Italy’s First Lady of Song FIORELLA MANNOIA Makes Anticipated American Debut February 23rd in NYC

New York —  — Fiorella Mannoia, the female voice of Italian song, announces her American concert debut.  The "singer’s singer" will take the Manhattan stage on Friday, February 23rd at Town Hall.  In this long-awaited Stateside appearance, the audience will be treated to Mannoia’s interpretations of the songbook that has accompanied fans of Italian music for over two generations. This special event also serves as the wrap-up of The Combattente Tour, a string of exactly 100 live dates through Italy’s most prestigious theaters as well as European capitals, in support of the artist’s latest platinum album release.  The Town Hall concert caps off a whirlwind year of activity for Fiorella Mannoia including her fifth return to the Italian nation's renowned Sanremo Festival.

Fiorella Mannoia’s recent projects range from a tribute to Lucio Dalla to appearances on the Italian version of X Factor.  Her latest album 2016’s Combattente features compositions by old friends including Fossati and new collaborators such as Negramaro’s Giuliano Sangiorgi as well as songs penned by Mannoia herself.   In 2017 Fiorella Mannoia returned to the Sanremo Festival stage in competition for the fifth time. Fiorella Mannoia is a five time winner of Italy’s prestigious Tenco Prize and her recorded body of work counts some two dozen albums.

Fiorella Mannoia US Debut Concert Friday, February 23rd / New York, NY The Town Hall 123 W 43rd St 8:00pm (Doors 7:30pm) Info.: http://thetownhall.org/event/fiorella-mannoia Tickets: https://www1.ticketmaster.com/fiorella-mannoia-at-town-hall-new-york-new-york-02-23-2018/event/0300536D4A830847?artistid=2436183&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=5&tm_link=venueartist_msg-0_0300536D4A830847

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Columbus Citizens Foundation Committed to the Preservation of the Columbus Monument

 The Columbus Citizens Foundation is committed to the preservation of the Columbus Monument at Columbus Circle.

Over the years, Columbus Day and the Columbus Monument have played a vital role in Italian-American acceptance and the celebration of Italian culture. 

The statue itself was created by renowned Italian sculptor Gaetano Rosso in 1892 and funded by Italian-American immigrants through newspaper sales. At the request of the city, the Columbus Citizens Foundation is proud to have played a significant role in the statue’s restoration, which was completed in 1992.

Every year we are asked the question, “Why is the celebration of Columbus important to the Italian- American community?” The legacy of Columbus was essential in truly legitimizing our transition from Italians to Americans. Our Italian-American ancestors, facing bigotry and discrimination, identified Columbus as an Italian celebrated greatly across America for establishing a lasting bridge between the Old and New World. 

Lear more: https://www.columbuscitizensfd.org/announcements/the-columbus-citizens-foundation-is-committed-to-the-preservation-of-the-columbus-monument-at-columb

Controversial topic - Saving Columbus Circle Monument in New York City, -- CF statement "Every year we are asked the...
Posted by Italian American Girl on Sunday, September 3, 2017

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Argentine Tango - Where Italian Culture Plays a Leading Role

As many of you know, I love to dance and where almost two years ago I posted my first story on my ballroom journey. Since then, my love for dancing has evolved into something more profound, passionate and intense, hence my new dance of choice, Argentine tango.  I began lessons in Argentine tango as a way to evolve ballroom dancing, but soon after taking many private lessons -I became engulfed in the mystery and intensity of tango.  It's one of those dances that you just can't explain what the feeling is, but it requires a serious cerebral connection.

It's one thing to know steps, but this is far beyond that, it seduces you in 'being in the moment' and understanding movement.  You learn so much about yourself in this dance.  In today's world, we spend so much TIME worrying about TIME and never living in the moment, tango teaches a lesson.  A large element that makes this special is the Argentine tango music, it's like no other. It's a traditional sound, one that I can recall from childhood. I remember my father and mother always dancing the tango at a family wedding or event and then just listening to this type of music at home, so in many ways it brings back amazing memories.

Some of you  may recall as I was telling the story about my father and when he came to America over 50 years ago, he also taught dancing as a way to make ends meet.  I mean this is a man who worked hard his whole life and had a blue collar demeanor to him always, so when he wore his dress shoes, he was someone else -- the dancer.  One of those characteristics about your parents that leaves a huge impression on you as a child.

In learning more about Argentine tango I began researching the history and music, it's pretty amazing to find out that much of the Argentine culture is directly influenced by Italian culture.  A direct statistic of this fact is that up to 20 million Argentines have some direct Italian descent.   They are Argentine Italians as we are Italian Americans.  The immigrant population from Italy to Argentina spikes up to almost 45% during peak years. So you can imagine, everything from the music, food, culture, traditions, dance, art and education were directly influenced by the Italian culture, that's impressive.   After learning this, I feel even more connected to the culture and history of Argentine tango.  My goal is to make it to Argentina for an educational trip on all things tango, but to also learn about the history of the Italian cultural influences.

