Wednesday, October 20, 2010

October 9, 2010 - Albany Columbus Italian Festival

The Red Band was “on the road again” on Saturday, October 9, to lead the Procession in the 19th Annual Columbus Italian Festival in Albany, NY.

Our Bus arrived in Albany at the beautiful grounds of Washington Park where the event was being held. The Procession kicks off the Festival which features music, dancing, Italian cuisine, and family entertainment.

We stepped off at high noon and marched down a shady lane that was lined with Italian flags that were waving in a gentle wind on a perfect, sunny, autumn afternoon.

We proceeded to the Main Stage at the Lakehouse – circled around to face the stage and played Italian Marches as the floats and marchers went by.



Included in the Procession was a float with Columbus at the helm of the Santa Maria, a Salute to Mother Cabrini, and horses including the Roman Rider.


We were well received by the crowd and just as the day’s program was about to start...we were back on our bus heading home to Utica.


VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!
Please click on link below for more photos

October 8, 2010 - Adjusters International Picnic

The Adjuster’s International Company located in The Utica Business Park hired the Red Band to play at their 25th Anniversary Picnic. It was held on the lawn and parking lot in front of their office building on a Friday afternoon.

There was a definite Italian flavor to this event – it was catered in grand style by the Ancora Restaurant. It featured an Italian buffet with Saranac beverages and red, white, and green floral displays on pristine white table cloths. They graciously invited the Band to partake of some refreshments during our break – did I mention the platters of Pastries?

The highlight of their picnic was the very competitive Bocce Ball game that was being played right in front of the Band. The teams were named after various catastrophes such as Typhoon and Hurricane.

Although it was a sunny, mild day – the wind was very strong. A tent had been setup for us to play in and the side flaps kept blowing inward knocking over chairs and music stands. We had to secure the flaps with bungee cords onto Arlene’s car. THE SHOW MUST GO ON!!

VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!
Please click on link below for photos