In 2007, 2008, 2009 we were part of the San Gennaro Feast that was held at Turning Stone Casino and Resort in Verona, New York.
Last year we were part of the San Gennaro Feast that was held at The Order of the Sons of Italy on Bleecker St. in Utica. We were invited back again for their Sunday entertainment program.
The Feast ran from Friday to Sunday. Easy Money Big Band performed on Friday night and Holiday performed on Saturday night. Musicians from both of these bands also perform with La Banda Rossa.
The beautiful. crisp, fall morning began at the Church of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament with a Procession that included an Honor Guard of Navy ROTC Students, the Statue of San Gennaro, and La Banda Rossa.
We escorted the Saint from the Church to Bleecker St. and right under the tent that housed a special Shrine just for the Statue.
San Gennaro was the Bishop of Naples, Italy and was beheaded during the Diocletian persecution in 305 AD. A vial of his blood was preserved after his Martyrdom and it miraculously liquefies each year on his Feast Day Sept. 19.
He is also attributed to saving Naples from destruction whenever the mighty Mount Vesuvius erupts. He’s had a very good track record now spanning centuries. Mount Vesuvius had been quite active right up until 1944.
The Red Band returned in the afternoon to give a concert from 4:00-6:00 to close out this year’s Feast. We performed an extra-special number at the conclusion of our concert.
The 10th anniversary of the attack of 9-11 was last Sunday and to honor those lost we played a Marcia Funebre, an Italian Funeral March, titled Una Lagrima ed un Fiore – A Tear and a Flower.
Then we played the very patriotic march National Emblem followed by God Bless America.
It was surprising and stirring to see the audience rise to its feet and belt out God Bless America just like the Great Kate Smith! What a Finale! Bravo La Banda Rossa!
VIVA LA BANDA ROSSA!!
To view photos please click on the following link
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