mall and retail park. At 4pm we got on the coach for the 2 hour drive to St. Louis. We arrived at the venue and took a look at the very impressive auditorium.  An audience of over 2,500 enjoyed the show. After the show we boarded the coach for the 2 hour trip back to Columbia and the very slow internet connection at the Baymont Inn.

Above: The Band up in lights (again!) Below: Rehearsal at the Fox Theatre, St. Louis

Above: Rehearsal at the Fox Theatre, St. Louis

Below left: Auditorium at the Fox Theatre.   Below right: Band on stage at the Fox Theatre during 'Tribute to America'.

Friday 8th February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 6 hrs, 410 miles

Show number: 29

Venue: Jesse Auditorium, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri

Time: 7.00pm

Our earliest start for a while saw us checked out of the hotel by 7.45am ready for the long drive to Columbia. A 45 minute stop for lunch and an post-lunch DVD saw us arrive at our hotel at 3pm. We had an hour and a half to 'chill' before boarding the coach to get to teh venue, a university auditorium. Backastage room was tight with several of the freight noxes having to be unloaded from the kit lorry. The 7 o'clock show mean't we got back to the hotel at a decent with the prospect of a lie-in in the morning.

Below: Rehearsal at Jesse Auditorium

Thursday 7th February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 4 hrs, 180 miles

Show number: 28

Venue: Edman Memorial Chapel, Wheaton College, Illinois

Time: 8.00pm

After a mid-morning luggage call we departed to head north on bumpy roads to the town of Lisle. After a two and a half hour rest at the hotel we travelled to the venue in the town of Wheaton, about 30 miles west of Chicago. This venue was a first for the tour, a Chapel. This imprssive venue seated 2,350 and had only a few emptly seats. It was also a good night for the CD selling team led by LCpl Nick Stones.

Above left and right: The Band on stage at  Edman Memorial Chapel 

Below : The string ensemble on stage

Wednesday 6th February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 4 hrs, 240 miles

Show number: 27

Venue: Great Hall, Krannert Center, Champaign-Urbana, Illinois

Time: 7.00pm

After a 9.45am luggage call we loaded up and headed north-east into the state of Illinois. This journey took us across the time zone from Eastern to Central standard time meaning that we arrived at the hotel at 1.00pm local time. This gave us nearly 3 and half hours before we needed to get back on the coach to head to yet another state university hall. This hall was very much a concert stage with restrcited entrance/exit points which mean't these areas of the show having to be rehearsed in addition to the usual sound checks. As ever it was an appreciative crowd. We left the show to find a light dusting of snow on the ground and the wonders of Champaign-Urbana to be explored.

Tuesday 5th February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 6 hrs, 390 miles

Show number: 26

Venue: Whitney Hall,  Kentucky Center for the Arts, Louisville, Kentucky

Time: 7.30pm

A journey through heavy rainstorms took us south to Louisville, Kentucky. A 45 minute stop for lunch at an outlet mall punctuated the long journey and we enjoyed a post-lunch coach DVD - Hot Fuzz. Having arrived in Louisville we settled into our hotel in the downtown area. After a couple of hours to explore we took the coach the short distance to the venue. Technical faults aside, rehearsals are short and involve form-ups for the sets where personnel are able to rotate on and sound-checking for those parts of the show that use microphones. After the sound-checks Major Hamilton (Tour Commander) gave a quick brief on what to do in the event of a Tornado striking, the local area having put on standby for such an event. The show proceeded as normal (no evacuation to the basement required!) . Around midnight the tornado alarm did go off for a brief period but fortunately we escaped with only a severe thunderstorm.

Monday 4th February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 2 1/4 hrs, 140 miles

Show number: 25

Venue: Heinz Hall, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Time: 7.30pm

 We embarked on week 5 with a short journey south-east to the steel town of Pittsburgh. Remarkably we returned to the state of Pennsylvania where were on the 11th January! A great hotel located right on the river in the downtown area. We had a couple of hours to explore this  before heading to another lovely theatre, just 2 minutes walk from the hotel. A full house who enjoyed the show and also a good night for CD sales! 

