June 27, 2009 - St. John's Day

We played a concert for the Annual St. John's Day event held at the Masonic Care Community Campus in Utica.

There seemed to be fewer events than in other years and our Concert was only one hour long. However the audience under the tent was well-sized and we were warmly received as we noticed familiar faces from previous years.

At 3pm we lined up to escort the Masons from the Front Gate to the Chapel. Just as we stepped off a rain shower started but that didn't stop the Band or the Masons from their parade. As soon as we reached the Chapel we found shelter under two trees to continue playing marches as the Mason's entered the building. As we continued playing the rain stopped completely as if on cue.

VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!

Please click on the link below for photos of St. John's Day at the Masonic Care Community
St. John's Day

June 14, 2009 - St. Anthony Church Festival

Another sunny and warm morning greeted us as we lined up in front of the Statue of St. Anthony to play the classic Italian marches.

We set off on the streets of East Utica following the ladies with a basket of St. Anthony's bread, parishoners, and a group of pilgrams that were pushing the Statue of St. Anthony through the streets.

We stopped at the street corner of St. Anthony and Mary streets to play the "Marcia Royale"in memory of former band member Frank Tocco. His family waits for us every year beside an empty chair at this location where he and his wife used to wait for us to pass by - a quiet moment to remember the musicians who have gone before us as we enter out 104th year.

Although the Feast seems to grow smaller through the years - the tradition continues.

VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!

Please click on the link below for more photos

St. Anthony Concert and Procession

June 13, 2009 - St. Anthony Church Festival

After a beautiful morning for the parade in Dolgeville by the time came for our evening concert, the clouds had rolled in and we had a fairly heavy rainfall, but a golden sunset started peeking out as we began our St. Anthony Concert with the Star-Spangled Banner followed by the Italian National Anthem.

Professoresa Arlene Iagnocco dedicated this concert to a former clarinet player who passed away on May 15th. In special memory we played a classical Italian Funeral piece called Una Lagrima Ed Un Fiore (A Tear and A Flower) for Jerry Barresi.

The magic from the morning was still with us - this was a fantastic concert. Our French Horn player, Carm Graziano, is back from Florida; our drummer, Dan Williams, brought a Glockenspiel to play a part in Echoes of the Opera; and Linda DeAmici debuted on her Alto Clarinet.

We played a new number given to us by our trombonist Frank Rossi called I Diavoli Rossi (The Devil Rossi)

The rain seemed to have made a difference in the sound quality - the humidity and barometric pressure were ideal to produce a rich, full, "fat", loud sound.

We played all the Italian favorites and a special treat - 2 back to back Glenn Miller hits - St. Louis Blues and Moonlight Serenade.

Even the audience was caught in the moment - they listened intently and burst into applause after each number.

VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!

Please click on link below for photos
St. Anthony Concert and Procession

June 13, 2009 - Dolgeville Violet Festival

Bright and early Saturday morning found us in Dolgeville to lead off the Third Division in the annual "Violet Festival Parade". The weather was warm and the crowd was in the thousands.


Once again as we marched past the reviewing stand playing
"Old Comrades" we were announced as
"The Red Band of Utica featuring
Dolgeville's own Lenore Gabriel!"
(our local star is taking her fame much more in stride this year!)



Actually we all swung in stride extemely well in this parade - we won a 2nd Place Trophy for "Non-School Musical Group"

Capo Richard Pashley accepting trophy from parade organizers John Rachon and Jackie Rachon

VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!

Please click on the link below for photos of the Violet Festival Parade
Violet Festival Parade

June 12, 2009 - Deerfield Field Days

Our marathon weekend started on Friday evening as we led the Deerfield Parade down the hill to the Field Day grounds where we stayed in formation and continued to play as the rest of the Fire Departments marched in.

For the first time our Baritone, Donna DeRosa, filled in as Capo Di Bando during Richard Pashly's absence. From her normal position in the line of march (directly in front of the drum line) - calling "Roll-off" was exceptionally easy.

VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!

Please click on link below to view photos from parade.
Photos from Deerfield Field Days Parade

June 1, 2009 - Utica Monday Nite Concert

Despite a forecast predicting evening showers and cool temperatures - a good-sized crowd turned out for the Red Band's appearance at the Heritage Celebration in Chancellor Park.

Our 2009 kick-off concert was introduced by the Utica Monday Nite Producer/Director Lynne Mishalanie, as Utica's Mayor David Roefaro listened in. Then Lynne passed the microphone to our official "interlocutor" Pat Santacroce who asked the audience to please stand as we played the National Anthem and the Italian National Anthem "Inno Di Mameli".

This year we performed for one hour but we managed to play a lot of music - including many of the the Italian favorites.

Although the sky seemed to be getting darker as we played - it didn't rain and we all (band and audience) enjoyed a most successful concert.

VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!

Click on link for additional Photos of Concert
Utica Monday Night Concert