The bands selected are from all over the nation from Alabama to Wisconsin to Texas and all over the world including Costa Rica, Japan and Sweden (as well as some Jan. 1 stalwarts from around Southern California).
Organizers say Mike Gin, key event booster who died suddenly earlier this month, would have been pleased with the event he spent so much of his life pulling together
Bandfest, the annual pre-Rose Parade showcase of marching bands, brings bands - and their cultures - from all over the world. This year, it included Na Koa Ali'i' Hawaii All State Marching Band, with members recovering from the devastating Maui fire.