Popular Catholic All-Boy High School Band Traveling From The Big Easy to Pasadena on Interstate-10 to Perform in the Tournament of Roses New Year’s Day Parade Makes a “Pit Stop” in the Inland Empire
Mentone, CA – Owners of the Inland Empire’s Mill Creek Cattle Company Smokehouse in Mentone will be hosting a “Pit Stop” for the nationally-known New Orleans’ St. Augustine High School Marching-100 Band on Monday evening, December 30th. popular Catholic all-boy, 154 member High School Band is traveling by buses from the Big Easy to Pasadena along Interstate-10 to perform in the Rose Bowl Parade, and will make a stop in the Inland Empire.
“We are so excited to host the prestigious St. Augustine Marching-100 Band from New Orleans!”, said Jim Lotito, Mill Creek Cattle Company owner. “We’ve been a big supporter of Father Tony Ricard, Campus Minister for St. Augustine Catholic High School because our long-time friend, Redlander Cynthia Capen who is the Executive Director of a recent documentary on his life. My wife, Maribeth and I, along with local community members attended the screening of Cynthia’s film, “Father Tony” at the New Orleans Jazz Festival so we are delighted to host these young men from New Orleans.
Since the 1950’s, the St. Augustine High School Marching-100 Band has performed for eight U.S. Presidents, Pope John Paul II, both the Macy’s and Rose Bowl Parades, and several NFL Saints half-time performances. “ Not only am I a teacher and Campus Minister for St. Aug, but I’m an alumni and former band member”, said Father Tony Ricard. “My experiences as a band member of the Marching-100 playing for audiences up to 68,000 in the Superdome, has influenced my role as a minister, teacher, priest, and national speaker. It’s an honor to visit the Inland Empire where the Producer of a documentary on my life, Cynthia Capen resides!”
The entire Marching-100 Band will play a tribute to Jim & Maribeth Lotito that evening. Mill Creek Cattle Company is known for its Old-West atmosphere and barbeque steaks, baby back ribs, beef brisket, trip-tip, chicken and pork, big portions of great-tasting side dishes, full saloon-style bar, and regular live entertainment and dancing, located at 1874 Mentone Blvd, you can’t miss the faux Western town facade with plenty of parking.