Ricci to Sasyniuk

North Bay has been home to a wide variety of talented musicians since its founding in 1882. This page lists musicians and bands from Ricci to Sasyniuk.

Michael Ricci. Photo courtesy of the Falconi Collection. Photographer unknown.

Ricci, Michael

Michael Ricci was born in Pisterzo, Italy in 1910. When he was eleven years old, he began studying music under the direction of Fernando Ricci at a music school. He was a member of the Pisterzo Band in Italy as a tuba player. In 1927, Michael moved to Canada and became a member of the Temiscaming and Northern Ontario Railway Band in 1929 under the direction of Egidio Virgili. He was also a member of the 8th Field Squadron Band from 1949 to 1963. Alongside his music career, Michael was employed with the ONR for 47 years as a machinist's helper, as well as the proprietor of a grocery store, Mike Ricci's Groceries.

Ugo Ricci. Photo courtesy of the Falconi Collection. Photographer unknown.

Ricci, Ugo

Ugo Ricci received music lessons from a violin professor and became a member of the Pisterzo Band in Italy when he was fifteen years of age, travelling from town to town to perform. In 1917, he moved to North Bay and found employment with the Ontario Northland Railway. He also became a member of the Temiscaming and Northern Railway Band. During WWII, the T&NO Band merged with the Citizens' Band, forming the 8th Field Squadron Band. Ugo played with this band until 1963, and retired in 1965. During his musical years, Ugo played the saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and violin. He was an excellent music teacher as well, teaching lessons to Albert Falconi, Bill Vrebosch, and Richard Falconi.

Francesco “Cheechaw” Ricciuto. Photo courtesy of the Falconi Collection. Photographer unknown.

Ricciuto, Francesco “Cheechaw”

Francesco "Cheechaw" Ricciuto was born on December 6th, 1881 in Aprigliano-Cosenza, Italy and came to North Bay in 1902, finding employment with the Ontario Northland Railway. He recieved his nickname, Cheechaw, during his early years in North Bay when the local community found "Francesco Ricciuto" difficult to pronounce, and many people only knew him by this nickname. Due to Francesco's exceptional skill as a handyman, he opened his own repair shop in 1913 and continued to work there until 1965, fixing everything from bicycles to complicated mechanical repairs. There was little he couldn't fix. As a musician, Francesco was a flutist, and could play the guitar and mandolin as well. He was a member of the Christopher Columbus Band, the Premier Band, and the Temiscaing and Northern Ontario Railway Band, all under the direction of Egidio Virgili. He passed away in 1967.

Robbins, Francis “Newfie”

Francis "Newfie" Robbins was born Bellville North, Nova Scotia in 1948. He recieved his first guitar when he was ten yeras old and was playing Beatles songs in a high school band by the time he was fifteen, first as a bass player then as lead guitar. In 1972, Francis came to North Bay for a vacation and got his nickname while performing with Graham Nesbitt, who yelled "pick it Newf" during the show. He has been known as "Newfie" ever since. Francis has played with many bands in Nova Scotia and Northern Ontario, including Heart and Soul, and Back in Tyme. He was also inducted into the Nipissing Country Music Wall of Honour and the Great Northern Opry in Sault Ste. Marie.

Rossi, Frank

Frank Rossi emigrated to Canada from Italy in 1950, first settling in Montreal, then moving to North Bay in 1959. As a teenager, Frank played with Rod Wickett and the Midnighters for the Wednesday Night Hop at the Memorial Gardens. In 1962, the Vibrations were formed and they hosted a TV show, Teen Hop, for two years. Frank also performed with a number of bands during this time. In 1965, he moved to Yorkville, playing there for three years before returning to North Bay, where he continued to play with various groups. Frank sings and plays many instruments, including guitar, bass, and piano. He credits his father for providing guidance and the gift of music.

Rocco Rota. Photo courtesy of the Falconi Collection. Photographer unknown.

Rota, Rocco

Rocco Rota was born in Italy and moved to Canada, becoming a member of the Temiscaming and Northern Ontario Railway Band in 1933. He was a trombone player and played under the direction of Egidio Virgili. Rocco loved music and practiced often in his closet at home. He passed away on May 29th, 1963.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23 Pipes and Drums Band

The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23 Pipes and Drums Band was formed in 1929 and has made significant contributions to the musical and cultural heritage of North Bay over the years. They have successfully raised funds for numerous charities, including the Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, MAAD, and the Kidney Foundation. Civic functions, fairs, concerts, visiting dignitaries, and other community activities have also benefitted from the contributions of the Pipes and Drums Band. On July 4th, 2004, the band was honoured for the 75 years of contributions to the city.

Michael Saini. Photo courtesy of the Falconi Collection. Photographer unknown.

Saini, Michael

Michael Saini was born on July 12th, 1898 in Pisterzo, Italy. He was a member of the Pisterzo Band. In 1912, when he was fourteen, Michael moved to North Bay. He played bass drum for the Christopher Columbus Band, the Temiscaming and Northern Ontario Railway Band, and the 8th Field Squadron Band. Michael was self-taught in music and a proud musician. He always made sure he was on time for performances, sometimes even being an hour early, and considered it an honour to wear his band uniform. Participating in musical functions within the community was very important to him. Michael passed away on March 25th, 1960.

Edward “Eddie” Sarlo. Photo courtesy of the Falconi Collection. Photographer unknown.

Sarlo, Edward “Eddie”

Edward "Eddie" Sarlo was born in Sault Ste. Marie on August 25th, 1916 and learned to play saxophone and clarinet from a private instructor. His musical skills grew when he joined the Sault Technical School marching band, stage band, and the Sault Dance Band. Eddie moved the North Bay in 1933 and performed with Jack Cangiano's Orchestra and the Lucenti Dance Band. Later, he formed his own group, the Top Hatters, that mainly performed at the Top Hat Pavillion. He also played with Dr. Frank Chirico's band, the Northernaires.

Sasyniuk, Shawn

Shawn Sasyniuk began playing the drums during his teenage years, knowing that music would be his life's calling. Since the mid-1990s, he has toured with numerous musicians, including Susan Aglukark, Roch Voisine, Claire Pelletier, Chris Colepaugh, Renee Martel, and Chris de Burgh. Besides being a drummer, Shawn is also a record producer and audio engineer. He spent fourteen years in Montreal where he opened Crosspatch Studios, a place where independent artists could benefit from his skills. In 2010, he relocated the studio to North Bay and continues to collaborate as a instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter on many albums, as well as performing as a solo act, open mic host, and as part of the band, Angry Pants.