Here's an incredibly talented group out of New York City called 'Importango' , who are in the process of creating a tango album.  Listen and watch their introduction here:





Photo Credit: E. Cullari  Tweet

JOVANOTTI, ITALIAN ARTIST, TO TOUR THE U.S - Fall Dates Announced!

Culminating a lifelong love affair with America, Jovanotti (Lorenzo Cherubini) is now engaging professionally with the U.S. as never before. ATO Records is determined to introduce American audiences to him with today's release of Italia 1988-2012, a career retrospective including four new tracks.

In October, the Tuscan artist, who has sold over five million albums in his native Italy, will tour this country, performing in sizable venues nationwide. Please see below for an itinerary including the fall tour and shows this month in San Francisco (at the Outside Lands Music Festival), Los Angeles (an in-store performance and CD signing at the legendary Amoeba Music in Hollywood), Vancouver, Seattle and Portland, OR.

Italia 1988-2012 is the artist's first physical album of studio recordings to be released in the U.S. In fact, very little of the material has been released here in any format. The album has garnered pre-release acclaim from The New York Times http://nyti.ms/N60i3e , NPR, The New York Daily News and others.

Jovanotti Summer U.S. Dates

August 16 Vancouver, BC Commodore Ballroom
August 18 Seattle, WA Neptune Theatre
August 19 Portland, OR Aladdin Theater

Jovanotti Fall U.S. Tour Announced

October 1 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
October 2 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero
October 5 Boston, MA Royale
October 6 New York, NY Terminal 5
October 8 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse
October 9 Orlando, FL House of Blues
October 10 Miami, FL The Fillmore Miami Beach
October 12 Austin, TX ACL Music Festival
October 14 Denver, CO Bluebird Theater
October 15 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
October 17 Chicago, IL The Vic Theatre
October 18 Detroit, MI Saint Andrew's Hall

See you there!

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CANZONIERE GRECANICO SALENTINO- Performing North American Tour 9/15-10/6/2011

Leading Italian Musical Group
CANZONIERE GRECANICO SALENTINO
bring the power of Taranta to North America for the first time
11 city debut concert tour of the US and Canada announced for September 15 – October 6, 2011

Italy’s fascinating dichotomy of tradition and modernity come together in the music of Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino. ( http://www.canzonieregrecanicosalentino.net/ )

Hailing from the Puglia region, the seven piece band and dancer are the leading exponents in a new wave of young performers re-inventing Southern Italy’s Pizzica Taranta musical and dance traditions for today’s global audience. Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino’s North American tour brings the concert experience of The Notte Della Taranta festival to US and Canadian populations for the first time.

This music is so meaningful to me, I basically grew up listening to this in my house. Every time we would go to Italy, we ended up going to festivals where these types of musical groups played this one of a kind music. It's true it's a genre of music that has become a lost tradition. When we do see the bands play my mother, father and aunts would join in with other people in the groups and start dancing, and playing the tambourines. I may be a modern Italian American in the tri-state area but I am a true Calabrese with hard core traditions. Thank God..

Not to mention, they still blast this music at home occasionally and in the car. I'm so excited for this unknown genre here in the states to have a chance at being exposed to Italian Americans. It truly is history.

Here is list of concert dates:

Thu, 09/15/11 New York, NY New York Gypsy Festival
http://www.nygypsyfest.com/

Fri, 09/16/11 Madison, WI Madison World Music Festival
http://www.uniontheater.wisc.edu/worldmusicfest/

Sun, 09/18/11 Chicago, IL Chicago World Music Festival
Mon, 09/19/11 Chicago, IL Chicago World Music Festival
http://worldmusicfestivalchicago.org/

Wed, 09/21/11 Cedar Rapids, IA Landfall 2011
http://legionarts.org/

Thu, 09/22/11 St. Louis, MO Washington University
http://rll.wustl.edu/italian

Fri, 09/23/11 Bloomington, IN Lotus World Music & Arts Festival
Sat, 09/24/11 Bloomington, IN Lotus World Music & Arts Festival
http://lotusfest.org/

Sun, 09/25/11 Boston, MA Club Passim (Cambridge)
http://www.clubpassim.org/

Wed, 09/28/11 Toronto, ON Small World Music Festival
http://www.smallworldmusic.com/

Fri, 09/30/11 Montreal, PQ Maison de la Culture Frontenac
http://www.accesculture.com/emplacement/maisondelaculturefrontenac

