Who Are the Real Italian American Girls?

Now a days it's getting harder and harder to tell the real Italian Americans from the so called, mainstream media "Italian Americans." I think its fair to say you can have your own definition or meaning of being Italian American based on how you were culturally brought up or what the "norm" is --based on your geographic/ tri-state location. Its so hard to explain what that actually means, but to break it down, I guess everyone wants to be Italian American. Can you blame them?

As I was working on some new projects for the Italian American Girl site, I began to think who are the real Italian Americans? I have a hard time accepting the mainstream ideas, images, personas and stereotypes. Then, I said to myself the very purpose of my site was to really feature the true ITALIAN AMERICANS the local personas, friends and celebrities.

I can speak for myself as an Italian American woman, that I'm proud of who I am, where I come from and what I've achieved. As the Italian American Girl site grows we've included and featured many up and coming; successful Italian American women.

The focus is to bring positive attention to the accomplishments of the real Italian American Girls.

Take a look at the list for the Top Italian American Women:

Margaret Fontana.- Creator of the Italian American Girl Site & Italian Americans in Social Media.

Alicia Vitarelli- Television Anchor & Media Personality for News12 NJ

Dawn DelRusso- Stylist and Fashionista

Giada Valenti - Singer, Songwriter

Patricia Volonakis Davis- Italian American Author

Rossella Rago - Host of "Cooking With Nonna"

Serena Palumbo- Accomplished Professional & Contestant on Food Network's "The Next Food Network Star"

Maryann Maisano- Comedian and creator of "Italian Chicks"

Ornella Fado- Host of Brindiamo TV

If you would like to be considered for the Top Italian American Women's List on IAG, please email me to be included with a brief bio and link to your site.

**This listed was originally posted on August 10, 2010

Grazie!

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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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Italian Singer, Giada Valenti Sharing Sneak Peek of PBS TV Special.

In September and October Italian singer Giada Valenti will give a sneak peek of her new show “Tribute To Love” that she will film in December for PBS.

“Tribute To Love” is truly a unique and entertaining show that appeals to the romantic in all of us. Giada's great storytelling and emotional vocal skills takes her audience on a virtual trip through the most romantic places on earth, as she performs timeless songs as "Speak Softly Love (theme from the Godfather)", "More" (song from the movie "Mondo Cane"), "Caruso", "Mamma", "Tell Me When/Quando Quando Quando" and many songs of her new CD "And I Love You So", like "Cinema Paradiso", "It's Impossible", "You Don't Have To Say You Love Me/Io Che Non Vivo Senza Te" and "La Vie En Rose". Her talent is that she can sing as well powerful, with a lot of energy, with songs like “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You”, but also with a very soft voice when she sings “First Time Ever I Saw You Face”. All songs have new fresh arrangements.

Musical Director is Mr. A.T.N. Stadwijk who was for 15 years MD of Harry Belafonte, on drums Obed Calvaire who toured the last 3 years with Peter Cincotti, on bass Saadi Zain who played with many Broadway musicals, on guitar Ricardo Vogt who toured all around the world in the last years with Esperanza Spalding and Eliane Elias.

• Thursday, September 24, 2009 - 8PM - Dicapo Theatre, New York, NY

• Saturday, October 17, 2009 - 8PM - Hilton Hotel, Atlantic City, NJ

• Friday, October 30, 2009 - 8PM - Queens Theatre in the Park, Flushing, NY

Giada Valenti is recognized for her special voice and great stage presence. With her October 2008 release, And I Love You So, Giada is bringing her sophisticated music and European style to music fans worldwide. And I Love You So features Giada’s interpretations of such songs as “La Vie En Rose”, “It’s Impossible”, “Grande Grande Grande” and “Se (love theme of Cinema Paradiso)”. The number one jazz resource on the web, E-jazz News, writes: “If you listen to the pop/jazz music of Bublé, Diana Krall and Norah Jones, then you will definitely want to get a hold of And I Love You So and let Giada Valenti enchant you with her voice and mesmerize you with her music.”

Visit http://www.giadavalenti.com Tweet

New Jersey Bocce Invitational- Supporting Our Troops & Teaming With Up With The Boys & Girls Club.

