The Italian Times - July 2012 Part 1

THE

ITALIAN TIMES Published by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com VOL. 34, NO. 2, SECTION A JULY/AUGUST 2012

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Welcome to Festa Italiana XXXV Huge parade to celebrate Festa’s 35 years!

Rossella Rago brings her “Cooking with Nonna” show to Festa!

Enjoy the entertainment! The Russo Brothers are seen here.

Roman soldiers help deliver the goods for the cannoli-eating contest!

Play bocce while at Festa!

The Sunday Mass and religious procession continue to be the essence of Festa Italiana!

Bartolotta’s famous fireworks each night!

Milwaukee County Historical Society exhibit coming to Festa!

Enjoy a romantic gondola ride during your visit to Festa!

Photo credits: Joe Spasiano, Tom Hemman and the Russo family.

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PAGE 2, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

THE ITALIAN TIMES

ICC President & Festa General Chairman Dave Spano welcomes all to the 35th Festa Italiana!

Festa Italiana, Milwaukee’s oldest lakefront ethnic festival, celebrates its 35th anniversary, Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22. It’s a pretty remarkable accomplishment when you sit down and think about it.

Back in 1977 and 1978, when Festa’s founding fathers were planning our first festival on the Summerfest grounds, it’s doubtful that anyone could have imagined that, 35 years later, Festa Italiana would be recognized as one of the centerpieces of Milwaukee’s and Wisconsin’s summer celebrations.

From the stories I heard, Festa’s founders, all of them volunteers, set their sights on doing their absolute best to present, on a broad scale, the traditions of the festivals that their immigrant parents and grandparents brought here from Sicily and other parts of Italy, and see how it panned out.

This year, we’re placing emphasis on many of the same principles that were hallmark to the success of the first Festa: family traditions, cultural presentations and activities, entertainment for all ages, spectacular nightly fireworks, a wide selection of delicious Italian food, and, of course, the Sunday Mass and procession, which are the essence of every Italian festival.

We’ve made a few changes this year – such as opening at 5 p.m. on Thursday (instead of earlier in the day) and we’ve moved our VIP Day program for people with disabilities from Thursday to Friday – all in an attempt to improve our bottom line.

We’ve also implemented, for the first time, a 50/50 cash raffle, which allows one lucky winner to walk away with what we expect to be a substantial sum of money. The winning ticket will be drawn at 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 22 at the

Festa parade to be better than ever

By Colleen Jurkiewicz Festa attendees may think they know what to expect from the festival’s “La Parata Italiana” (The Italian Parade). But this year’s parata will have some amazing new twists.

“This year’s parade will be very exciting and will offer many surprises!” said Susie (DeSanctis) Christiansen, organizer of the parade.

The family-friendly “La Parata Italiana” will be held ion Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22.

Led by Vespa Scooters courtesy of Reina International Auto/Vespa Milwaukee and accompanied by the Sicilian Band of Chicago, the parade will feature Festa favorites Pinocchio, Geppetto, the Blue Fairy, and a giant whale, and Topo Gigio. Tradizione Vivente, I

Bei Bambini and the Festa Regional & Renaissance Dancers will dance in the parade. The Italian Community Center’s 2012 Carnevale Royalty will process along with the Carnevale costume and mask winners, who have been invited to participate.

Completing the grand procession will be baton twirlers, a juggler/stilt walker, a Sicilian carretto (cart), beautiful imported Italian cars (also courtesy of Reina) and much more. And, of course, Italian music will be prominent in the procession as well.

Miller Lite Stage. The prize winner will collect 50% of the raffle’s gross revenue, based on the number of tickets sold as verified by the accounting firm Reilly, Penner & Benton, LLP. Festa Italiana will retain the remaining 50% of the ticket sales.

If you haven’t purchased your raffle tickets yet, I suggest you act now or buy them during your visit to Festa. Raffle tickets are $10 each. Call the Italian Community Center at 414-223-2180, visit www.FestaItaliana.com or look for the story in this section for complete details on the raffle.

Advance Festa admission tickets (also at $10 apiece) are also available and can be ordered by calling the phone number listed above, through the PayPal system on the Festa website or with the form in this section of The Italian Times.

Tickets at the gate will be $13 per person.

We’ve enhanced our cultural area on the north end of the grounds by moving the Dominic H. Frinzi Memorial Opera Tent to that area. The north end will now feature our Cultural Exhibit (showcasing ancient Rome and other historically prominent Italian cities this year), and our Cinema and Art Tent.

