Italian Singer Patrizio Buanne Live in Concert at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ - February 24

New Jersey and New York fans get ready for an amazing performance by international singer Patrizio Buanne on February 24, 2012 at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ. Buanne will be performing and debuting songs from his new album..'Patrizio.'

I saw Patrizio perform here at the Count Basie Theatre last year and spent some time with him backstage, let's just say one of the best concerts I've been to and such a nice person. His energy on stage is so contagious and you can't help but stand in your seats to dance and sing along, (no matter where you're seated in the theater.)

I'm excited to see him perform again this year with the release of his new album there are some really beautiful songs, which I know his fans will love.

To purchase tickets to this performance, click here:

http://www.countbasietheatre.org/calendar/show/show.asp?id=43247217

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Official Information : Costa Concordia Tragedy - US EMBASSY TO ITALY ISSUES IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Due to the recent shipwreck tragedy of the Costa Concordia off the coast of Tuscany,Italy and with many Americans aboard --the US Embassy to Italy has issued important information with updates for those seeking information for loved ones aboard the ship. You can follow the embassy on Facebook or Twitter.

Click on the link for official updates:
http://italy.usembassy.gov/news-events/costa-concordia.html Tweet

Digital Diary of Basilicata : A Video Masterpiece of Italy

This is by far one of the most beautifully shot videos I've seen of Italy. 7 artists, 7 days travel in Basilicata, Italy - capturing the most captivating images ever. The project is called, http://www.cantforget.it/people/get-involved -

To learn more about this project visit the site: you can get involved. Tweet

Italian Merry Christmas - Buon Natale a Tutti!

Dear Italian American Girl readers, I wish you all a blessed and healthy Merry Christmas. Thank you for all your support and continued love throughout this year. Buon Natale.

Love-

Margaret

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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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Behind The Scenes - Bertolli Meal Soups Commercial For 'Today' Show Cooking School

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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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