The New Jersey Bocce Invitational is on again for this year slated for June 20, 2009 in our very own New Jersey. The Bocce Invitational was created by our Italian American community and the purpose of the event is to support Operation Shoebox New Jersey which, provides much needed care packages to our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Along with this amazing organization the Bocce organizers have also teamed up with the Boys & Girls Club of New Jersey, where they offer programs in the areas of education, the environment, health, the arts, careers, alcohol/drug and pregnancy prevention, gang prevention, leadership development and athletics.

The Bocce Invitational encourages your attendance in this amazing event that will also feature celebrity guests and singers such as Joe Piscopo, Giada Valenti, & Marisa Petroro. Its for a great cause.

Visit their official site for event details.

http://www.newjerseybocceinvitational.com/index.html Tweet

Giada Valenti Set To Perform A 2nd Abruzzo Quake Relief Concert in New York.

Italian Singer, songwriter Giada Valenti is set to perform a second Abruzzo quake relief performance in New York on May 31st. Due to the success of her previous benefit concert, she and the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens, Inc., have come together to organize another great night of Giada's singing. Proceeds will be donated directly to the Abruzzo, Italy quake relief fund.

Giada will perform songs from her new show “Tribute To Love.” The ticket price is for this Benefit Concert is relatively low to give the opportunity to many people to come and show their solidarity, but attendees are invited to do extra donations at the event.

The Abuzzo Earthquake Benefit Concert is by the Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens, Inc. For tickets call (718) 204-2444.

WHO: GIADA VALENTI

WHAT: (2nd) ABRUZZO EARTHQUAKE BENEFIT CONCERT

WHERE: ST. JOSEPH RC CHURCH AUDITORIUM
28-46 44th Street, Astoria, NY

WHEN: SUNDAY, MAY 31 AT 5PM

TICKET: $20 (regular seating)
$35 (premium seating)

Or visit: http://www.giadavalenti.com/

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Upcoming Italian American Events.

This month is packed with great events for the Italian American community. Some of the most prominent organizations and entertainers are hosting star studded events with awards and honors to outstanding Italian Americans across the country. Check the list below for events if you're interested in attending:

-May 3rd Giada Valenti Performs at St. John's University For Abruzzo Quake Relief Fund. http://tinyurl.com/co95re

-May 16th- Italian American Museum is hosting their annual Gala Awards Dinner at Cipriani's in New York City. For more information: http://italianamericanmuseum.com/news/gala09.html

-May 19th- The National Italian American Foundation is hosting their annual East Coast Gala, where Italian American celebrities will be present to honor outstanding Italian Americans this year. For more information: http://niaf.org/events/2009/ec_gala/ec_gala_home.asp

-June 5th- The Order Sons of Italy Tri Valley Lodge #2829 Presents "A Cafe Night of Acappella and Dinner with CHOICE, Jersey City's Bad Boys of Acappella."
For Information- Visit: http://www.myspace.com/choicebadboys

-June 20th- New Jersey Bocce Invitational will be held in honor of supporting our troops. The event will take place in NJ. Italian American celebrities are slated to appear at this event. See here for more details. http://tinyurl.com/cptuha Tweet

Giada Valenti Performing Benefit Concert At St. John's University For Abruzzo, Italy Quake Victims.

Singer, songwriter; Giada Valenti will be performing a benefit concert this May 3rd, 2009 at St. John's University in NY. Her concert proceeds will be donated to the Italian quake victims.

Giada will be performing songs from her new show, “Tribute To Love.” It's truly a unique and entertaining show that appeals to the romantic in all of us. Giada's great storytelling and emotional vocal skills takes her audience on a virtual trip through the most romantic places on earth, as she performs timeless songs with beautiful melodies and lyrics that will touch your heart.

The Abuzzo Earthquake Benefit Concert is organized together with the Italian Heritage & Culture Committee - NY, Inc. and the Italian Cultural Center of St. John's University Scholarship Program.


WHO: GIADA VALENTI

WHAT: ABRUZZO EARTHQUAKE BENEFIT CONCERT

WHERE: LITTLE THEATRE AT ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY
8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439
(free parking!)

