A Brief History of the TOMATOSOUP Band

In November 1992, in Windsor Ontario, the London Dutch-Canadian Society (DCS) Dykehoppers Band was a featured in a carnival celebration. In the audience were a number of fun-loving members of the DCS who, after number of libations, concluded that future Carnivals really needed a typical Dutch carnivals band. In the southern Dutch province of Brabant, these are known as "dweil orkesten " and there are hundreds of them. During the Carnival season, a typical dweil orkest is on the move from early morning to late at night going from tavern to tavern with throngs of happy carnival revelers in its wake. These bands are readily heard and recognized. They play toe-tapping, hand-clapping singalong carnival tunes, they consume generous quantities of beer, and they have witty, or sometimes just silly names. They always engage their followers and unsuspecting audiences with spontaneous, humorous and crazy antics.

Our small group of friends decided that they were the ideal ones to provide this much-needed Carnival service in London, Ontario. Mercifully, plans born with the help of a little alcohol, rarely survive the harsh reality of sober reflection. Not this time. Our friends determined that, collectively, they possessed all the skills and talents and experience needed for a successful carnival band. After all:

1. They knew almost all the traditional carnival tunes by heart.
      (Well at least they could 'la-la-la' most of the lyrics)


2. They knew someone who had a friend who could make some outrageously loud costumes.


3. They could match their beer drinking ability with anyone.


4. They had lots of ideas for a witty and funny name.


5. They possessed tremendous musical talent.

... Well four out of five ain't bad.

When they assessed their combined experience in playing instruments, it didn't amount to much. If threatened, only one or two of them could produce an occasional squeak or squawk out of a trumpet or saxophone. But this cold, hard fact did not deter our friends. In fact, nothing would stop them. Those who could not play more traditional instruments, volunteered to contribute to merriment by making plenty of noise humming kazoos and banging loudly on an assortment of simple percussion instruments.

And so, after a practice session or two and fortified with plenty of beer our friends were ready for their first, and what they assumed would be their only public appearance. Calling themselves "'t Zootje" (loosely translated - descriptive collective noun denoting something that is shabby, slovenly messy, cheap or worthless) our group was introduced as a small part of the program at the annual Carnival celebration at the Dutch Club.

This debut will go down in the annals of show business history. While our group was a somewhat lacking in the musical talent department, they more than made up for it by their unbridled enthusiasm, high decibel levels and spirit of fun. They charmed and amused the crowd by parading aimlessly in all directions while trying to play tunes that were almost recognizable. Everyone loved it and the Band was requested for several repeat performances during that carnival season.

It wasn't long before the Band was asked to play at events outside the Dutch Club and because non-Dutch-Canadian audiences had difficulty appreciating the wit and humour of its name, the Band decided to change it. There were so many suggestions, it was difficult to choose only one. The solution was obvious. The name would be drawn from a hat and the random choice was "Tomatosoup Komikhul Fanfare"; a name, that despite its use of inventive spelling, aptly captures the Band's appearance and zaniness.

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TOMATOSOUP HISTORY  pg.2