ADAM WEKARSKI VIBES!

[adamwekarskivibes]

2026 DRUM CORPS INTERNATIONAL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS "RATE OF AWESOME" (BY ADAM WEKARSKI)

1. Bluecoats

Blue Stars

2. Blue Knights

Boston Crusaders

Colts

Phantom Regiment

3. Blue Devils

Carolina Crown

Santa Clara Vanguard

Spirit of Atlanta

4. The Cavaliers

5. Troopers

So, for anyone who is wondering: I, Adam Wekarski, have created what I refer to as my "Rate of Awesome" ranking system for the Top 12 Finalist Drum and Bugle Corps that perform each year at the Drum Corps International World Championships (usually held in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. each year).

I speak as a drum corps vet (having marched in Magic of Orlando Drum and Bugle Corps in 2002; OH YEAH!), a DCI Finalist, and a DCI Champion (Div. II/Open Class). DCI has no official affiliation with my "Unofficially Official" ranking system that I have declared on my own time (in my total love for all things DCI & drum corps-related and/or marching band-related [the springboard to drum corps; and WGI for that matter, but that's a whole other topic altogether]).

This is my ranking system I started back in 2022 during DCI's 50th year of existence. ..I figured I'd might as well give some form of positive praise & recognition of my own to further validate & testify the beautiful quality of all of the shows that are put on each year (God-willing) by each corps.

Here are the Official results from DCI World Championships in 2026 (one of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE YEARS IN DCI):

1. Bluecoats 99.100

2. Blue Devils 97.500

3. Carolina Crown 97.038

4. Boston Crusaders 95.675

5. Santa Clara Vanguard 95.025

6. Blue Stars 94.137

7. Phantom Regiment 92.600

8. The Cavaliers 92.175

9. Colts 90.125

10. Spirit of Atlanta 88.588

11. Troopers 86.950

12. Blue Knights 86.175

Congrats to Bluecoats on their 3rd Championship Win EVER!! Congrats to Phantom for their 70th Year Anniversary as a Corps!! Congrats to Spirit of Atlanta for their 50th Year Anniversary as a Corps (and also glad to see ya in Finals again! Love your show! Love your vibe! SO BEACH!)!

I think it's important to let everyone know that Blue Stars put on one of my Favorite Drum Corps Shows of ALL TIME. In fact, Blue Stars are now Officially MY 3RD ALL-TIME FAVORITE DRUM CORPS (tied with Santa Clara Vanguard)!!! Blue Stars have been a corps I have grown to love in recent years. The 2026 Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps put on a show I will always cherish experiencing, not only as a drum corps vet, but as a fan of drum corps. Blue Stars show is one of the most Beautiful shows I've ever seen in my life. An absolute Powerhouse performance by a corps I absolutely ADORE (multiple standing ovations from me to you)!!

Lastly, it must be said that Blue Knights put on my ALL-TIME FAVORITE show by that corps that I've ever seen (so far). BIG FAN OF 2026 BLUE KNIGHTS. That show also became one of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE DRUM CORPS SHOWS. Absolutely breath-taking (tear-jerking stuff).

Aside from that: Perfect work as always from everyone who hosted & presented the corps and all of the inside scoop on the latest news on each corps and each result from all of the shows this season. 2026 will be a season people won't forget, that's for sure.

..Don't get me started on Bluecoats.. AND Phantom.. AND Blue Devils.. AND Crown.. AND Cavies (BANG-A-RANG!).. Okay. You know what.. AND Boston.. Okay, I'm done listing amazingness for now.. Ooh! COLTS that's one of my ALL-TIME Fave Colts shows (if not, my fave).. GO WATCH THE SHOWS FROM DCI THIS YEAR (check it out on YouTube). (..dude..Troopers did a show with "Apocalypse Now" themes all up in it... I love that movie...)

..Ooh! Wasn't it SO FUN when Rita Moreno (from "West Side Story") was there with Steve Rondinaro having a nice reunion??? That was AMAZING! She made me laugh so hard (you'd have to have seen it to know what I'm talking about). That was one of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE DCI MOMENTS: 100% Perfect Score (Hahaha)! Rita Moreno is SUCH a breath of fresh air (I always thought so when I would watch the footage from when she co-hosted DCI Finals back in the 1980s; God Love Her).

Hope everyone made it home safe from tour and I'm REALLY looking forward to next season. Holy smokes! I'm BEYOND proud to be a DCI vet; I'm Blessed!

..Until next time..

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL DRUM CORPS

SUPPORT THE PERFORMING ARTS

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL MUSICIANS

Have a Good Time, Everybody! This one is for DCI.

Sincerely,

Adam Wekarski

Post-Script: For anyone who needs the "Rate of Awesome" in a regular format..

