So glad I risked my life to make it here last night-- have to get my Minnesota show choir fill somehow (jk the roads really weren't that bad). I have to say how INCREDIBLY impressed I was with the groups in finals last night.
Kennedy-- So in love with the concept that showed so much versatility throughout the show. I really enjoyed the serious nature of the first half of the show and then the comedic side of the theme that came out in the last two pieces. The ghostbusters number was the most entertaining of the entire night, in my opinion. Your crisp visuals, clever show, and absolutely KILLER band left a great impression on me!
Waconia-- I've seen you twice already this season but I'm so glad I got to see you a third time. I just have to say that "Advice to a Young Firefly" is my all around favorite number I've ever seen Power Company do ever. Those vocals leading up to that first dance break were astounding, and then the GUITAR FEATURE and of course the glow in the dark all had me in tears, so thank you. (Also the triangle hit at the end of #4 is the most tasteful ending of a song I think I have ever experience, so thank you for that as well)
Totino-- I got to host you at UNL this year and it was really nice getting to see so many familiar faces kill it last night! The amount of growth between that second week in January and last night was incredible! I am so in love with that ballad-- the duet really nails it-- and the energy just keeps growing from there til the end of the show! Please come back to Nebraska next year!
St. Francis-- I also haven't seen you since the first weekend of January at Ankeny Centennial and couldn't be more impressed with the growth. My favorite thing about this group (besides the astounding vocals, of course) is the sheer passion I see in their performances. Like I said earlier, just non-stop smiling from me... seriously-- my face hurts by the end of the show. Congrats on your first win of the season! Well deserved!
Bemidji-- You guys had my favorite performance of the night. Absolutely in LOVE. I have been a big fan since I saw you last year at this event, but you all just shattered my expectations. Stunning visuals, not only in the design and execution of your choreography, but the costumes were also some of my favorites I've ever seen. The band was incredible as well. Ballad was beautiful, girls song was a showstopper, and the closer just put the biggest smile on my face-- such a good ending.
Honestly the biggest take-away is that I could have seen any of these groups with the win last night, and that's what made this so interesting and fun to watch. Literally after every single group went on I asked myself "how are they not in first?!?!". I wish you all could have won! Truly all Grand Champion caliber groups.
1st St Francis
2nd Totino Grace
3rd Waconia
4th Bemidji
5th Kennedy
6th TTones
St. Francis was the easy pic for first in my opinion, the middle 4 could go a myriad of different ways I think - they were quite close in my eyes. Finals could end up totally different!
Class A
1 Waconia Current
2 Bemidji La Voce Ballo (BB Class A)
3 Bloomington Kennedy Girls
Best Band Totino
Best Opener Bemidji
Best Ballad Waconia
Best Closer Bloomington Kennedy
Best Crew Waconia
Finalists no order
Totino Grace Men
Waconia Power Company
Bemidji Vocalmotive
Bloomington Kennedy RIG
Totino Grace Company of Singers
St. Francis Bridge St Singers
Class A
1 Waconia Current
2 Bemidji La Voce Ballo (BB Class A)
3 Bloomington Kennedy Girls
Best Band Totino
Best Opener Bemidji
Best Ballad Waconia
Best Closer Bloomington Kennedy
Best Crew Waconia
Finalists no order
Totino Grace Men
Waconia Power Company
Bemidji Vocalmotive
Bloomington Kennedy RIG
Totino Grace Company of Singers
St. Francis Bridge St Singers
bemidji!!! dang!!! LOVED the first half of the show. your men are very strong! and that april james choreo, you're killing it!!! very very strong dancers. my only fear is that your band is overpowering your vocals in your closer.
also, please teach me how you're getting these black tights on. where can i get the women's closer costumes??? give me all the mesh.
holy moly!!! i am SO impressed with waconia. this has to be my favorite show since the 2011 season. i love the concept.... they need to work on not throwing away phrases in the closer, but still amazing! very proud i used to be a part of this program, even though it was eons ago.
Woah, I was double checking the schedule to decide when to leave Minneapolis.... Waconia??? Could it be true??? I didn't think I would be able to see them this season!
Not totally mad that this had pretty much turned into a battle of the top Minnesota choirs...minus Jefferson and North St. Paul respectively...and obviously Hastings can't compete. This'll be fun! I can't think of the last time if ever(?) this many MN choirs have gone head-to-head. I think the closest would have been Totino 2011 or 2012? But this is JUST Minnesota choirs. I'm sad I won't get to see Centennial and Johnston Live, but I guess this battle will do!
Hastings Swingin' on the River 2017
(jk the roads really weren't that bad). I have to say how INCREDIBLY impressed I was with the groups in finals last night.
(Also the triangle hit at the end of #4 is the most tasteful ending of a song I think I have ever experience, so thank you for that as well)
