July 20, 2017 | Uncategorized | Permalink
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel coverage of this year’s Festa Italiana highlights
July 14, 2017 | Uncategorized | Permalink
Diners get free admission to Festa if they dine at a participating food vendor restaurants on Tuesday, July 18; Mangia!
MILWAUKEE – July 14, 2017 – Aside from actually eating in Italy, Festa Italiana is the next best thing. Festa Italiana, presented by Calypso Lemonades, is offering festa-goers a chance to preview all their favorite Italian food items by visiting participating Festa food vendor restaurants on Tuesday, July 18. Those that dine at participating restaurants July 18 will get a free admission into Festa, taking place July 21-23 on Milwaukee’s lakefront, while supplies last.
Participating restaurants for the July 18 “Restaurant Tuesday” promotion, include:
“Nothing makes people feel like they’re in Italy more than great Italian food. That’s why, this year, we created Restaurant Tuesday, which offers Milwaukeeans a chance to try some of this year’s Festa food vendors prior to the festival and earn a free ticket to Festa in the process,” said Dean Cannestra, Italian Community Center president and co-chairman of Festa Italiana.
A complete list of Festa food vendors and menus can be found by visiting: http://festaitaliana.com/fooddrink/menus/
40th Anniversary Entertainment
Beyond food, the 40th anniversary of Festa Italiana will feature a plethora of great Italian and classic entertainment. This year’s musical headliners will include hometown favorite, BoDeans, 90’s alternative band, Gin Blossoms, “The Voice” 2012 finalist, Nicholas David, and “America’s Got Talent” Season 11 finalist, Sal Valentinetti. Direct from Italy, the Flag-Throwers from Florence will also be returning to Festa 2017 with a colorful show that brings history to life! Also back this year is one of Festa’s most popular features – the Italian Idol competition, an amateur singing contest featuring all genres of music. Other popular Italian acts to look forward to include Russo Brothers, Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms, The Sicilian Tenors, Anna Calemme, Tony Spavone and The Florentine Opera.
Festa organizers just recently announced a Dick Contino Tribute Show Sunday, July 23 at 6 P.M. featuring Contino’s son, Pete, his daughter, Deidre, and three-time world champion accordionist and Contino protégé, Cory Pescaturo. The show will also include tributes from Russo Brothers and Ray Massa.
For more information about all Festa entertainment acts, please visit: http://festaitaliana.com/entertainment/.
July 10, 2017 | Uncategorized | Permalink
Festa Italiana brings Italy to Milwaukee’s lakefront featuring Italian flag-throwers, food, culture, entertainment, attractions and Bartolotta fireworks every night!
MILWAUKEE – July 10, 2017 – Festa Italiana, presented by Calypso Lemonades, today announced, in honor of its 40th anniversary, they will be offering a one day, $4 ticket promotion on Monday, July 17. The $4 tickets can be purchased online at http://www.festaitaliana.com starting at 12:00 A.M. Monday, July 17.
Festa is celebrating forty years of food, family and tradition at this year’s festival taking place July 21-23 on Milwaukee’s lakefront. In those 40 years, the festival has grown into the largest Italian event of its kind in America today. Originating as a way to bring together an Italian community torn apart by urban renewal projects, Festa was the first ethnic festival to take place in Henry Maier Festival Park. Festa was a “coming home” party for many Italians and served as a chance to share the best of the Italian culture with the community.
Music Headliners
Festa 2017 Highlights:
Your Ticket to Italian Flavor
Eat your way through Italy at Festa Italiana! Italian favorites will return including pizza, Italian sausage, arancini (rice ball), toasted ravioli, fried calamari, eggplant sticks, sfincione, spiedini, meatball sandwiches and sfingi! Saving the best for last? Festa is the place to satisfy your sweet tooth with cannoli, Italian cookies, cappuccino puffs and fresh gelato!