Sunday 3rd February

Amount of  Travel: 0

Our second complete day off left us in Cleveland, Ohio. The band members undertook a variety of activities, most of them sampling local bars to enjoy seeing the superbowl and the Giants underdog win!

Saturday 2nd February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 4 hrs, 235 miles

Show number: 24

Venue: Palace Theatre, Cleveland, Ohio

Time: 8.15pm

 Another fairly standard format tour day with the usual routines. The venue was another beautiful old theatre where we again found the band's name up in lights! Not a sell out but still a good crowd (theatre could hold 2,666) who were enthusiastic as ever with standing ovations becoming the norm at the end of the show.

Above: The Band up in lights 

Below left: LSgt Justin Field cleans kit backstage, Below Right: Opening sequence.

Friday 1st February

Amount of  Travel, Coach: 5 & 1/2hrs, 310 miles

Show number: 23

Venue: Catherine Herrick Cobb Great Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan

Time: 8.00pm

 As we left Indiana it was snowing but this soon turned to persistent snow as we travelled north on I95 into Great Lakes territory. After an hour's lunch stop at mall just outside Lansong we continued on to our hotel. After a couple of hours of we departed for Michigan state university's Great Hall. Tonight's show included a guest performance by Captain W Calderhead, Vice President Pipes and Drums, an accomplished violinist in his own right, who performed with the String ensemble in our History of the Coldstream Guards set.  

Thursday 31st January

Amount of Travel, Coach:  1/2 hr, 12 miles

Show number: 22

Venue: Indiana University Auditorium, Bloomington, Indiana

Time: 8.00pm

 Having enjoyed the daytime off we got on the coach at 5.30pm to travel the short distance to the venue, another university hall. The usual rehearsals ensued and a full house again (3,200). This show marked the one third point in the number of shows! We left the venue as snow started to fall. As a large deluge was being forecast the BSM announced the next mornings roll-call had been bought foward one hour as travelling to the next venue may take a little longer than originally planned! 

Wednesday 30th January

Amount of Travel, Flight: 41/index.htm2hrs 1291 miles, Coach: 2 hrs, 115 miles

 A long travel day began with an hours coach journey to Hartford Airport to catch the first of two flights. After flying into Atlanta Airport, Georgia we just had 3 and a half hours to explore the airport before we got on our second flight which took us back up to Indiana. We then boarded a local coach to take us to our hotel , our home for the next two nights. 

Tuesday 29th January

Amount of Travel, Coach: 4 1/2 hrs, 280 miles

Show number: 21

Venue: Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts

Time: 8.00pm

 An 8.30am luggage call and prompt departure set us on our way to Massachusetts. After a lunch/shopping stop at an outlet mall we arrived in Worcester. A longer reherasal schedule than we have become used to was required due to the size and stairway entrances to the stage. A full house (1,500) enjoyed the show.  

Monday 28th January

Amount of Travel, Coach: 2 1/2  hrs, 140 miles

Show number: 20

Venue: Civic Centre Auditorium, Bangor,  Maine

Time: 7.00pm

 A short coach journey took us to the most northerly point of our tour, to Bangor, Maine. We had the usual down-time before heading to the venue, another Arena but with a slightly different layout. The venue also provided a post show meal with the choice of chicken or meatloaf!

Sunday 27th January

Amount of Travel, Coach: 5 hrs, 290 miles

Show number: 19

Venue: Cumberland County Civic, Portland, Maine

Time: 7.00pm

 An interesting journey through snow blizzards took us further east through New Hampshire into the state of Maine. After a stop for lunch at a retail outlet centre we headed to Portland which lies on the coast oof the North Atalntic Ocean. We had brief time in the hotel before heading to the venue, an arena. A couple of changes of personnel were required to the front rank but nothing we couldn't adapt for!

