| HISTORY/BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH: | Luigi (Louis) Biamonte came to Edmonton from the Calabria province of Italy in 1925. Luigi married Florence Rusconi in 1936; they had two children, Richard and Loretta. Louis Biamonte was well known for his weekend work as a band leader. On November 20th, 1949, Louis Biamonte and his orchestra were part of the official inauguration of Edmonton French radio station CHFA. In addition to leading both bands and orchestras, Louis played saxophone, clarinet and mandolin. The Edmonton Serenaders was the name of his original group and under Louis's leadership played Friday night dances at the Moose Temple for over twelve years during the 1950s and 60s. Louis and his many different band incarnations also played other venues such as the Blue Hole, the MacDonald Hotel, the Palace Gardens and the Rainbow Ballroom.
Luigi Biamonte was also an important business figure in Edmonton, owning and operating one of the first travel agencies in the city in 1956. Biamonte also owned and operated three barbershops in the Edmonton area. Luigi Biamonte died February 12, 1998. |