Calling all foodies….Festa’s popular Cucina Showcase will be host to a variety of food-related activities including cooking demonstrations from some of Milwaukee’s finest chefs, the popular Cannoli Contest on Saturday, July 22 at 3:30 p.m. and the Kid’s Pizza Making Contest (Ages 5-17) on Saturday, July 22 beginning at 4:15 p.m. Don’t miss Celebrity Chef Rossella Rago on Saturday, July 22, and Sunday, July 23. Rago is the host of the popular web cooking show “Cooking With Nonna” (www.cookingwithnonna.com).
Sipping also goes with eating! Festivalgoers can enjoy some of Italy’s finest wines throughout the grounds, provided by LoDuca Wines and Corvina Wine Company. Wine coolers, wine cocktails and wine flights will also be available!
New food items guests can look forward to include: Alioto’s Mostaccioli in Red Sauce; Trattoria di Carlo’s Sfingi with Amaretto Sauce; Carini La Conca D’Oro’s Sicilian Steak Sandwich, Sicilian Steak & Pasta and Sicilian Lasagna (Anelletti al Forno). Complete food menus can be downloaded at: http://festaitaliana.com/fooddrink/menus.
Your Ticket to Fun – Italian Style!
The traditional Italian game of Bocce Ball will return daily with the highly anticipated Bocce Ball Tournament taking place on Sunday, July 23. Take in Festa from the water’s view on a gondola ride and don’t miss the loudest Italian-style Bartolotta fireworks every night beginning at approximately 10:30 p.m.! The Copa Festa Italiana Futsal tournament will return on Saturday from noon – 7 p.m. at the sports court and Italian Idol will crown its karaoke king or queen on Sunday, July 23!
Your Ticket to Italian Tradition
The traditional Festa Italiana Sunday Mass and Procession will be led by Bishop Jeffrey R. Haines at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, July 23 at the American Family Insurance Amphittheater. The Mass is followed by a procession of societies and patron saints, concluded with benediction on the festival grounds. Attendees are encouraged to bring three (3) non-perishable food items to be donated to Hunger Task Force to help the Milwaukee Ethnic Festivals reach their goal of collecting 160,000 pounds of food this summer under “The Fests Feed Milwaukee” initiative.
Daily Admission Information/Deals
Festa Italiana offers plenty of ways to visit the festival! Purchase your advance tickets online today at www.festaitaliana.com through July 20 for a discounted rate of $10.00.
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Don’t miss Festa Italiana’s 50/50 Raffle! Costs for tickets are 1 for $5 or 3 for $10. Purchase on the Festa grounds or in advance at the Italian Community Center.
June 28, 2017 | Uncategorized | Permalink
Cannoli Eating Contest and Kids Pizza Making Competition Take Place July 22
MILWAUKEE – June 28, 2017 – Festa Italiana, presented by Calypso Lemonades, today announced Celebrity Chef Rossella Rago will return for the festival’s 40th anniversary. Rago is known for hosting popular web cooking show “Cooking with Nonna.” Other celebrity chefs headlining the festival this year include the “Filippo and the Chef Show,” featuring Italian chef Richard Lombardi. Both performances take place July 22 and 23 in the Cucina Showcase.
Rossella Rago Returns to the Cucina Showcase
A Cucina favorite, Rossella Rago, host of online cooking show “Cooking with Nonna,” has delighted Festa attendees in years past. Rossella will be performing Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 in the Cucina Showcase and will be joined on stage wither her maternal grandmother, Nonna Romana.
In 2010, Rossella, mother Angela and her Nonna Romana emerged victorious in the “Italiano Battle” episode of the Food Network’s 24 Hour Restaurant Battle. This year Rossella has published her first cookbook and was an honoree at The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) New York Gala, which celebrated the very best in Italian food, beverage and cultural experiences.
In addition to inspiring grandmothers from around the world to pass down their sacred recipes, entertaining audiences with her show, and popularizing authentic Italian cuisine with Cooking with Nonna, Rossella raises awareness of healthy eating habits for young women everywhere. Rossella is sure to again delight audiences at the 40th anniversary of Festa on Saturday and Sunday! For more information on Rossella, please visit: http://www.cookingwithnonna.com/about/about-rossella-rago.html.