2026 DCI World Championships Rate of Awesome:

1. Bluecoats & Blue Stars

2. Blue Knights & Boston Crusaders & Colts & Phantom Regiment

3. Blue Devils & Carolina Crown & Santa Clara Vanguard & Spirit of Atlanta

4. The Cavaliers

5. Troopers

*All Photography is from Drum Corps International's web site. Go to dci.org to learn more about "Marching Music's Major League" and remember to always support music education for the youth.*

Post-Post-Script: I'd like to give a very honorable praise & recognition to a group that I have seen perform many times (since I was about 16 years old at my first time at DCI Finals [back in 2001; Outstanding year])..

..The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps.

This is a group I have seen perform live PLENTY of times (both in person AND through TV/Online/etc), and I'd like to give them some form of proper recognition for their growth & overall improvement throughout the years (I applaud you!).

The U.S. Marine Drum and Bugle Corps has definitely gotten better each year. The membership has grown and the show design gets better each year. It's refreshing to see the quality increase as time goes by. Plus, I always enjoy seeing & hearing the traditional patriotic music incorporated into each show (seamlessly so). Always a delight.

In fact, I always look forward to seeing what the corps will do next. It's a beautiful segment before the show (as a part of the preamble to the competition itself).

I imagine that there are others who enjoy it as much as I do (I'm a military brat; I've always been a patriotic American ever since I was a baby). My enthusiasm for those shows is more than just a love for music & athleticism & artwork - it's also about our freedom to express ourselves as a sovereign nation & the opportunity we have, as a country, to further explore this notion of educational & meaningful experiences that shall forever connect to the lives [of whom] shall inherit these attributes of Liberty, Freedom, & Justice For ALL (not just in America, but perhaps even on a grander scale).

I had always wanted to say something Good about The United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps (for years, but other social media applications would not allow a substantial amount of text). I'm glad I could say something nice about them (FINALLY!).

Lastly, always remember that the most important thing to know about DCI & drum corps [itself] is that it always has been AND ALWAYS SHOULD BE about the life-enriching (and Educational) experiences of the members themselves. That is what drum corps truly is about when all is said and done.

Take care,

Adam

[adamwekarskivibes]

"Cicatriz Esp"

INCREDIBLE BAND.

Highly recommended listening for anyone who loves psychedelic/experimental rock music (with a Latino flair).

Perfect for fans of bands like Steppenwolf, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Doors, or anything with an eclectic rhythm and/or highly thought-provoking thematic elements (and plenty of jam-band vibes that'll make fans of bands like Phish jump with glee).

[adamwekarskivibes]

"Last Nite"

I've always LOVED this band's music.

*More sounds from my life during my 20s*

[adamwekarskivibes]

"Coffeelocks"

My favorite song off of this album.

I have not heard everything by Gavin Castleton, but what I have heard has confirmed that he is truly an exceptional Songwriter (The same goes for Lauren Coleman; another exceptionally-gifted Songwriter with one of the most Beautiful singing voices I've ever heard [with all due respect]).

...Here's to concept albums...

*More sounds from my life during my 20s*

[adamwekarskivibes]

"Wonderlust King"

One of The Greatest Bands of ALL TIME!!!!!

ONE OF THE GREATEST BANDS YOU WILL EVER SEE LIVE (my wife & I TOTALLY SAW GOGOL BORDELLO ABOUT 20 YEARS AGO in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A!)

DEFINITELY one of my Favorite Bands OF ALL TIME!!!!!

[adamwekarskivibes]

"The Taste of Ink"

I can probably only count like 2 songs I actually know from this band (never really got into them as much as the other bands), but I always thought this was a really, really good music video (and song, of course).

I've heard their stuff before and I liked what I heard (long time ago).

I'm not an official Fan-fan of The Used, but I know those dudes can throw down on stage.

This one goes out to anyone who hates to vomit while singing (AND SCREAMING.DON'TFORGETTHESCREAMING)!!!!

"SO, HERE I AM

IT'S IN MY HANDS,

AND I'LL SAVOR

EVERY MOMENT OF THIS.

SO, HERE I AM..

ALIVE AT LAST!!

AND I'LL SAVOR

EVERY MOMENT OF THIS!!!!"

[adamwekarskivibes]

I'd like to express this message out to Gal Gadot as an effort to get through to Gal.

I find myself in the position of doing the same thing you were doing in the movie, "Wonder Woman"; a movie I truly take to heart.

Gal Gadot...Gal Gal Gal... Gal "Wonder Woman" Gadot...

...Do you truly believe that what you are supporting is what is truly best for the world?... With all due respect, I would like to remind us all of the reality that is before us in our country (and our world). More specifically, Ms. Gadot.. Is it Ms. or Mrs?..

