River City Rhythm’s 2025 production, “Winds of Change,” pays tribute to one of the greatest American songwriters of all-time, Bob Dylan, with a repertoire completely composed of Dylan’s iconic music.
“We’re very pumped this season,” said River City Rhythm drum major Carter Grupe. “We’ve had a lot of growth throughout the season especially with our scores and past seasons, and it’s really awesome. Everyone’s really pumped just to have an even greater run this year at finals.”
For River City Rhythm’s 10th anniversary season, the Minnesota corps highlights Dylan, a native and legend of their home state, who rose to prominence in the 1960s. During a period of civil unrest in the United States, Dylan’s music promoted change and peace in order to create a more unified American society.
“We have our featured song, “Blowin’ in the Wind,” and a lot of the show shows themes of protest and chaos, and then sort of resolve from speaking and fighting for change,” Grupe said. “It definitely means a lot for our Minnesotan corps.”
Dylan’s music had a bit of a resurgence toward the end of 2024. This upturn was due in large part to the release of the Dylan-inspired, biopic movie “A Complete Unknown,” which starred renowned actor Timothée Chalamet in the lead role as Dylan. Chalamet went on to be nominated for the Oscar for Best Actor for his portrayal of the music icon.
Though Dylan may be a name more familiar to older audiences, his impact spans across generations as more younger fans listen to his music.
“I’ve definitely heard Dylan’s name before; I didn’t know too much about him before I started this season, but I’ve definitely come to learn and listen to some more of his music,” Grupe said. “I’m sure the corps’ members have a little bit more of a connection now too.”
As River City Rhythm heads down the final stretch of the 2025 DCI Tour before the Open Class World Championship Prelims on August 4, the corps is aiming to ride the momentum from its strong first half of the season into Marion, Indiana.
“The season’s been really good; the members are really enjoying their time, and people are enjoying the show,” Grupe said. “It’s super special to be a part of the season.”
After scoring within 1.275 points of a first-ever trip to the DCI World Championship Semifinals last summer — and earning its highest all-time overall placement of 27th — River City Rhythm has plenty of competitive opportunity for which to strive in the remaining days of the 2025 season.
The corps will have two more performances – one on July 31 in Marion, Ohio and one on Aug. 2 in Allendale, Michigan – before making its way into World Championships Week.
And as the 2025 DCI Tour nears its end, River City Rhythm’s mindset is staying simple, as the corps looks to polish its production to its highest potential.
“It’s definitely a lot of pressure, ” Grupe said. “It’s definitely showing that some people really realize we’ve got two weeks left of this, so the corps is really pushing and grinding to the end to make the show the best this corps has ever done.”
View remaining dates on River City Rhythm’s 2025 tour schedule