Filippo and the Chef Join Celebrity Chef Line-Up
Richard Lombardi and Filippo Volagio will take the stage Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23, performing “The Filippo and the Chef Show.” A professional chef for over 20 years, Chef Richard has spent a life time learning the art of entertaining guests. At Mama Rose Restaurant in California, Richard and his wife of 43 years, Elaine, served an abundant menu of “New Italian-American” food, earning many awards for excellence. Chef Richard has written numerous articles for food publications and “The Mama Rose Cook Book,” containing recipes from Mama Rose Restaurant. With the help of noted Italian singer, Filippo Voltaggio, he created “The Filippo and the Chef Show.” Chef Richard demonstrates Italian cooking while Filippo sings, interviews guests and adds fun to the cooking experience. After Chef Richard’s bout with cancer, he created a non-profit organization, “The Cancer Fighting Chef.” He is using his cooking experience along with his battle with cancer, to create tasty recipes that contain ingredients to help fight cancer.
Filippo Voltaggio, author, speaker, LIFECoach, and TV and radio host, has incorporated the years of experience from being in front of, behind and on the screen and live stages into everything he does. From his singing, writing and hosting, Filippo brings it all together to create an energetic experience for audiences. From his acclaimed radio shows and TV and film appearances and performances, to his experiences in the world of business, working for a Fortune Top 3 Company and later owning a boutique entertainment agency; to his study of human psychology and esoteric arts, Filippo has seen, experienced and learned so much about the human condition and the struggle to being our authentic selves.
Both celebrity chefs will be selling their cookbooks at Festa Italiana. For more information on Festa’s celebrity chefs, please visit: http://festaitaliana.com/fooddrink/celebrity-chefs/
Eat Your Way Through Italy
Aside from actually eating in Italy, Festa Italiana is the next best thing. Festa-goers can enjoy Italian favorites including arancini, Italian sausage sandwiches, fried eggplant, calamari, panini, pasta, cannoli and more. With nearly 30 food vendors, attendees can experience all the tastes of Italy right on Milwaukee’s lakefront!
A sample of new food items to try, include:
A complete list of Festa food vendors and menus can be found by visiting: http://festaitaliana.com/fooddrink/menus/
Other Cucina Showcase Activities
Festa is ready to crown the 2017 Cannoli Eating Champion on Saturday, July 22! Do you have what it takes in this stomach-to-stomach battle? The Cannoli Eating Contest will kick off at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 22. Everyone 18 years or older is welcome to register, simply visit the Cucina Showcase on Saturday to enter your name in the drawing before 3:00 p.m. Is your stomach up to the challenge? All cannoli is provided by the Vella family of Peter Sciortino Bakery on Brady Street.
The Kids Pizza Making Contest, sponsored by Divino Wine & Dine, returns on Saturday, July 22 at 4:15 p.m. Children ages 5-17 are encouraged to participate in making the best pizza creation! The annual contest is a fun way for children to create fresh, made-from-scratch pizza in front of the live Cucina Showcase audience. Winners for each age group will receive a commemorative t-shirt. For more information, please visit: http://festaitaliana.com/fooddrink/kids-pizza-contest/
A full Cucina Showcase schedule can be found by visiting: http://festaitaliana.com/fooddrink/food-cooking-schedule/
June 19, 2017 | Uncategorized | Permalink
Famed Accordionist Performed at Festa 34 Times in Festival’s 40-Year History
MILWAUKEE – June 19, 2017 – Festa Italiana, presented by Calypso Lemonades, today announced it will present a tribute concert to famed accordionist Dick Contino on Sunday, July 23 at 6 P.M. on the Miller Lite Stage at Festa Italiana. Contino passed away April 19 at the age of 87.