...Now I'm not gonna go full blown David Krumholtz level of expressing my opinion on the matter (from what I hear he is more-than-likely blasting folks online in a very, very, very heated argument that I honestly don't want to partake in for my own sanity's sake..plus heartburn..there's a significant level of heartburn involved...and then ya gotta get the antacids, it's a whole big thing..it's a headache... I wish I had the luxury to go full *Spirit Fingers* on my phone [trust me]... but I don't... instead, I have to spend my time trying to reason with people who have had greater access to a more privileged existence in our waking life [as I still am a working class man who had to earn EVERYTHING IN MY LIFE WHILE YOU WERE BOTH ALREADY IN MOVIES AND ON TV {FOR YEARS; again, with all due respect}]), but let's get back to the most important matter at hand here. Shall we???

...If you want to promote your beliefs - Do it. Go down that path. Where you end up - God only knows... I just pray to God that you've made the right choice.. for your sake(s).

I know why these wars are REALLY happening...That's all I'm gonna say.

In case if anyone is wondering: Yes it bums me out to have to say such things to people whose work I have an infinite amount of admiration for & I just pray to God that they do not see me as an enemy because I have yet to see them as such.

I do this as an act of good Faith towards Gal Gadot (can I call you, GiGi?..No??..You don't like G.G.???... alright good call... this is like that time I may or may not have called David Krumholtz, "Davey"... [he hates it when you call him that...I don't actually know if that's the case..but it's probably half true]...or "Krummy" [his eyes literally turn full red from the rage; i don't recommend ever calling David Krumholtz, "Krummy.".. just don't do it).

GAL GADOT PLEASE KNOW THAT I MEAN NO DISRESPECT, I JUST WISH YOU WOULD TAKE A STANCE WORTH HAVING (I DIGRESS).

...ya know...that Wonder Woman has got a lot of things figured out... she's a truly wise being.. it would be a shame if we were to miss her message.. don't ya think, GG?

...where's krummy...[???]..KRUMMY?!?...Where art thou, Krumholtz???

(I cope with humor...I cope with humor...COPING WITH HUMOR)

Post-Script & Left-Field-Humor: With all commentary aside, I certainly do pray to God that we can come to a time where no more blood has to be shed REGARDLESS OF WHAT EACH OF US BELIEVE. I'd like to think that we are dignified enough to be able to display some more thought into what is truly happening in our world (no matter what you support)..

...I'm telling you - there is something that is truly amiss and it's not the enemy that has been perpetuated by tradition - there is a greater threat occurring within our modern society and it goes beyond spiritual wars - we are all subject to the illusions. I am saying nothing more.

[adamwekarskivibes]

The 2nd Greatest Fake Movie Band of ALL TIME: (a tie)

PiNK SLiP! ("Freaky Friday [2003]" & "Freakier Friday")

STILLWATER ("Almost Famous")

..If you missed it, I had mentioned previously how The Greatest Fake Movie Band of ALL TIME is a tie between Spinal Tap (from, "Spinal Tap") & The Wonders (from "That Thing You Do").

These are bands I would love to see live, but may only be able to see live in the movies that they are in... and I think I'm fine with that.

Here's to ALL FAKE MOVIE BANDS: MAY YOU FOREVER ROCK!!

[adamwekarskivibes]

"Whispering"

"So, we take the night.

If we fall, we're done.

So, then - take it right.

This one chance, we've got..

Don't mess up..

Fight with Pride

And Fight to The End

Strike On

This is your chance

Make it Worth Your Life.

..So, be careful what you see.

...It can mean the end...

Be careful what you read.

They're planning the end.. of you..

Fight With Pride

AND FIGHT TO THE END"

*More Sounds from my life during my 20s*

This is my favorite song off of this album (from Ace Enders of The Early November [as well as a few other projects I'm sure]); an album that showed me IT'S OKAY TO LEAVE THE TV ON IN THE BACKGROUND.

Here's to The United States of America & the good people in the WORLD.

[adamwekarskivibes]

"F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X."

One of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE BANDS TO SEE LIVE.

AMAZING band. Saw these dudes at the social in Orlando years ago and it was one of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE SHOWS IN MY LIFE!

LOVE this tune (and I was singing the FUCK [AND SCREAMING/DON'T FORGET SCREAMING!!!] out of this one BACK WHEN THIS ALBUM FIRST CAME OUT (BEFORE THAT SHIT WAS IN 'GUITAR HERO').

This one goes out to anyone else who sang the FUCK out of this song!!

[adamwekarskivibes]

"Coney Island"

One of my Favorite Bands of ALL TIME.