WHEN: SUNDAY, MAY 3 AT 5PM

TICKET: $20 (regular seating)
$35 (premium seating, includes reception following the show)

For more information, contact:
Perla Entertainment - jj@perlaentertainment.com Tweet

Giada Valenti--Italian Singer/Songwriter Talks About The Top 10 Things To Do For Valentine's Day.

Italian singer Giada Valenti, was born and raised in Venice Italy, considered one of the most romantic cities in the world. She moved to the United States four years ago pursuing a career as a singer and songwriter. With Valentine's day coming up, Giada shares tips to make this a romantic day without spending too much money.


Ten things you can do for an inexpensive Romantic Italian Valentine’s Day:

1. One day before Valentine’s Day Send a lottery ticket and a note: "I hit the jackpot when I met/married you. Ti Amo Per Sempre. I Love You Forever.”

2. Flowers: be creative and keep it in the budget, so don’t go crazy with them. Attach a note: "In every bunch there's one who stands out – and you are that one."

3. If her/his breakfast is cereal: Wrap up a small gift for your sweetheart and put it in his/her favorite box of cereal. Breakfast in bed can be a special thing to do!

4. Burn a CD of your favorite songs as a couple including romantic Italian songs will do the magic!! (You can find on iTunes a selection of very nice songs grouped as “Italian Essentials”)

5. To cook a simple dinner together can be very romantic too. A delicious Fettuccini Alfredo with a bottle of your favorite Italian vino, then some fresh canoli from the pastry shop and cups of amaretto flavored coffee for a taste sensation.

6. A quick, easy and delicious idea for the sweetheart with a sweet tooth: make a decadent dessert such as a chocolate fondue with melted chocolate mixed with a touch of heavy cream, and serve it with fruit or cookies.

7. You can build a romantic fire. Host your own indoor picnic, complete with a bottle of prosecco and chocolate-covered strawberries.

8. Watch a romantic movie together. Some of my favorites: Roman Holiday (Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn).

9. Top it off with a sensuous scented bubble bath for two.

10. The most important tips of all: Say I love you every single day!! You don’t need to wait till February 14th to be romantic.

In October 2008, Giada Valenti released And I Love You So, a brand-new recording from Perla Entertainment. With this new CD, the Italian singer and songwriter brings her sophisticated music and European style to fans worldwide.

Giada Valenti’s sound is a contemporary blend of adult pop with jazz influences – imagine a female version of Michael Bublé with a taste of Italia. Although Giada is an accomplished songwriter, she decided to record the works of other great composers for And I Love You So.

http://www.giadavalenti.com/ Tweet

GIADA VALENTI-Performing December 5th, 2008

Giada Valenti, singer and songwriter will be performing this Friday December 5th, 2008 At LORENZO’S CABARET in Staten Island, NY. Giada will be performing songs attributing to performers like Edith Piaf, Dusty Springfield, Marlene Dietrich, Shirley Bassey, and Mina. She will also perform several Holiday Favorites.

Giada's sound and musical abilities will provide you with an unforgettable evening of beautiful music and gracious stage presence. Giada's new album "And I Love You So," was recently released and NOW available on her site for purchase. If you love great music especially sung by a talented fellow Italian, then this is the performance for you. You can also catch Giada at other concert appearances, check her tour schedule for further details.

WHO: GIADA VALENTI
WHAT: PERFORMING HER CELEBRATION OF THE EUROPEAN DIVAS
WHERE: LORENZO’S CABARET
1100 South Avenue, Staten Island (718) 477-2400
(free parking!)
WHEN: FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 AT 7:30PM

giadavalenti.com

For Reservations: http://www.lorenzosdining.com/ Tweet

Italian Singer, Giada Valenti

Brace yourselves for the beautiful and unforgettable singing talent of Giada Valenti. She's been in the United States since 2004, where she's been working hard on recording and releasing her music here in America.

Let me just say, Giada Valenti is by far one of the best Italian singers and songwriters of our time. Her style of singing and presence is absolutely stellar and just amazing to listen to.
She just released her new album this October 2008, called, "And I Love You So. "

Visit her site for details and to preview her music. She's scheduled to make several appearances for October and November including an appearance on the local radio show, "The Tony Mangia Show," based out of Wayne, NJ on WP 88.7 FM

http://www.giadavalenti.tv/bio.htm Tweet