Contino, a popular favorite among many festa-goers, played at the festival 34 times in Festa’s 40-year history. The special memorial tribute concert will include Contino’s son, Pete Contino, his daughter, Deidre, and three-time World Champion Accordionist and Contino protégé Cory Pescaturo. Other participants include Ray Massa and the Russo Brothers, both Nick and Domenic.
“From his first appearance at our very first Festa, Dick became a crowd favorite whose charisma was contagious and whose talent was exceptional. His down-to-earth personality won over everyone who came to see him and got to know him,” said Dean Cannestra, Festa General Co-Chairperson. “With his passing, there was no question in my mind that Festa Italiana had to do something special to salute this remarkable man.”
Longtime Festa fans will recall Pete Contino performing on drums and accordion with his father in the mid-1980s. A year or so later, Dick and Pete were joined on stage by Deidre Contino, who sang with her father’s band. The next year, all three had their own gigs at Festa. Pete and Deidre are the children of Dick’s first wife, the late Hollywood actress, Leigh Snowden, and still perform with their own bands.
Pescaturo is one of only four accordionists to win World Championships on both the acoustic and digital accordion, and is the only person to ever win a World Championship on jazz. At the age of 12, he was the youngest person ever to play at a state dinner at the White House. At 15, he became the youngest person to win the U.S. National Accordion Championship. He graduated from the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he was the first musician ever to major and graduate on the accordion.
When Pescaturo was 15, Dick Contino said, “Of all the accordionists I’ve seen over the years, Cory is the one to pass the torch to, the only one who has all the tools to bring the accordion back to its former glory.”
Ray Massa is the leader of the EuroRhythms, an Italian/Italian-American swing band, who will be performing at Festa Italiana all three nights. The son of immigrants from the Campania region of Italy, Massa excels on the accordion and various string instruments. Like Dick Contino’s shows, the performances by Ray Massa’s Eurorhythms are upbeat and crowd-pleasing.
Nick and Dominic Russo have been part of the Festa entertainment since they were 8 and 4 years old, respectively, performing on the Children’s Stage. Even back then, the Russo Brothers performed a tribute to Dick Contino, one of their heroes. Nick is a magnificent accordionist and keyboardist, while Dominic is the smooth crooner.
“This should be a remarkable salute to a remarkable man,” added Cannestra. “We’re anticipating that the Dick Contino Fan Club will re-group its nationwide members for this tribute and, really, all of his fans will come out to salute this legendary accordionist who graced the stages of Festa Italiana 34 times.”
Festa Italiana is celebrating its 40th anniversary July 21-23, 2017. For more information on the Dick Contino Tribute and other entertainment, please visit: www.festaitaliana.com. For more information on Cory Pesaturo, please visit: http://www.corypesaturo.com.
May 11, 2017 | Uncategorized | Permalink
Hometown favorite will be joined by NBC’s “The Voice” 2012 finalist Nicholas David
MILWAUKEE – May 11, 2017 – Festa Italiana, presented by Calypso Lemonades, is excited to host hometown favorite, the BoDeans as its Friday, July 21 headliner at 9:00 P.M. at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds). BoDeans will be joined by NBC’s “The Voice” 2012 finalist Nicholas David. Previously announced headliners include Gin Blossoms and Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti.
Formed in Waukesha, Wisconsin, BoDeans today are known as one of the best live acts in the business as the band continues to tour year-round and deliver amazing, high energy performances. As a small contingent of bands that inspired a new radio format known as Adult Alternative, Album Rock-Triple A, their reputation for delivering a dynamic live show garnered support slots with U2/Joshua Tree Tour, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, George Thorogood, The Pretenders, David Bowie, and appearances at Farm Aid, Summerfest, and ACL, among others.
