La Banda De Sarteneja - 1950’s

La Banda de Sarteneja was a Belizean music group formed in Sarteneja in the 1950’s by Mr. Simeon Cruz also known as “Seño Moncho”. The band played mainly covers from popular music that were aired on the radios at the time. La Banda combined the elements of Merengue, Bolero, Danson, Banda, and Slasa to their music making it so danceable. The band consisted of 9 members: Mr. Anastacio Muñoz (clarinetist) , Mr. Jacob Mora (tompeter), Mr. Diodulo Perez (tompeter), Mr. David Cruz (banjoist), Mr. Alpheus Edwards ( banjoist), Mr. John Perez (drum set player), Mr. Hilidardo Perez (maraquero), Mr. Monico Montejo (vocalist) and Mr. Simeon Cruz (Trombonist). Between the 1950’s and1960’s, the band gained recognitions and also popularity in Northern Belize and Southern Mexico. San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Corozal, Orange Walk and numerous villages in Northern Belize witnessed the greatness of this music band. Their popularity even reached southern Mexico where they performed in Chetumal and Xcalak during their famous Dia del la Marina. La Banda was the official band of this growing fishing community and were the main performers for Easter, Valentines, Mothers Day, Christmas, weddings, and almost every occasion. The band lasted approximately 10 years until it was renamed to “Los Costeños” and owned by Mr. Cruz’s son; Soti Cruz, but that’s another story.

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