Saturday 26th January

Amount of Travel, Coach: 31/index.htm2hrs, 210 miles

Show number: 18

Venue: Proctor's Theatre, Schenectady, New York

Time: 8.00pm

 After travelling west for a few hours we arrived in Schenectady. we had some down time at our latest hotel before heading to the theatre, an old-fashioned theatre with a 2,500  seat capacity, plenty of backstage and stage room and the band's name up in lights!  Another full house and enthusiastic audience.

Friday 25th January

Amount of Travel, Coach: 1 1/2hrs, 75 miles

Show number: 17

Venue: Nazareth College Arts Center, Rochester, New York

Time: 8.00pm

 A nice short coach journey including a lunch stop we arrived in Rochester which lies to the south of Lake Ontario and was every bit as cold as Buffalo. After settling into the downtown hotel we headed to the venue. This required a little more rehearsal time than other venues due to the unusal shape and smallness of the stage area and the narrow entrance/exit points. A small theatre compared to others but it still held over 1,000 people.

Above: Finale positions, America Tribute, Rochester.

Thursday 24th January

Amount of Travel, Coach 40 mins, 16 miles

Show number: 16

Venue: Center for the Arts, SUNY Buffalo, New York

Time: 8.00pm

 As we had some spare time today a trip was organised to go and see Niagara Falls. A group of about 40 pipers and bandos braved the extreme cold to go and see this famous sight and also walk across the border into Canada to see the falls from that side.

LSgt Rich Evans and Musn Mike Ashton at Niagara Falls.

After our visit the band loaded up for our show at Buffalo university. The band was refreshed after having had no show the day before and played to another full house.

Wednesday 23rd January

Amount of Travel, Coach: 9 hours, 507 miles

 Today involved a long day of coach travel. After loading up to leave at 9.00am we stopped for a lunch at a massive supermarket/deli/coffee shop and to stock up on other supplies. Post lunch entertainment included a coach quiz organised by CSgt Dave D, won by LCpl Will Casson-Smith who achieved full marks, and then an afetrnoon DVD. we arrived in a snowy and very cold Buffalo just after six looking foward to a rare evening off.

Tuesday 22st January

Show number: 15

Venue: Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center, Rockville, Maryland

Time: 8.00pm

Amount of Travel, Coach: 3 hours, 190 miles

It now feels that we i know the I-95 very well as we continue to travel up and down it. Todays travels along it took us back up to Maryland, the first state we stayed in! After a lunch break in a service area we arrived in Gaithersburg. Our performance was in a college theatre, intimate but sold-out. Todays show included a short tribute to fallen comrades with the placing of a wreath, some words from the Tour Commander, Major Hamilton and the playing of 'taps'. A regular feature of the show is also a local Honour Guard who join us on stage for the playing of the US and British national anthems.

Above Left: Honour Guard on stage.

 Above Right: Honour Guard pictured with LSgt Richard Evans 

Monday 21th January

Show number: 14

Venue: McCarther Theatre, Princeton, New Jersey

Time: 7.30pm

Amount of Travel, Coach: 6 hours, 260 miles

A fairly standard tour day, a longish coach journey straight to the hotel (after a few wrong turns) and a fairly quick turn-around before we got on the coach for another hour to head to the venue. The theatre was located on Princeton University campus (no sign of Carlton Banks) The DoM has now adapted the America tribute set to include cross-overs, hopefully we'll get some video of that to post up soon!

Sunday 20th January

Show number: 12 & 13

Venue: Center for the Arts Concert hall, George Mason University, Virginia

Times: 2.00pm & 7.00pm

Amount of Travel, Coach: 4 hours, 240 miles

After an early hotel breakfast  we ventured out into the sub-zero temperatures to traverse States once more. Today was 2 shows once again but at least this time they were  in the same venue. Two good houses and we boarded the coach weary but cheerful, the temperature having dropped further still! 

