Local marching band fundraising for DC trip

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A marching band in Wilmington that began drumming up interest in 2015 for kids who want to play music and dance, is now trying to drum up some donations for an upcoming trip.

The Port City Diamondbacks were created to give underprivileged kids an outlet to enjoy themselves in a positive environment and showcase their musical talents.

“We started doing this to get the kids off the streets and have something to do with our free time, since we’ve been drummers and there’s not any more HBCU type bands around,” said DiamondBacks Band Director Tyshoan White.

The band took to the streets over the weekend to promote a fundraising event they are holding next Saturday. The goal of the event is to raise enough money to buy uniforms for the band and finance their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C.

“A friend of mine contacted me and said every year they have an Independence Day parade, so I thought about contacting them. I got in touch with the lady and she invited us down there July third through July fifth,” DiamondBacks Director Juan Kennedy said.

Both directors hope the fundraising event, Battlefest, will raise enough money to allow the band to travel to D.C. for the Independence Day celebration.

“Come support, we definitely need your support!” said Kennedy.

Battlefest will take place at 1501 Castle Street at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 17. Tickets cost $10.