Photos & Video of the Band's History

Rio Vista Bass Festival - 2002

October 13, 2002

We returned to Rio Vista after a respite of many years, to find that the Bass Festival (formerly the Bass Derby) was going strong and is as much fun as ever. Our only disappointment was the absence of the Carnival after the parade, where the Band in the old days would ride in the Ferris Wheel while playing a few tunes!

Many thanks to Mark Wade for contributing the Rio Vista photos.

We arrived in our deluxe bus at Lira’s parking lot, ready for action.
Rather than hike up the hill to our designated staging spot, we decided
to just stay in the parking lot until our spot passed by, and then join the parade.

Our trumpet player, Tim Cogan, recruits his son, Michael, to be
Banner Carrier for the parade. Michael did a fine job, and has a great
career ahead of him, unless he decides to take up the trumpet someday.

Jack, Ronni, Carmen and Barry are eager to get underway!

We run through a few tunes in the parking lot
to the delight of passers by.

Ptah entertains the younger set.

The parking lot audience is very appreciative.

Kennedy announces that our “spot” is approaching, and it's time to join the parade!

So, we get ourselves in gear.

We are relieved that these tireless workers follow the mounted units
and precede us in the lineup.

Near the end of the parade route, we pass Foster’s Bighorn,
aka the dead animal bar.

After the parade and some barbecue chicken, we check out Foster’s.

Not to show favorites, we also played a few tunes at the Flamingo, across the street.