The Blue Knights have announced their 2022 show titled Vibe.
”Celebrating and exploring the unique culture and setting of our hometown, Denver, the Blue Knights 2022 production, “Vibe”, looks to combine elements of urban art and style with the recognizable aesthetic synonymous to the Blue Knights.
The vibrancy of colors, the vibration of textures and sounds, and a vibe that can only be described as uniquely Blue Knights will represent the diversity of our members’ self-exploration and personal identification as we encourage the spectator to experience the musical, visual, and marching arts in a new way.”
Featuring the Music Of:
Neglected Space – Imogen Heap
Wailers – Bobby McFerrin
Don’t Worry Be Happy – Bobby McFerrin
She – Laura Mvula
Locked Out of Heaven – Bruno Mars
Their show announcement was not as forthcoming with elaborate details as others. AND I LIKE IT THAT WAY!!! While I appreciate designer interviews, uniform leaks, and set-piece metallurgy all before the first show, I must say that I “vibe” with groups who leave something to the imagination/interpretation. I love to think just as much as I like to be beaten over the head. Yes, you can dig both.
Recently, we’ve seen many groups return to their roots by honoring their hometown or themselves with their Summer programming. The musical selections are no different here! The past Blue Knights shows have had an almost rubato and improvisational flow to them both musically and visually. They are unique to say the least. Neglected Space and She absolutely fit perfectly with that musical aesthetic. Wailers comes from Bobby McFerrin’s critically-acclaimed album titled VOCAbuLarieS. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear some chill vocals during their interpretation of this piece. He is the King of creating unique musical environments which lines right up with how the people from Denver do business.
McFerrin did a YoungArts Masterclass several years ago and he said the following when meeting his small group of students:
”You will be a success when you really find your voice, when you sing tunes your way with your phrasing, and your inflection and it’s you.”
That’s how you vibe. That’s how you Blue Knights.