Blue Stars Alumni

07/31/2026

Hey hey Alumni!
We have been working hard to finish all of the meals the members and staff have been eating and working their butts off for this season. We have 1 meal left to cover. Today and tomorrow are the last dates for these to qualify for.

What friends can you come up with? 1960's 70's 80's

Find 4 more of your friends to pitch in $50 to cover $250.00 Here is the link and we hugely thank you for your support.

The 2026 season is here, and we’re excited to get back on the road this summer doing what we love most—drum corps. You can help power the journey by sponsoring a meal (or several) for the  Blue Stars Drum & Bugle Corps . Your donation goes directly toward providing our members, s

07/08/2026

The start of the 2026 drum corps season has started off with exciting changes in the Blue Stars Drum and Bugle Corps and its parent organization, Blue Stars Performing Arts for Youth, Inc with the exiting of Brad Furlano and promotion of Brad Harris as CEO.

In discussions with the administrative leadership, it has been determined that this transition is a good time to put the Oktoberfest Parade Corps on pause while we re-evaluate the needs of the group and how that relates to the Blue Stars and the priorities of the organization’s mission.

Since being dreamt up and brought to life through the tremendous efforts of Steve Severence and Dawn Christianson in 2005, this has been an amazing opportunity for alumni of the Blue Stars and many other corps to experience Oktoberfest and to either connect with old friends or make new ones.

During this time, the Blue Stars leadership will be discussing not only the Oktoberfest Parade Corps, but other ways that alumni can continue to be engaged through meaningful events and activities. We are so grateful to all of you who made the effort to be here and make this such a fun weekend over the years and for your support of the corps! Prost and FCO!

05/18/2026

GOOD MORNING BLUE STARS! will soon be heard in Fayette, IA. If you are interested in volunteering for Spring Training or Tour, please join us TONIGHT at 7:00PM CDT for an informative ZOOM meeting. If you cannot attend and have any questions, please email me ([email protected]). Hope to see you tonight and this summer!
Sue Wilson, Culinary Director is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Blue Stars Volunteers
Time: May 18, 2026 07:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
[https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79325104703...](https://us04web.zoom.us/j/79325104703...)
Meeting chat link
[https://us04web.zoom.us/launch/jc/79325104703](https://us04web.zoom.us/launch/jc/79325104703...)
Meeting ID: 793 2510 4703
Passcode: Q9H2Tg See less

03/12/2026

From sun up to sun down, every day is a great day to be a Blue Star! Spend a meal, a day, or more supporting the 2026 Blue Stars by volunteering. The corps loves when the alumni volunteer and share their stories. BONUS-you will always have time to watch rehearsals or shows. Email [email protected] with any questions.
https://bluestars.org/volunteer

12/31/2025

The Blue Stars are deeply saddened by the passing of John “Bing” Bolstad, a lifelong supporter of the marching arts and a cherished member of the Blue Stars family.

John marched with the Blue Stars in 1968 as a cymbal player and in 1969 as a trumpet, helping lead the corps to finalist finishes at the VFW National Championships. He remained closely connected to drum corps throughout his life as an instructor, judge, and devoted supporter.

John’s passion for education and youth development is reflected in the John “Bing” Bolstad Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to Blue Stars members each season and helps ensure the opportunity to march remains accessible to future generations.

A celebration of John’s life will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin, Minnesota.

We are profoundly grateful for John’s generosity, his dedication to the arts, and his enduring belief in the Blue Stars mission.

Rest in peace, Bing. Your legacy marches on.

12/20/2025

We are remembering Kevin Hanson, a beloved member of the Blue Stars family whose leadership, kindness, and friendship touched so many over the years. Kevin gave his time, heart, and steady guidance to the Blue Stars, leaving a lasting mark on our organization and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

We invite you to read more about Kevin’s life, legacy, and service to the Blue Stars, including information about funeral arrangements and the memorial fund established in his name.

Please keep Kevin’s family and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. 💙

🔗

It is with great sadness that we share Kevin Hanson, an alumnus, Blue Stars Hall of Fame member, board member, long-time volunteer, and friend to all, has passed away.

12/18/2025

It is with great sadness that we share the news that Board President Kevin Hanson has passed away. Kevin was an invaluable part of the Blue Stars family: an exceptional leader, a dedicated advocate for our organization, and a true friend to everyone he met. His kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment made a lasting impact on us all.

Please keep Kevin’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
We will share more information about services as it becomes available.

11/30/2025

Reminder: The Annual General Membership meeting starts 6:00pm Central. More info and zoom link at: https://bluestars.org/latest-news/annual-general-membership-meeting

Hope to see you there!!

The Blue Stars, Performing Arts for Youth, Inc. will hold its annual General Membership meeting on Sunday, November 30, 2025 via Zoom