Chart-topping songs like “Fadeaway,” “Only Love,” and “Dreams,” won them Rolling Stone’s readers’ poll for Best New American Band in 1987. The band has released several albums which embody multiple songs played heavily on the radio, in TV shows, and movies, and defined a sound that a generation embraced-songs like “Good Things,” “You Don’t Get Much,” “Idaho,” “If It Makes You,” “Closer to Free,” “Stay,” “American,” and, “All the World.” BoDeans now reside in a small group of bands that have managed to survive the ups and downs of the industry, remaining true to their sound and their style, for nearly 30 years. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum has them permanently displayed as part of their Midwest Artists exhibit.
“Milwaukeeans saw BoDeans grow into one of the most popular bands of the nineties and the band continues to show their affection for the area with their new music video titled, ‘My Hometown.’ BoDeans are sure to kick off Festa Italiana’s 40th anniversary with a bang and we are excited to have them perform opening night. We also expect Nichloas David to put on a spectacular show for festivalgoers,” said Dean Cannestra, Italian Community Center president and chairman of Festa Italiana.
Nicholas David Performing at 7:30 PM
A vibrant, dynamic and multi-talented singer/songwriter from Saint Paul, Minn., Nicholas David has composed alternative soul music that connects with people worldwide on a deeply human level. Prior to his unforgettable 2012 run with Team CeeLo on NBC’s “The Voice,” Nicholas had already recorded five critically acclaimed albums, experienced national radio airplay and participated in multiple charity and collaborative projects. Fans of The Voice were introduced to his soulful and storied career during this time where he struck a chord with America and finished a fan favorite in the top three. When it comes to his iconic live shows, Nicholas is a one-of-a-kind and must-see act. As if channeling inspiration from an outside source, the instant he walks on stage he gives himself over to the music. His emotional approach to songwriting and performing is the very reason the thriving Twin Cities music scene affectionately nicknamed him ‘the feelin.’
Festa Italiana takes place Friday, July 21 – Sunday, July 23, at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront. Festivalgoers can take in all entertainment acts for the value price of only $10.00 for advance sale tickets now through July 20. Tickets are $13.00 after July 20 and at the gate.
May 11, 2017 | Uncategorized | Permalink
OnMilwaukee coverage of our Italian Headliner Sal Valentinetti!
May 3, 2017 | Uncategorized | Permalink
“America’s Got Talent” Finalist will be joined by Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms, The Sicilian Tenors, Tre Principesse, Anna Calemme, and the Florentine Opera
MILWAUKEE – May 3, 2017 – Festa Italiana, presented by Calypso Lemonades, today announced Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti will headline the festival’s Italian entertainment line-up, performing Saturday, July 22 at 7 P.M. and Sunday, July 23 at 8:30 P.M. at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds). Valentinetti will be joined by other Italian favorites including Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms, The Sicilian Tenors, Tre Principesse, Anna Calemme, and the Florentine Opera.
Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti took season 11 of the NBC hit show “America’s Got Talent” by storm and is most known for belting out the classic Frank Sinatra hit “My Way.” Sal not only received a standing ovation but got the coveted “Golden Buzzer” from Judge Heidi Klum. The 21-year-old Italian-American crooner is best known for his flawless vocals, larger than life personality and heart of gold. Since being on the show, Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti sold out three Christmas Shows at the famous Paramount Theatre in Huntington, New York and performed in a round at one of Frank Sinatra’s favorite venues, The Theatre at Westbury (formerly The Westbury Music Fair). Sal loves to tell the story of how his father saved up just enough money to see Frank Sinatra on June 11, 1975, at Westbury. On March 3, 2017, the Valentinetti family returned to Westbury and watched with pride as Sal performed his 90-minute show to a sold-out crowd of 3,000 people just like his idol, Frank Sinatra. In October 2017, Sal will be the official Grand Marshal of the Columbus Day parade in Chicago, which is the second largest parade in the country and is working on a Christmas album to be released later in 2017.
As Heidi Klum declared: “I like the way you talk. I like the way you sing. I like everything about you.” Festa attendees won’t want to miss this energetic show featuring all the traditional favorites Saturday and Sunday evening!