Sat, 10/01/11 Montreal, PQ Maison de la Culture Ahunstic
http://mcahuntsic.com/

Sun, 10/02/11 Montreal, PQ Maison de la Culture Rivieres des Prairies (Cégep Marie-Victorin Salle Désilets)
http://salledesilets.collegemv.qc.ca/accueil/index.shtml

Wed, 10/05/11 Philadelphia, PA World Cafe Live
http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=4047

Thu, 10/06/11 Washington, DC National Geographic
http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/

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New Italian American Museum Proposed for New York City

I recently just read in the New York Times about third generation Italian American Joseph Grano Jr., who recently began raising capital with investors for a new Italian American Museum in New York. Now, as you know there's an Italian American Museum already located in Little Italy, New York. The existing museum is definitely low key with no modern day amenities but a wonderful contribution and landmark to our Italian American community in New York City.

The proposed idea for the new museum would include an amphitheater, private rooms, exhibit galleries and much more-- the location would be a 124-year-old Victorian pier in Lower Manhattan.

I love the idea and hopefully the reality of a new cultural landmark celebrating Italian Americans in New York. This is a great example of someone in the right position utilizing his social and monetary capital to memorialize and educate younger Italian American generations.

Once the museum is built and at full capacity, I would like to see the museum being integrated into Italian education programs throughout the country. Now a days, "build it and they will come" isn't enough. We have to be sure just because it looks good on paper that Italian Americans are really getting the education and a use for the museum. It can't be a billion dollar boys club where private parties and Italian American cliques are the only people involved with it, there needs to be a sense of community. The Italian American community at times can be very divided here in the tri-state area. Being or knowing particular people always seem to get you in the right doors and such-- but to be honest its such a turn off and really takes away from learning the traditions and history of Italian Americans. I witness this constantly within the online social media circles, as Italian Americans we need to be more united and deliver consistent messaging, whether via a blog post or building a million dollar museum.

For more on the New York Times Article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/08/nyregion/08about.html


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Columbus Day Parade - New York City October 11, 2010

Columbus Day Parade in New York City is set to occur on October 11, 2010. The parade is sure to be packed again this year with folk dancers, singers, colorful floats and visitors from Italy who will be in the parade and on the side lines cheering on.

The parade signifies an important day for our family. It will be 54 years on Columbus Day that my father first came to America. I always tell him he's walking history. He's now 80 years old and still talks about coming to America like it was yesterday. Truly amazing. On that note, Happy Columbus Day everyone, enjoy!

Here are details:

Event:
66th Annual Columbus Day Parade
Date:
October 11, 2010
Hours:
11:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Parade route:
From 47th St. to 72nd St. on Fifth Ave.

For more details:
http://www.columbuscitizensfd.org/cparade.shtml Tweet

Italian Host of Brindiamo TV, Ornella Fado Celebrates Italian Heritage Month With New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg.

Ornella Fado, host of "Brindiamo TV" on PBS, celebrated Italian Heritage Month at Gracie Mansion this past week with New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Here was the Mayor's Intro:

MAYOR INTRO REMARKS:
"One of the best parts of our Italian Heritage Reception is always the food and drink. This year we’ve been fortunate to receive a number of delicious donations from around the city. Here to tell us more about them is a real expert on the subject. She is the host of Brindiamo! – the hit show on NYC-TV about Italian food in New York City.Please welcome Ornella Fado!"

Ornella continues to represent our Italian community with her impressive cultural show airing on PBS/NYC Television every Saturday at 10:30 am and prime time at 9:30 p.m.

Ornella is currently working on the launch of her new magazine. We wish her tanti auguri! Visit Ornella's site for up to date appearances and show schedules.

http://brindiamotv.com/Brindiamo%21/index.html.html

(Photo Credit:Stephen Shadrach) Tweet

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

Remembering 9/11

Remembering and honoring those who perished on 9/11. Our thoughts and prayers to the families of the victims. Tweet

Award Winning Italian Musician, FRANCO BATTIATO To Make Rare New York City Appearance On Monday October 19, 2009 at (Le) Poisson Rouge.

Multi-talented Italian singer, songwriter and composer Franco Battiato will make his first New York concert appearance in 10 years on Monday October 19, 2009 at (Le) Poisson Rouge. The 68 year-old, Sicilian-born musician will draw from a stunning repertoire spanning four decades: From his seminal 1971 prog-rock release "Fetus" (re-released in 2006 with liner notes by friend and avant-rocker Jim O'Rourke) to 2008's "Fleurs 2" which features duets with New York's Antony Hegarty (Antony and the Johnsons) and fellow Catanian Carmen Consoli. Battiato will present an intimate in-the-round show accompanied by a 7 piece group which includes the noted Italian string quartet Il Nuovo Quartetto Italiano.

