Rain yields spotlight to Day 2 of Bandfest, tribute to beloved supporter of event – Daily News

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Rain yields spotlight to Day 2 of Bandfest, tribute to beloved supporter of event – Daily News

From the sounds of it, Bandfest 2023 would have been Mike Gin-approved.

Where else would the tip-tapping of rain give way to a joyous array of martial tunes, Disney hits, jazz swings and parade favorites?

Related: Rose Parade 2024: Bandfest Day 1 comes in loud and clear at Pasadena City College

The Music Committee honors the life of committee member, Michael Gin,with the Pipes on Parade who played xe2x80x9cAmazing Gracexe2x80x9d during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
The Music Committee honors the life of committee member, Michael Gin,with the Pipes on Parade who played “Amazing Grace” during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)

Bandfest, the Tournament of Roses’ two-day, three-show celebration of bands, welcomed a full-house crowd to Robinson Stadium on the campus of Pasadena City College Saturday. An early-morning rainstorm didn’t pause the music — but one discordant note was the absence of Tournament of Roses member Gin, vice chair of the committee that puts on the event.

Gin, of South Pasadena, died suddenly after a fall on Dec. 16. He was 55.

The Tournament of Roses family of “White Suiters,” to which Gin belonged for 27 years, was heartbroken, said committee chairwoman Ciran Hadjian.

Pipes on Parade: The Massed Pipes and Drums band — making their Rose Parade debut this year — performed a Highland tribute of “Amazing Grace” in honor of Gin.

“Mike was someone who lived like others wished they could live,” said fellow Tournament member Rushmore Cervantes of Altadena. The two spent many days watching USC football games and nights discussing baseball, and community service over whiskey and cigars.

“He contributed to social causes and spent so much time and effort helping others, while also doing a lot of fun things,” Cervantes said. “He was an outstanding character. He touched so many lives in his cool fashion. He went out on top.”

Phil Orozco spent more than 20 years working with Gin on different Tournament of Roses committees. His children called Gin “Uncle Mike.” Gin’s nickname for his friend was “Big Phil.”

“Mike exemplified what it was to be a community person,” Orozco said. “He was always giving back. Last Thanksgiving, he ran a baseball clinic for kids in Echo Park and at the end of it, he gave away all the equipment.”

A newlywed, Gin spoke with Orozco the morning of his death, updating him on when his bride would be moving to California permanently from Vietnam.

“He was excited and hopeful,” Orozco said. “We lost someone who gave so much. He will be remembered and he will be missed.”

Services are planned in late January, but one tribute to the longtime volunteer and entrepreneur will happen on New Year’s Day. The University of Michigan marching band will dedicate their Rose Parade and Rose Bowl performance to him.

Music Committee Chair, Ciran Hadjian, center, with Walter Besocke, left, and Jeanette Collier, right, honor the life of committee member, Michael Gin, with the Pipes on Parade who played "Amazing Grace" during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Music Committee Chair, Ciran Hadjian, center, with Walter Besocke, left, and Jeanette Collier, right, honor the life of committee member, Michael Gin, with the Pipes on Parade who played “Amazing Grace” during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)

Christine Yee, Bandfest captain, said Gin was a quintessential “White Suiter,” someone with a day job who nevertheless dedicates evenings, weekends and holidays to make sure America’s New Year’s Celebration goes off without a hitch.

“I love the music and the bands that are really at the top of their game,” she said of Bandfest. Band parents and boosters also deserve a shout-out for all the fundraising and instrument-carrying, snack bar-selling they do, said master of ceremonies Jim Hahn.

“There’s not one student out there not giving 110 %,” he said.

Alissa Fields, 16, of Jenks High School in Oklahoma, is part of the school choir. She said she’s proud her group is the first choir to sing at Bandfest.

“(The trip) so far has been fun and exciting, and to know we’re paving the way for other choirs is excellent,” she said.

This year’s bands came from Japan and Costa Rica, as well as 10 other states, including Hawaii. Their repertoire included “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” “America the Beautiful” and “Grand Ol’ Flag.”

Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian said he was happy “just to watch the kids come together, play music and have fun.”

Band director Scott Hillock led a group of 240 band kids and about as many chaperones from Oklahoma. The group rocked the stadium before treating themselves to their second In-N-Out dinner. They also helped decorate floats and caught “The Christmas Story” production at the Ahmanson Theater, all before their Big Day on the 135th Rose Parade.

“This is a positive experience they’ll remember the rest of their lives,” Hillock said.

Pulaski High School Red Raider Marching Band from Pulaski, Wisconsin performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)
Pulaski High School Red Raider Marching Band from Pulaski, Wisconsin performs during the Tournament of Roses Bandfest in Robinson Stadium at Pasadena City College on Saturday Dec. 30, 2023. (Photo by Keith Durflinger, Contributing Photographer)

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