Music on the Mountain returns for its seventh year, bigger and better.
Chairman Art Lane said the 2023 event will feature more groups than ever before.
“Last week we signed a contract with Drum Corps International.” Lane said. “The show will take place on Friday, July 28th at 7pm.”
“We have eight groups this year, the largest ever.” He said.
The two-time defending champion Spartans from Nashua, New Hampshire are back.
The 7th Regiment joins in from New London, Connecticut. A Colombian from the Tri-Cities, Washington. Gold, from San Diego. Les Stentors, from Sherbrooke, Quebec. Raiders from Princeton, New Jersey. Southwind, Mobile, Alabama. Exhibition Group — Calgary Stampede, Calgary, Alberta.
“It’s going to be one of the best shows ever.” Lane said.
Drum Corps have raised prices to keep their shows in the mountains of Sheffield.
“We had a long conversation about not having it.” Lane said. But eventually, organizers are resuming events.
With the cost of hosting an event rising and local ticket prices having to move in the same direction, Lane wanted more shows. “We’ve been working pretty closely with Drum Corps since our last show to push the bigger show forward.” He said.
Previously, tickets were $13 in advance and $15 at the gate. These will move to $15 pre-sale and $20 at the gates of the 2023 show.
“we have to,” Lane said. “We were priced $13 out of the market. Everyone else was charging $20 to $25.”
But for that increase, the number of bands doubles. The 2022 event will feature four legions and was the first to take place after a two-year COVID-related hiatus.
More bands don’t just create more music and more competition.
“It will require extra work in terms of finding housing.” Lane said. Most of the locations are set up, with schools in Sheffield, Tidyhort, Kane, East Forest and West Forest ready to welcome visitors.
Groups usually stay at least a day or two before the show. Visitors can observe in action at the host site.
Music on the Mountain’s website — smotm.org — will be upgraded. “We will make it more attractive and include more information about the Corps.” Lane said.