Blue Stars Alumni

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. 💙

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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

12/03/2024

The Corps off to a great start in the TT New Campaign, but could use your support to get us to our goal! See the list of donors at https://bluestars.org/latest-news/tt-new and join them in support of this great project!

A heartfelt Thank You to all of the generous people who donated in support of the TT-New Campaign. Help us raise the funds for this vehicle and join this growing list today!.

09/09/2024

https://bluestars.org/ for all the information regarding Oktoberfest. Join us! We have a blast marching in this parade!!!

06/30/2024

Tonight is the last chance to purchase tickets to the 60th Anniversary Reunion Banquet on July 6. The final numbers for food must be submitted to the caterer tomorrow. Don't miss this chance to hang out with more than 500 Blue Stars, fans, supporters, members, and more!

Admission for one person to the 60th Anniversary Reunion Banquet on Saturday, July 6, 2024

06/17/2024

We've passed 500 for attendance at the 60th Reunion Banquet, but there's room for more. Will we see you there? Still time to get a ticket and catch up with friends.

Admission for one person to the 60th Anniversary Reunion Banquet on Saturday, July 6, 2024

03/23/2024

Join the 2024 Tour!! We need a Lead Van Driver. This is a non-CDL administrative position that requires the driver to be 25 years or older. If you are interested, please email [email protected].