June 12-13, 2010 - St. Anthony Church Festival - Utica, NY

As we were setting up for the Saturday night concert to honor St. Anthony - we were presented with a 3rd Place Trophy we had won in the Dolgeville Violet Parade earlier that day!! By nightfall the rain was a steady downpour and the crowd was all huddled under the tent to enjoy our Italian music.

At one of the tables was our newest fan, Miss Lena Elizabeth Galime, who came to hear Daddy Michael and Aunt Julia in our Saxophone section and Grandpa Al on 1st Trumpet - who gave a superb solo on "Smoke Gets In Your Eyes



Pat Santacroce once again introduced "The Beer Barrel Polka" with his story of Rosamunda - and if you listen carefully to the singing section we've changed the lyrics just enough to honor her.

Although the sky was threatening to rain again on Sunday morning - St. Anthony pulled it off again. When His Statue comes out of the Church to process through the streets of East Utica - it does not rain.

The Parishioners, ladies with the large basket of St. Anthony's bread, an escort of 3 Knights of St. John, and the Statue of St. Anthony followed by The Red Band proceeded up St. Anthony Street.


Once there we stopped at the corner of Mary Street to play "Marche Reale" for the Tocco Family. They place 2 empty chairs to represent the departed Frank and his wife. They were followers of St. Anthony, and Frank was a long-time cherished member of the Red Band Family.
We also played "Marche Reale" in front of the homes that display pictures or a Statue of St. Anthony.

This tradition - a vital part of the Procession - has been going on for decades. Come to think of it - for over 100 Years!

VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!

Please click on link below for photos of the Concert and Procession

St. Anthony's Church Festival