“It’s important to celebrate our Italian heritage during our 40th anniversary, and we have a stellar Italian entertainment line-up not to be missed. Sal ‘The Voice’ Valentinetti, an ‘America’s Got Talent’ finalist will sing all the Italian favorites and will surely entertain Frank Sinatra fans. We are excited to bring back Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms, a well-traveled band that bridges Italian and American musical tributes, as well as new acts such as Tre Principesse, a young, all-female trio, and Anna Calemme, ‘The Elegant Voice of Naples.’ We are also happy to welcome back Festa favorites including The Sicilian Tenors, The Russo Brothers, Tony Spavone and the Florentine Opera,” said Dean Cannestra, Italian Community Center president and chairman of Festa Italiana.
Additional Italian Headliners include:
Festa Italiana takes place Friday, July 21 – Sunday, July 23, at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront. Festivalgoers can take in all entertainment acts for the value price of only $10.00 for advance sale tickets now through July 20. Tickets are $13.00 after July 20 and at the gate.
April 26, 2017 | Uncategorized | Permalink
Saturday Entertainment Line-Up Also Features Violin Femmes Starring Bella Electric Strings and Dog ‘N’ Butterfly; Take in All Entertainment Acts for the Cost of a Festa Admission Ticket
MILWAUKEE – April 26, 2017 – Festa Italiana, presented by Calypso Lemonades, today announced Grammy-nominated Gin Blossoms will headline the festival Saturday, July 22 at 9 P.M. at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (Summerfest grounds).
With numerous Billboard hits, Gin Blossoms’ fusion of Melodic Rock, Pop, Folk and Country elements has helped pave the way for the modern Rock of today. Gin Blossoms’ five-time Platinum breakthrough album, New Miserable Experience, contained gems such as “Until I Fall Away,” “Found Out About You,” “Hey Jealousy,” and “Allison Road.” Those hit tracks were followed by Empire Records Platinum Soundtrack hit, “Til I Hear it From You,” and in 1996, by the singles, “Follow you Down” and “As Long As It Matters.” From their breakout album through today, Robin, Jesse, Bill and Scotty have sold over 10 million records and are one of the most in demand 90’s live artists who began at the end of the grunge era.
In February 2017, the band went back in the studio recording a new album in time for release this Summer. Fans will get a taste of the new album as it works its way into their live set beginning this April. The band will perform in over 100 cities in 2017, making it one of the busiest touring years since the 90’s. Gin Blossoms remain a rare breed – rock ‘n’ roll lifers, destined to continue creating, crafting, and performing for audiences ever rapt by their glorious catalog of material.
“What better way to kick off our 40th anniversary than with a star-powered entertainment line-up. Gin Blossoms are one of those bands that people of all ages love and can resonate with and we know they are going to bring a spectacular show to Festa. We also have the Violin Femmes staring Bella Electric Strings that will excite crowds with their violin renditions of rock classics. Saturday’s line-up is only the beginning of some great entertainment that Festa will have in order to celebrate its 40th anniversary right,” said Dean Cannestra, Italian Community Center president and chairman of Festa Italiana.
Additional Saturday (July 22) Headliners include:
The members of Dog ‘N’ Butterfly painstakingly recreate every harmony & nuance of Heart’s memorable music down to the last detail. This, coupled with their dynamic stage show & retro-inspired costumes, makes them a virtual tour-de-force of talent and dedication, providing fans with exactly what they promise… The Ultimate Heart Tribute!
Festa Italiana takes place Friday, July 21 – Sunday, July 23, at the Henry W. Maier Festival Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront. Festivalgoers can take in all entertainment acts for the value price of only $10.00 for advance sale tickets now through July 20. Tickets are $13.00 after July 20 and at the gate.
A full Festa Italiana entertainment schedule of performers will be released as acts are confirmed. To learn more about Festa Italiana, please visit www.festaitaliana.com.
April 18, 2017 | Uncategorized | Permalink
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