Saturday 19th January

Show number: 11

Venue: Prudential Hall, Performing Arts Center, Newark, New Jersey

Time: 8.00pm

Show number: 10

Venue: State Theatre, New Brunswick, New Jersey

Time: 3.00pm

Amount of Travel, Coach: 4 hours, 150 miles

A busy day even by the Red Machine's standards started at a reasonable hour with the local delis getting some breakfast trade. After a short journey (2 hours) we arrived at the first destination of the day and did our usual sound checks etc. this was an old-fashioned theatre with a good crowd which included the Principal Director of Music Army Lt. Col. S J Smith. After the freight boxes were unloaded and the band were changed ready for the start of the show all our civvies and un-essential boxes were loaded back onto  the truck because as soon as we had finished we got straight on the buses to go to another venue for our second show of the day. After an hour's drive and quick meal of soup and a sandwich we enjoyed a show in the impressive Prudential Hall which seats 2800 and was only just shy of being full. This show was watched by the PDoM (again!) and also Mr Andrew S. Grossman , the show's producer. Of course the day would not have been complete without another hour on the coach to get to hotel for a couple of hours rest before the Red Machine started up again........ 

Friday 18th January

Show number: 9

Venue: Grand Opera House, Wilmington Delaware

Time: 8.00pm

Amount of Travel, Coach: 5 hours, 290 miles

todays journey brought the opportunity of some tax-free shopping as we stopped for lunch at the Christiana Mall just outside Wilmington in Delaware. After 3 hours to 'chill' in the hotel we went to the venue, an old-fashioned opera house with excellent acoustics. It also had quite a small stage which meant some adaptions to the show.

Thursday 17th January

Show number: 8

Venue: Ferguson Center for the Arts, Newport News, Virginia

Time: 7.30pm

Amount of Travel, Coach: 7 3/4 hours, 430 miles

An early start (6am roll-call) and a blanket of snow were the start to the day. Rain was already washing away the snow as we loaded the coach for the long journey to Virginia, punctuated with stops for brunch and lunch! We arrived mid-afternoon and had our usual piece of down-time at the hotel before heading to the venue, another impressive theatre. A brief rehearsal and a quick check of some new costumes which have arrived for our Tribute to America set (pictures to follow) An enthusiastic crowd and hopefully a good town to enjoy....!

Above : 18th Century Band at Newport News including Natural Trumpet (Musn Gareth Lancaster), Serpent (Musn Gareth Craik), Natural Horns (LCpl Nick Stones & LSgt Phil Wood) ,Clarinets (CSgt Martin Brooke & Musn Sam Smith), Drum (Musn Chris Dymott) and Bassoon (LCpl Will Casson-Smith)

Wednesday 16th January

Amount of Travel:Zero, yippee!

The band enjoyed various activites including renting a jeep, laundry and the gym ! Here are Sgt Steve G, Musns Ashton and Craik (Dymott behind the lense) enjoying the delights of the largest pedestrian suspension bridge of its kind in America, Liberty Bridge, Greenville.

DAY OFF!

Tuesday 15th January

Show number: 7

Venue: Bi-Lo Center, Greenville, South Carolina

Time: 8.00pm

Amount of Travel, Coach: 1 3/4 hours, 110 miles

Another short journey followed by another stop at a mall for some lunch before some downtime at the hotel. Back to an Arena for todays show so some rehearsal for entry and exit details. An improved arrangement of Amazing Grace and some nice new labels for the freight boxes so the roadies can place them in the right areas when they are unloaded at each venue.

Monday 14th January

Show number: 6

Venue: Belk Theater, Charlotte, North Carolina

Time: 8.00pm

Amount of Travel, Coach: 5 1/2 hours, 270 miles

A more respectable roll-call time but another long coach trip as we entered the Carolina states. A picturesque view as we traveled along I-77 through a dusting of snow on the landscape. A short lunch stop with Subways, Chicken and Biscuits and other options before the final push to the city of Charlotte. A couple of hours downtime meant a chance to explore this pleasant location before the show rehearsal. To ensure we don't get too bored with the show  a slight change to the finale with a longer version of Amazing Grace being used. An enthusiastic audience and a nice theater!

