Italian Singer, Giada Valenti Performing Christmas Show

Italian singer, songwriter and amazing performer, Giada Valenti is set to perform a Christmas concert on December 11, 2011 in the the beautiful Alumni Theatre at Caldwell College.

Accompanied by her full 4-piece band she will take you on a romantic musical journey singing hits fro the 60s, 70s and 80s, combined with a selection of Christmas favorites.

Christmas in Italy, featuring Giada Valenti

Sunday, December 11 at 3pm

Alumni Theatre @ Caldwell College

120 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ

Premium Seating $45 (row 1-4)

General Seating $30 (all remaining rows)

For tickets visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/200898 or call 1-800-838-3006

Visit Giada's site on: http://www.giadavalenti.com/

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The American Dream...My Mother Graduates College

Amazing Is --

-- When your 69-year-old mother graduates college. A woman, who came to the United States in the 1960's after marrying my father in Italy. Not only did she raise four children, but she was also the brains behind my father's businesses.

In most traditional Italian families, the women really aren't that dominant, but in the case of my mother, she wore the pants -- and quite honestly my father didn't mind - and he was quiet proud of her many times.

All the while, she handled the business, but yet growing up we still had hot meals on the table and had to stay in line with her rules. My mother like I've said before is one tough lady, you can't mess with her or tell her what to do. She's traditional in an UN-traditional Italian woman way.

My mother's dream was to pursue her education here in the United States; because she was unable to do it when she lived in Italy, then she got married, and then she had kids..so it seemed the time was never right. Around the same time, and partially because I was the youngest and off to college, I think my mom felt inspired so she signed up for college.

The funniest moment was when I went with my mother to her university to sign her up, we went to the registrar's office and immediately the people would start asking me questions, but then I would have to say, "no, it's not for me, it's for her.." they were surprised, but in a good way. She managed to surprise many people with her drive.

My mother began taking one course here and there and then progressed into a full time student. She worked hard in every subject and come hell or high water; she always attended her classes. Let's say she was probably one of those annoying people in class who asks a lot of questions.. (LOL) I had the opportunity to meet some of her professors, who always made it very clear how fond they were of her and how amazing they thought her drive was for staying in college so long and being such a great student.

It took her close to 15 years to get her Bachelor's degree, but she did it.

Congratulations to my mother, the graduate. One of her American dreams came true.

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Photo of the Day: Reggio Calabria, Italy

Reggio Calabria, Italy -- a great photo from the hill top on the country side closest to the beach. With all extreme weather we are experiencing here on the East Coast in the United States, this image can let you visualize calm and beauty.

@Copyright ItalianAmericanGirl.com 2011 - Italian American Girl -- You must ask permission to reuse this and all images on the IAG site. Grazie.

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ITALIAN SUPERSTAR JOVANOTTI CONFIRMED FOR MUSIC FESTIVAL BONNAROO 2011 in USA

Italy's number one recording artist Jovanotti announces his appearance at the 10th edition of the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, TN. The Tuscan singer, songwriter and rapper to the now legendary event’s line-up marks the first-ever performance by an Italian artist at the Festival. Jovanotti's Bonnaroo set will also be the first by a new generation Italian language star at a major US rock festival.

Jovanotti's 12th studio album Ora (Now) debuted at number one in Italy the week of February 1, 2011 and includes special guests Michael Franti and Amadou & Mariam. Italy’s premier music ambassador — who has shared the stage with peers around the world such as Juanes, Bono and Bob Geldof — is the obvious choice for Bonnaroo’s International Mash Up Stage on Saturday, June 11, which will be curated by Eugene Hütz of Gogol Bordello. This will be Jovanotti’s only US concert date for 2011.

The Festival runs from June 9-12 in Manchester, TN for more information on purchasing tickets:

http://www.bonnaroo.com/Default.aspx

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Cast of Jersey Shore Heading to Italy..???

I put a place holder on this conversation.......

I will reveal my thoughts on this topic shortly..... in the mean time.. what do you think?

