Who we are
Reign City Riot is a brass band and drumline that supplies high-energy entertainment before, during, and after home matches of OL Reign, our powerhouse professional NWSL soccer team. A joint venture of OL Reign and Rainbow City Performing Arts, the Riot includes many members of other RCPA ensembles and music groups from around the community who share a common love of music, OL Reign, and bringing spirit to both the athletes and the fans.
What we do
Reign City Riot performs for about 30 minutes both before and after matches, and plays a feature set during the halftime break. Our drumline plays an extensive set of cheers during matches to keep the Reign supporters and fans on their feet and help drive us to victory. Our music generally consists of current high-energy pop and rock tunes that our fans know and love.
During the 2022 season, we're performing at OL Reign's new home, Lumen Field in Seattle.
Our history
Our relationship with Reign FC began in the fall of 2015,
when drumline member John Arrowsmith approached the RCPA board with a proposal to work with the Reign to provide drumline cheers at home games. After working through logistics with the Reign, creating a book of drumline cheers, and plenty of rehearsal time, this new partnership debuted the following spring. During the 2016 and 2017 seasons, the drumline became regulars and fan favorites as they pumped up the crowds at Seattle's Memorial Stadium.
As the Reign was planning for its 2018 season, it approached RCPA with a proposal to bring a full pep band to the stands. Assistant Director Erin Keeton-Howard worked with the Reign, John, and the drumline to create an experience for fans before, during, and after the game. We piloted Queen City Corps in May 2018 for the first of a four-match pilot season (the drumline continued to play at all home matches.)
Fan response was instantly enthusiastic, and so in 2019 we expanded to a full season of performances. With Reign FC's move to the more comfortable, higher-capacity Cheney Stadium, our ensemble got its new name: Reign City Riot. Interim Director Wes Walton took the reins (so to speak) and, together with our artistic director, Timothy V. Norris, Jr., built a strong musical repertoire to keep the fans entertained. With the renamed OL Reign moving to Seattle's Lumen Field in 2022, we're looking forward to many victories ahead!