*More Sounds from my Life during my 20s*

(Fun Fact: The band's name derives from each band member's last names; Keith Goodwin, Tim Arnold, & Dan Schwartz)

Some of the best music you will ever hear in your life.

[adamwekarskivibes]

"Seven Years"

Ya get a double dose of Anthony today (see my earlier post; see Circa Survive).

This was the very first song I ever heard that dude singing/screaming in.

I have to admit I've always loved singing & screaming along to this one (their early shit was SUPERB).

THIS and THE SOUND OF ANIMALS FIGHTING... I sang the FUCK out of those bands' songs (ESPECIALLY the early shit)....and screaming.. was I not clear about the screaming???.. the screaming wasn't implied????...

although I do love singin' along to some Zolof The Rock and Roll Destroyer, too.. (if ya know ya know)..

*More Sounds from my life during my 20s*

(this one goes out too anyone else who sang the fuck out of this song)

...for anyone wondering: "Saosin" is a Chinese term (as I understand), which means "a stone heart" or "an individual with a stone heart" (I'm speaking from memory). A fascinating artistic statement (brought forth from Eastern Philosophy). I didn't really listen to this band when they got big (with the new singer), but I enjoyed this band very much in that brief moment with the original line-up.

[adamwekarskivibes]

"If You C Jordan"

AWESOME band to see live! I'll never forget seeing this dude (the lead singer/piano player) SETTING HIS PIANO ON FIRE & SETTING HIS DRUMMER'S CYMBAL ON FIRE AS HE WAS SMACKIN' THE SHIT OUT OF IT WITH A DRUM STICK (WHILE IT WAS ON FIRE [DON'T try that at home, DUDES])!!!!!! Definitely one of my favorite bands to experience live.

*More Sounds from my life during High School*

(although "North" was also sounds during my late teens/early 20s)

THIS ONE GOES OUT TO ANYONE WHO HAS EVER BEEN ANTAGONIZED BY SELF-RIGHTEOUS ASSHOLES

(LISTEN TO THE ALBUM VERSION OF THIS SONG; NO CENSORSHIP)

[adamwekarskivibes]

"Fall Behind Me"

Who Doesn't Love The Donnas?????

[adamwekarskivibes]

"Act Appalled"

EXCELLENT band, dudes!

*More Sounds from my Life during my 20s*

[adamwekarskivibes]

"God and Mars"

My favorite song off of the album, "Mapping an Invisible World" (tied with, "It's Not Over"; love that tune).

*More Sounds from my Life during My 20s*

[adamwekarskivibes]

"Smashed into Pieces"

*More Sounds from My Life During My 20s*

(This video contains some gnarly fake blood, dudes. Friendly fyi)

Post Script: Look.. I know what you're probably thinkin'..

.."Adam.. Where's the pain??"

Well, this is the stuff I was listening to in my 20s, people.. "Deal with it."

(yeahijustquotedtonyperkisbecauseimperkisizingbiiiiiiiiiiitch)

..If it's too much for ya, that's fine. Just don't watch it. Plain & simple.

..I listen to heavy shit when I'm goin' through heavy shit. I'm sure you can understand.

Right now the world is goin' through some heavy shit so I figured I'd give some form of creative outlet for others who need a constructive way to channel any form of rage/anger/aggression/madness/frustration/disappointment/sadness/disgust/or any other relevant vibe that might be applicable in our modern time.

I went through some harsh shit in my 20s, so I figured since I'm in a better place in my life now - there's probably other people who are goin' through harsh shit right now that could use a song like this (God only knows, dude). This is my way of paying it forward in some respect. Letting others have some form of identifiable catharsis (perhaps).

..If I'm gettin' too wordy for ya I'll just stop.. in fact.. enough words..

If you don't like harder music like this then feel free to explore the vibe on my blog (I've got a fuckton more other artists for you to enjoy if your personal taste is more laid-back). I don't mind it (obviously).

Plus, I honestly haven't listened to this band in like 20 fuckin' years so this is fun & interesting for me (as well as a lot of other bands I've been posting recently; nice to revisit these songs).

Dude.. we need more fake blood in music.. not really.. in fact.. less blood. You know what??.. Here's a fun thought.. How about: No Blood??

..how 'bout tryin' that out for a test drive??..

..less [blood] is more (??)..

(Okay I'm done talking about blood)

..never saw these dudes live, but I did blast this album while driving around Orlando after it came out..

Even though my life is not as harsh now does not mean I don't have problems (trust me, there's plenty of people who are more-than-willing to give me & my wife problems because they're too lost to see their sins). In fact, I've got plenty of things going on in my life that could easily be considered "problems", but I say "FUCK YOU" to anything that tries to be a problem to me (and anyONE, too).

..all in all.. I guess you could say I like this song (HAHA!).