Great conversations on Facebook: Come join us there and add your two cents... or more

http://www.facebook.com/ItalianAmericanGrl

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Italy's Most Recognized & Famous Butcher, Dario Cecchini Coming To New York & Boston

At a time when culinary arts are heavily watched on such mainstream shows and networks like Top Chef, and Food Network, there is one thing constant and missing from each of these shows, although the contestants are cooking and claim to be culinary experts, do they know the basics of traditional food preparation, production and growth? Famous Italian butcher, Dario Cecchini is that man who has maintained an old world tradition or shall I say an art form of a lost culinary tradition of butchery. His skills prove to be next to none and has cultivated his craft where now it must be shared with those who lack this education.

One thing I learned from my early childhood trips to Italy was the value of such traditions and arts. My aunt and uncle owned a butcher shop in our local town, and quite frankly as some things were gruesome to see the way in which you learn the food process is raw. The way an animal is fed reflects the end result of the quality of meat. Granted, I'm not so much of a meat eater, but I struggle everyday with eating meat here in the United States, because I want to know where my meat is coming from.. which is impossible to know. In Italy, you may have that privilege of knowing where your local butcher grows his livestock. I mean its a direct hit on knowing what you're eating. Unfortunately, here in America we have no education on food and where and what the process of producing food is, this is the major difference in food education.

A while ago, a friend of mine from California, Guy Arnone wrote a guest article here on IAG about his family business which happened to be the family restaurant. He was expressing his need and desire to learn more about food, the process, the organic ways of life. At one point on his blog he started documented his newly grown garden to show his passion for home grown produce. This is a further down generation of an Italian American trying to directly connect with his roots and he went full plunge. Shortly after several posts, Guy decided to leave the family business and headed to Italy to study under Dario Cecchini as an apprentice. He wanted to learn the basics, the ropes, the supreme way of a lost art. Guy spent some time in Italy learning all of it and came back to New York, where he is now working for EATALY in New York City. Guy will be appearing with Dario for these latest appearances in New York and Boston. If you want to learn from the best and get a glimpse into a lost culinary art form go to these appearances.

For more on this event:

http://m.theatlantic.com/food/archive/2011/01/italys-legendary-butcher-comes-to-new-york-and-boston/69428/

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Italian American, Staff Sergeant Salvatore Giunta Receives Medal of Honor

A proud moment for the Italian American community and any American. Staff Sgt. Salvatore Giunta is the first living recipient of the Medal of Honor since the Vietnam War. Giunta served in Afghanistan.

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Italian Americans, Mainstream Media, TV, and Italian American Groups / Organizations

Great debates happening on Facebook yesterday and today regarding the recent discussions on new reality shows and the negative depictions on Italian Americans. My stance is this, I believe many people have the right to be what they want, act the way the want and do what they want. Now, I'm not saying I condone or love that the free world now thinks all Italian Americans are the same..they're not--and that's OK. But that is the real "REALITY." If you have half a brain then you know this fact.

A really good point brought up by one of the Facebook-ers was-- where were the Italian American organizations when positive material, shows, content were being produced...? Not one press release blast went out or any 5 minute segment was covered on any local station. The same amount of energy that goes into the 15 minutes of fame for crying/complaining and saying people are racists should go into promoting the positive work we're all creating for the Italian American community.

I question the motives of others for getting on the press bandwagon and riding it all the way to the top by saying you're protecting the image of the Italian Americans, to me it sounds like you're condemning people for being who they really are.

If anyone, I mean anyone meaning myself, you can't get any more Italian American than me.. I am a first generation Italian American, my father came here on a ship over 50 years ago. My mother followed soon after. He struggled, he had nothing, he worked his ass off, he too was stereotyped.

Not once did my parents look for fame, fortune or any 15 minutes of a news segment, they're true revenge on the finger pointers was getting their family to be successful. The success of our family is what truly makes our story. So, forget about all the press, the TV, the un-reality of being Italian American, cause really if you haven't lived it or experienced it..you shouldn't be adding your two cents. Sorry. I direct this to those who think they're protecting the Italian American image.