Sunday 13th January

Show number: 5

Venue: Charleston Municipal Auditorium, West Virginia

Time: 3.00pm

Amount of Travel, Coach: 6 hours, 320 miles

A frosty start to the day and an early one too as we loaded up to head for West Virginia. After a long journey which included some DVD entertainment we unloaded the kit and went straight into another rehearsal, these seam to get quicker each time as we get used to the show. Main points for rehearsal are now march-on positions, sound check for strings, vocal (LCpl Scott), penny whistle (LSgt Darren Hardy) and trad. clarinet (CSgt Martin Brooke)  and then the finale positions for each half. After a short trip to the hotel the band went to see what was on offer in a town which shuts up shop at 7.00pm on a sunday night! Here are some pictures of the actual show.

Above Left: 18th Century Band Above Right: The Double Horshoe (violins await!)

Above Left: LCpl Scott entertains Above Right: The Tribute to America set

Saturday 12th January

Show number: 4

Venue: Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Time: 3.00pm

Amount of Travel, Coach: 2 hours, 95 miles

A short journey took us to the beautiful city of Philadelphia. The Verizon Hall is an impressive concert hall, home to the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. After taking in the hall we cracked on with rehearsing. With a short bit of downtime before the top of the show  some band members took the opportunity to visit the Liberty Bell (see below), the Rocky steps, or both!!

Above Left: Rehearsal at the Verizon Hall. Above Right: DoM with the Liberty Bell

Friday 11th January

Show number: 3

Venue: Giant Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania

Time: 7.30pm

Amount of Travel, Coach: 1 1/2 hours, 80 miles

A rainy start as we boarded the coach in Bethlehem for the short drive to Hershey. After a couple of hours down-time in the hotel we headed for the Giant Center Arena for a quick top and tail rehearsal and show, the band now starting to get into a tour routine!

Above Left: Rehearsal at Giant Center, Hershey

Above Centre: Top of the show, 'Salute to America' written by the BM, Greg Machin

Above Right: BSM, DMaj and CSgt FRCM in conference

 Thursday 10th January

Show number: 2

Venue: Stabler Arena, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

Time: 7.00pm

Amount of Travel, Coach: 4 hours, 185 miles

The day brought a start to the routine of travel followed by hotel check followed by travel to the venue, rehearsal and show. It was also an opportunity to meet up with former BSM Kevin Coates in his role as an instructor with the Liberty High School band who were the warm-up act. Post show celebrations were geared around the celebration of Musn. Rob Parry's 25th birthday!

 Wednesday 9th January

Show number: 1

Venue: Alumni Hall, US Naval Academy

Time: 7.30pm

The day brought more fine weather to Annapolis. After a morning off the band traveled to the Alumni Hall to have an afternoon dress rehearsal. After a debrief and a lot of kit cleaning excitement mounted as the first show approached. Having spent so much time rehearsing it was great to finally get to perform in front of a live audience and finally get the tour properly underway.

 Above: Dress rehearsal Alumni Hall, Annapolis, BSM keeps an eagle eye!

Tuesday 8th January

 Rehearsals commenced today at the Alumni Hall at the United States Naval Academy. This gave the band and pipes the opportunity to add the finishing touches to the show as the week of rehearsals spent together in November now seemed but  a dim memory!

Left: View across the bay from the Alumni Hall US Naval Academy

Right: Band rehearsing inside the Alumni Hall (Better pictures to follow!) 

Monday 7th January

The band enjoyed a day off after a long day of travel and bomb-burst to take advantage of some shopping, sight-seeing local hostelries etc.

Sunday 6th January

Amount of Travel, Flight: 7 hours, 3,500 miles, Coach: 5 hours, 230 miles

The band arrived at Heathrow airport bleary-eyed having had a 0330hrs Roll-call at Wellington Barracks. British Airways looked after us on our journey across the 'pond' and we landed at JFK airport some 7 hours later. Our travel then continued by coach for 5 hours until we reached our home for the next 3 days, Annapolis, Maryland. Having checked into our rooms we then distributed the 'tour clothing' including polo shirts, rugby shirts and 'dickies'! This only left the band to discover the delights of local night-life!