North Bay’s Musical Roots
A DIVERSE SCENE OF SOUND
The Midnight Serenaders
Antonio (Tony) Cipparone played accordion for the Midnight Serenaders who, according to the North Bay Nugget, performed for dances and parties from 1923–1924.
North Bay Museum Collection
North Bay Concert Band member, Richard Falconi, documented the history of the North Bay Concert Band and its origins, which he traced as far back as 1913. With no available resources at the time, he thoroughly compiled this history through extensive research— writing letters, conducting interviews, making phone calls, referring to personal scrapbooks, and delving into The Daily Nugget microfilms.
The result of his dedication was a remarkable four-volume collection which traces the history of many local bands and musicians. Richard stated that musicians followed a long legacy of gathering to “provide an opportunity for people to get together as a group and play music for the benefit of the community.”
Jack Cangiano Orchestra of 1923
Jack Cangiano began studying music with Edigio Virgili when he was 13 years old. After learning to read music, he taught himself to play trumpet and trombone. He formed his own orchestra, and played in many dance venues, as well as the Royal Theatre.
Photo and Information Courtesy of Shannon Falconi
In the 1920s, musicians played at a variety of venues including the Rainbow Gardens pictured below. Many of North Bay’s early musicians came from Italy, with the music scene and venues becoming more diverse as North Bay grew.
Group Shot at Rainbow Gardens July 29, 1929
The Rainbow Gardens was a popular social and dancing pavilion three miles from North Bay on the Callander Road. This photo was taken on opening night with over 1000 people in attendance.
Photo by Railton Studios, North Bay Museum Collection
The Temiskaming and Northern Ontario Railway Band at the Canadian National Exhibition, 1939
Edigio Virgili arrived in North Bay in 1913 after originally immigrating to the United States from Italy. He quickly formed the Christopher Columbus Band, the first of many that he was to head in North Bay. Each year, from 1924–1939, Edigio Virgili took a band to the Toronto Exhibition. They won many prizes for their excellent performances.
Photo Courtesy of Natalie Montanaro and Shannon Falconi
Did You Know…
When the Royal Theatre played silent movies in the 1920s and 1930s, the Cangiano band was the “pit band” hired to play music while the silent movies played on screen.
Rocco Lucenti’s first orchestra played music for “Jitney dances” at the Blue Room and Rose Room venues on Main Street. These dances were short, and people had to pay for the number of times they danced.
The museum is partnering with the Falconi family to make Richard Falconi’s 4 volume set on North Bay’s musical history from 1913–1984 accessible in an online exhibit launching in the fall of 2025.
Antonio (Tony) Cipparone’s Accordion and Photos
Antonio (Tony) Cipparone was born in 1903 in Pietralta, Italy. He moved to North Bay as a young man and played for the Midnight Serenaders, the Temiskaming & Northern Ontario Railway Band & the North Bay Citizen’s Band. This artifact represents the many Italian immigrants who were part of North Bay’s always evolving music scene. By trade, Tony was a barber from 1928–1942 and a CPR trainman from 1942–1968.
On loan from Natalie Montanaro
Remember When…
“Why did so many Italian Musicians move to North Bay?
“Having spoken with my father, I learned that he attended a music school in Italy and he played the first piccolo in the fifty five piece Pisterzo Band beginning at 11 years old.
“According to my father, Egidio Virgili, who worked for the ONR railway in North Bay, arranged for the senior members of the Pisterzo Band from Italy to be employed by the railway in North Bay as well.
“Unfortunately arrangements could not be made for all members, but it was Virgili’s efforts that led many Italian musicians to North Bay.
“My father moved to North Bay in 1927.”
Robert Falconi
North Bay Concert Band Musician, Local music historian, and son of Michael Falconi