Concord Blue Devils cancel tour, request donations -

The Blue Devils Performing Arts group of Concord has canceled its summer tours in line with drum corps around the country due to health and safety concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Blue Devils are the world’s preeminent drum corps. They won their 19th world championship last August. Now, they are in need of help with funding to keep the organization going through the year.

They posted the following letter asking for help from supporters and fans:

Dear Friends of the Blue Devils,

We believe in supporting the health and well-being of all participants in BD Performing Arts programs, including our members, staff, volunteers, and families.

We have been closely following and adhering to the guidance of the CDC and WHO, and we are committed to providing the safest possible environment, now and through these challenging times. Global health and economic conditions are currently affecting our ability to operate BDPA programs amidst these challenging circumstances.

After much deliberation with the Drum Corps International Voting Membership, the decision has been made to cancel the 2020 DCI summer tour. We at BD Performing Arts agree and support this decision. As a result, we are suspending specific BDPA programs as we work through a more favorable time to resume. This includes the Blue Devils, BDB, BDC, BDI, and Special Needs Guard.

We firmly believe that these conditions will not persist indefinitely. We will continue to work on all options available to us during this time. We intend to use the remainder of the 2020 calendar year to prepare for the future. Our hearts go out to the thousands of performers in the pageantry activity that have been affected by the coronavirus crisis.

To be able to resume our programs at the appropriate time, we must maintain a minimum level of funding. At this time, we ask for your help to keep BDPA in operation.

Blue Devils are World Champions for the 19th time — *(Ryan Carr photo courtesy Blue Devils)*

More than ever, We Need You! As you know, BDPA is a nonprofit organization. As such, the ability to execute our mission successfully requires ongoing philanthropic support from individuals like you along with funding from our BD Bingo program, which is currently closed due to the coronavirus. To ensure that we can resume our programs at the appropriate time, we ask you to consider making an investment in BDPA while we face this rapidly changing public health crisis. No amount is too small. We welcome and we thank you for your donation of any amount.

To donate, please visit bluedevils.org/donate or email donations@bluedevils.org.

We are aware that this information will create questions. We intend to reach out to all members and constituents within the next 7-10 days. At this time, we request your patience as we contact everyone. We have also developed an FAQ page.

We have never given up in any situation. We won’t back down. Ever. Our organization has always risen to every challenge we have faced and we are determined to meet this one confidently and unafraid. We understand that this crisis is affecting everyone. Please be safe and stay healthy.

Thank you.

Tags: Blue Devils