The award winning Franco Battiato is internationally regarded as one of the most original creators in Italian music from the 1970s to the present. Battiato's 1970s output embraced more electronic influences than his Italian prog-rock counterparts of the period such as PFM (Premiata Forneria Marconi) and found him opening European concerts for the likes of Brian Eno and Nico. Battiato's experiments in this arena culminated in 1978's "L'Egitto prima delle sabbie" (Egypt Before The Sands) which won a Stockhausen Prize for piano composition.

Franco Battiato's recorded career continued into the 2000's with a diverse range of collaborators including Simple Minds' Jim Kerr, Middle Eastern-Electronica pioneer Natacha Atlas and the great Argentine diva Mercedes Sosa. His body of recorded work consists of some 38 studio and live album releases around the world with compositions in Spanish, French, English, Arabic and Sicilian languages in addition to Italian. Battiato has also composed 3 operas as well as classical works for orchestra, ballet and film soundtracks.

Franco Battiato web site: http://www.battiato.it

Monday 10/19/09 (Le) Poisson Rouge, New York, NY
158 Bleeker St (@ Thompson St)
Concert starts @ 10:00PM (Doors open @ 9:30PM)
Tickets: $25.00 in advance / $30.00 day of show
Info.: http://lepoissonrouge.com/ or (212) 505-3474
Tickets: http://lepoissonrouge.com/events/view/557 or 866 55 TICKETS Tweet

Italian Super Star, Jovanotti Took Manhattan By Storm.

Super star, singer/songwriter Jovanotti came, saw and definitely conquered New York City. He spent his summer playing at some of the most intimate clubs in New York City, where he experimented with new sounds and worked with native New Yorker musicians to create an innovative experience and concert. Jovanotti is known as one of the biggest celebs in Italy as a singer/songwriter and now his crossover into the USA has proven to be a success. He's scheduled for his last show at Santo's Party House in New York City on August 5th at 7 pm..

Jovanotti In An Interview on 8/2/09 With NPR’s "All Things Considered"

August 2, 2009
In Italy, the music of Jovanotti is on radios and TVs everywhere. He's the most influential pop star the country has produced in years. Last month, he left the stadiums of Europe behind for a few tiny clubs in New York City, where he served as an artist-in-residence. Jovanotti talks to Guy Raz about finally introducing himself to U.S. audiences.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111480395


Read More Here:
http://www.nypress.com/article-20159-the-evolution-of-jovanotti.html Tweet

Italian American Girl Interviews The Host of Brindiamo TV, Ornella Fado.

Ornella Fado is the founder of OK Productions, the first of its kind production that features Italian restaurants with a touch of Italian culture, fashion, and tradition. Through multi-media including television shows, DVDs, Podcasts, newsletter, and books, OK Productions provides its audience with a multi-faceted experience in all-things Italian, particularly Italian cuisine prepared with the freshest ingredients and with high quality culinary products. With, Brindiamo! viewers get a real behind-the-dining room look at these successful restaurants. Moreover, after seeing the delicious dishes created by the masters, viewers will be inspired to go and enjoy these tantalizing treats by visiting the fine dining establishments that feature them.

LISTEN TO OUR INTERVIEW TOGETHER, WHAT A GREAT GUEST!



You can catch her show on NYCTV (PBS) on Saturdays at 10:30 am and Primetime at 9:30 pm.

Visit Ornella's Brindiamo Site: Brindiamo TV

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Italian Canadian Singer, Marco Calliari, Live at Famous NYC location, JOE'S PUB -May 18th, 2009.

Italian Canadian Singer, Marco Calliari, will be live at Joe's Pub in New York City on May 18th 7:30 pm. He'll be performing songs from the CD release of "Italia" presented by Putumayo World Music.

Check out his website and listen to some of his songs, amazing. He sings a few classics like "L'americano," which I love. He has a very beautiful and distinctive sound. His career is sure to take off, let's support him and check out his site and upcoming concerts.-- Better yet, go to Joe's Pub, its a trendy location with a beautiful atmosphere and if Marco is singing..its a perfect night!

Click here for ticket and concert/venue information:

http://www.putumayo.com/en/events.php?submenu=S1&type=Event

http://www.marcocalliari.com/

Also, check out Tony Mangia's interview with Marco on Sunday, May 17th for a preview of his music and life. The Tony Mangia Show - Radio: Italian Style airs live every Sunday from 3 PM-6 PM on "Brave New Radio" WP 88.7 FM and streams at http://www.wpradio887.org/ Tweet