Monday, September 28, 2009

September 26-27, 2009 - St. Cosma-St. Damian Feast - Utica, NY

Every year the St. Cosma-St. Damian Feast seems to get bigger. The number of buses arriving from Canada has grown from over 80 in past years to well over 100 this year.

On Saturday evening, the grounds around St. Anthony’s Church were packed with people. Our Concert started late (not until close to 9:00pm) because of the size of the Candlelight Procession and the length of time it took to complete.

As always we began our Concert with the three National Anthems to honor the Pilgrims from the United States, Canada, and Italy. Usually the crowd explodes with cheers at the first strains of “O Canada” – but this year the applause after “Inno Di Mameli” was overwhelming.

The dance floor stayed crowded all through the second half of our Concert. They danced to everything from Polkas, Tangos, Marches, and Italian Movie Themes. They even did a kick-dance on top of the tables during “New York New York”.
The rain held off until the last few songs of the night and it rained steady as everyone left and we packed up our instruments.

Sunday morning the rain continued on and off all morning and afternoon–yet this was one of the largest processions ever. It extended for almost 4-5 city blocks. The distance was shorter this year and more people seemed to walk it.
The rain didn’t matter – up went the umbrellas and the two Bands played on.


VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

September 20, 2009 - San Gennero Feast at Turning Stone Casino - Verona, NY

The Red Band returned to the Turning Stone Casino as the closing act for their San Gennaro Festival.

This year they moved us from the stage at the back of the Event Center to the Main Stage.

We started a little late as we had to wait for the cooking demonstration to finish before setting up for our concert - but Hey! - That's Italian! Good Food and Music!

The audience stayed to listen to our two hour concert. We had to omit a few selections because of the late start - but we did play all the Italian favorites and received a good round of applause for each one.

This is the one gig that's so different from the rest- the Big Stage - Music Stands with Lights (setup by stage hands!) - Microphones - Spotlights - Sound System - and we get to watch ourselves perform on the Big Screen at the opposite end of the room.

It's the Big Time and fun to play.
VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!

Please click on link below for photos

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

September 5, 2009 - Richard Galime Wedding

This one was for "Family"!

The Red Band gathered on the steps of St. Anthony's Church to salute newlyweds, Richard and Mary Galime.

Richard grew up with the Band, playing 3rd trumpet at the age of twelve - then rapidly improving his trumpet skills he joined his father, Al, at 1st trumpet where he continued to play through his high school and college years, and beyond.

As family and friends exited the Wedding Mass, they were delighted to have the Band entertain them with marches and Italian music as they waited for the Bride and Groom to descend the Church stairs.


When Richard and Mary exited the Church we honored them with the Royal Italian March.

Then the Bridal Party and guests began to dance outside as we played "Funiculi Funicula" and the "Tarentella".

The Galimes' are such a musical family - Al, Richard, Michael, and Julia all play in La Banda Rossa in addition to having their own rock bands that play at area clubs and weddings - and last year at the Sts. Cosma and Damiano Feast, the Bride, Mary, joined us on trumpet.

Best wishes to both of you!
VIVA MR. & MRS. GALIME

Please click on link below for photos
Wedding