Mix It Up

[CastleOSullivan]

Mix It Up made its 2016 debut today. I seems the rumors that I heard about a redo were either inaccurate, or they chose not to go on with it. The biggest changes were the flags/banners (which I was told about). Overall, I loved the enthusiasm of the cast, and think this will be a great year. Here are photos of the new banners in action.

 

[The Hessian]

I'm glad to see it back, cause I always thought it was a great show, due in most part of the energy and performance of the cast.

 

[Retiree246]

For anyone that can take the heat, it looks like tomorrow is the last day for Mix It Up! for the season.

 

[Lord Robert]

For anyone that can take the heat, it looks like tomorrow is the last day for Mix It Up! for the season.

Dang it! I was hoping to see it sometime after August 15th. Oh well, there will be other shows to enjoy.

 

[Luke]

Some pics!
[instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BIfm_E1grUm/]
[instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BIf7T3agqss/]
[instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BGPd4x5MG22/]
[instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BGPy_wTMG2v/]
[instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BGPec1JsG4X/]
[instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BGP0AvfsG5v/]

He's my favorite drummer.
[instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BIf7T5WgRWt/]
[instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BIfoMFBACTK/]
[instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BGPyNEwsG0L/]

 

[Lord Robert]

Someone posted a video of this year's Mix It Up! on YT.

 

[Nicole]

Mix It Up will open this year on 02 June, according to the Entertainment Department.

 

[Lord Robert]

I'm so excited that it will be here next Friday and I might see the show when it opens, I'll have to wait and see.

 

[mountaineers]

Anyone here see it on opening day? I was bummed that I had to leave for home this morning and missued seeing it by a day.

 

[Bama]

I watched it 2 times on the first day of the show, only minor changes in it from last year so far. I dont see them tweeking this show much if any at all.

 

[Luke]

Pics of Mix it Up!
[Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU2mUSIF-qo/]
[Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU2nX2Ql9Dn/]
[Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU2nm5NlD34/]
[Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU2sc7wlo6l/]
[Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU2tHJ-lAlT/]
[Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU5FzQEFyjV/][Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU5GKiUlx3h/][Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU5Gd85lmvn/][Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU5QXWTluJ3/][Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU5FzQEFyjV/]
[Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU5dIY0FsSQ/]
[Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU5d0M-Fs83/]
[Instagram=https://instagram.com/p/BU5Kzyhl89U/]

 

[Lord Robert]

The show is as great as ever! Here's to another fantastic year.

 

[Retiree246]

Does anyone know the ending date for MIU this year? It's usually well before Labor Day. Thanks!

 

[Lord Robert]

The official website confirms that Mix it Up! returns for the 2018 season to delight audiences again.

 

[Flyer]

I know some really like "Mix It Up!," but I can't figure out what's so Italian about a marching band half-time show with performers dressed like chefs. I keep hoping for a 1960s/Mad Men-style revue with songs by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin. If Michael Buble and Lady Gaga can do it, why not BGW?

 

[Lord Robert]

The "Italian" part of Mix it Up is more cosmetic than anything else, unfortunately. Despite that, I look forward to see the show each time I visit.

 

[warfelg]

I actually really love this show and put my lunch planning around this. I was a good sax and tube player and always beat myself up more I didn't do something like this with it. So I get to relive my 'glory days'.

And I can say being mostly italian in heritage, a small brass ensemble at our family gatherings (reunions, weddings, funerals) is usually a given.

 

[Zimmy]

I have no issue with this show in theory. It is a bit campy for my taste but it is live music which is better than the horrid singing... My issue is WHERE they have it. These are largely marching band instruments all playing at marching band levels. They need to be in a football field not an amphitheater.

 

[warfelg]

I have no issue with this show in theory.  It is a bit campy for my taste but it is live music which is better than the horrid singing...  My issue is WHERE they have it.  These are largely marching band instruments all playing at marching band levels.  They need to be in a football field not an amphitheater.

Little education here:
These aren't "marching band instruments". These are the same exact trumpets, baritones, mellophones, trombones, tubas that they would be using in small halls, concert halls, and yes in marching bands. In fact when I played, the bigger/louder of my 3 tubas was the one for concert band.

Now the drums are more marching band style, so they've (from what I've noticed) mic'ed up the other instruments to overcome the drumming. And have done the same to the xylophones and other percussion instruments. Their best bet would be to instead mute the drums some.

As for people saying what does this have to do with Italy:
The earliest 'brass' instrument can be traced to Greece. But then in ancient Rome we saw more modern looking 'brass' instruments including the precursor of the tuba, baritone, and trumpet. During the Renaissance Period we saw the modern Tuba, trumbone, and slide trumpet developed.

So Italy really is the 'birthplace' of modern brass instruments and where some of the best brass pieces come from (musically).

On top of that Mix It Up is a tip of the cap to 'Blast' the Broadway musical that started in Europe that is of the same nature. Many of the pieces played in that include French Mediterranean and Italian influences (Parts like Bolero, Villa Borghese).

So knowing all of that I've never had a problem with Mix It Up, where it is, or why they play what they do. Yes I wish for a few other parts to be played but I think it's fine the way it is.

PS:
If you've never seen Blast it's great. Many of the musicians play multiple instruments, can sing, dance, and do color guard moves. Here's some video's of what they do:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSFe5MrudRE&list=PLnjyIZ03cWRISIjpJa_9IG0E7AVDPhavB

 

[Zimmy]

I yield to your superior knowledge. I thought I saw a marching sousaphone and in combo with the drums I drew a conclusion that it was an arrangement for marching. Further the acoustics of the space, plus the tendency for them to play fortissimo led me to my conclusion.