I say, take the same resources, money, staff whatever else is available and use it to promote --not talk about the same negative BS on and on. Tweet

Reality TV is a Non-Stop Bash Fest on Italian Americans

It was coming, you know I had to comment on the recent parade of newly launched reality shows out on cable. I was reading the recent press release of the UNICO Italian American organization based out of New Jersey; where Andre’ DiMino, UNICO’s Chief Media Executive and immediate past National President expresses disgust for the recent portrayals of Italian Americans in reality TV.

Here's my question, are these people on the show for real? What do you think? I'm going to have to say that yes, these people are somewhat being themselves and of course prompted to inflate their faux Italian American personalities. I do not condone the behavior of incorrect portrayals of Italian Americans, but once again we have to look at the fact that the tri-state area is really full of people like the cast of these shows. The problem here is --this is a tri-state New Jersey- New York, American cultural thing, this has nothing to do with being Italian American.
I do believe many shows are being packaged with the Italian American innuendo or Italian-isms.

Our society has been brainwashed and seduced by the media and you've been sold an idea about Italian Americans that labels all Italian Americans. Again, you have to always remember that there are different degrees to being Italian American. Some degrees may be that you're portraying yourself like one of these cast members or a degree might be your promoting the positive or quite possibilty just being authentic about the Italian American cultural background.

Either way, its up for interpretation, make no mistake I do not condone negative portrayals of Italian Americans.

For more on the UNICO press release go here:
http://bit.ly/d4OOF7 Tweet

Chilean Mine Rescue - A Story of Human Spirit and Hope - Did you know Chile is home to Many Italian Chileans?

An amazing story of 33 men trapped in a mine for 68 days with minimal light, communication or dealings with the outside world. To be rescued after so long and have survived is truly a modern day miracle. I couldn't let this story pass by without talking about how our Chilean American friends feel a sense of pride today after the Chilean government orchestrated an unbelievable rescue and recovery project. The coverage alone on the live streaming and reception by Chilean President and his wife will go down in history as a one of a kind of story.

If you read the details of the trapped miners' stories you'll find out that their human spirit and hope is what kept them going. They designated a time everyday for praying and worked with each other to ensure their health and safety.

This teaches the world a lesson in hope. I know for me it made me think about their strength and how they managed to survive. It gives me hope and strength to endure my challenges.

What I think is interesting and gives an Italian connection is the fact that many Italian Chileans are part of the Chilean population. There are certain areas of Chile named after towns in Italy were emigration was high during certain time periods. There are actually famous Italian Chileans who are of Italian descent, just like you and me.

Here is an interesting link to the history of Italian Chileans and the actual live feed of the rescue operation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_Chilean (ITALIAN CHILEANS)

http://www.cnn.com/video/flashLive/live.html?stream=stream2&hpt=C1 (LIVE STREAM OF RESCUE _WATCH LIVE!) Tweet

East Hanover Italian American Club Honoring Columbus Day - Interviews with Cake Boss & Alicia Vitarelli

The East Hanover Italian American Club is honoring Columbus Day with a weekend-long celebration.

On Friday, October 8, EHIAC will hold its traditional Columbus Day Dinner Dance honoring noteworthy Italian Americans. The EHIAC Italian festival starts on Saturday, October 9, at Lurker Park in East Hanover. The weekend is capped off with one of the biggest Columbus Day parades in the state of New Jersey on Sunday, October 10.

For more information, log onto http://www.EHIAC.com.

As they do every year, the East Hanover Italian American Club recognizes standout citizens in the Italian-American community. Buddy "Cake Boss" Valastro has been tapped as Italian-American Man of the Year. News 12 New Jersey's Alicia Vitarelli get this year's honor as Italian-American Women of the Year.

Lisa Marie Latino, head of Long Shot Productions (http://www.longshotproductions.tv) interviewed Buddy and Alicia about this prestigious award.

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How to Make Home Made Wine- Italian American Style

Well, as promised, here are a few clips of our family making wine. Now, mind you this is an amateur, traditional style process. If you want super mega processes you have to Google, Napa Valley secrets. But for those of you who want an idea of the home made process, here it is. Also, don't forget this process isn't completely done until the wine is fermented, which isn't for another 40 days. Then onto bottling, which we then leave to age. So, the taste and quality depends on your knowledge and skills in wine making. Click on the play button below and the clips will start appearing.

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