In the same area, next to the Summerfest lagoon, you’ll find the

loading dock for our gondola rides.

Last year, after several years’ absence, we brought back gondola rides to Festa, which proved very popular with our guests. Our gondoliers were kept busy throughout the festival. This year, thanks to the Vella family of Sciortino’s Bakery fame, we’ve added a second gondola, which should lessen the wait between rides.

It’s hard to imagine Mario Please turn to page 10A

A whale of a project Gina Jorgensen’s North Division High School students, who will be coordinating and manning Festa’s cultural exhibit (see Please turn to page 17A

Here’s virtually everything you need to know about Festa XXXV! It is with great pleasure that we publish the July/August 2012 Festa Italiana edition of The Italian Times. We have attempted to provide our readers with complete information on all aspects of the 35th annual Festa, produced by the volunteer members of the Italian Community Center. We hope you enjoy the stories, the features and the photographs.

We want to thank everyone who placed advertising in this issue. Without the support of our advertisers, it would be impossible to publish this large a newspaper. We encourage our readers to patronize those businesses that have placed advertising in this edition.

We also hope that everyone who reads this issue will be able

THE ITALIAN TIMES

to attend Festa Italiana. The festival opens Thursday, July 19 and runs through Sunday, July 22 at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (the Summerfest grounds) along Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront.

The staff of The Italian Times is looking forward to covering the festival. Our reports on the 35th annual Festa Italiana will appear in the September 2012 issue, published in late August.

If you happen to misplace your print edition of this newspaper, you can also find a copy of it online at the Italian Community Center’s website found at this address: www.ICCMilwaukee.com.

See you at Festa!

– Thomas Hemman Times Editor

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 3, SECTION A

One-of-a-kind Festa raffle A ‘50/50 cash raffle’ now under way Instead of offering a new car or a trip to Italy with other grand merchandise in its raffle, Festa Italiana officials have decided to go in a new direction. This year, Festa is offering a “50/50 cash raffle.”

What this means is there will be one prize. The prize winner will col-

lect 50% of the raffle’s gross revenue based on the number of tickets sold as verified by the accounting firm Reilly, Penner and Benton, LLP, certified public accountants.

The amount of the prize is anyone’s guess at this point, but it’s expected to be substantial since raffle tickets

are already on sale. Festa Italiana will retain the remaining 50% of ticket sales. The minimum prize is $5,000.

The cost of one raffle ticket has been set at $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Italian Community Center during regular business

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hours and at special events or online at www.FestaItaliana.com.

They are also available from ICC members and will be on sale on the Festa grounds during the festival, which begins Thursday, July 19 and ends Sunday, July 22. The drawing will take place on July 22 at 10 p.m. on the Miller Lite Oasis Stage.

The prize winner need not be present for the drawing. That person, however, will be responsible for payment of all applicable state and federal taxes. The tax settlement date must occur on or before Dec. 31, 2012.

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THE ITALIAN TIMES 631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180 Published 11 times annually Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Spano Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Ruggieri Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Italian Page Editor . . . . . . . Enrica Tarantino-Woytal Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors and Staff Writers/Reporters . . . . .Robert Ruggieri, Colleen Jurkiewicz, Ginny Balistreri, Mario A. Carini, Bobby Tanzilo, Angelo Castronovo and Susan Christiansen, Staff Photographers . . . . Tim Townsend, Tom Hemman and Colleen Jurkiewicz For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@italiancc.org.

Copyright 2012 The Italian Community Center, Inc. All Rights Reserved All advertisements must be in accordance with the rules and requirements as determined by editorial policy. Paid advertisements are not to be interpreted as an endorsement by the Italian Community Center or its newspaper, The Italian Times.

In addition, the Newspaper Committee reserves the right to reject ads based on editorial policy approved by the Board of Directors of the Italian Community Center.

PAGE 4, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Rossella Rago bringing her ‘Cooking with Nonna’ show to Festa

By Colleen Jurkiewicz New Jersey internet sensation Rossella Rago will be bringing her “Cooking with Nonna” show to Festa Italiana on Saturday, July 21 at 6:45 p.m. and Sunday, July 22 at 4:15 p.m. on the Piggly Wiggly Cucina Showcase Stage.

Rago will demonstrate easy, delicious recipes passed down through the generations.

“The recipes are going to be quick and easy and you can totally make them at home,” she told the Times. “We have recipes for everybody’s lifestyle. We try and cater to everyone. Our mission is to preserve the recipes that get lost in time.”

Rising star Rago, 25, is the host of the online cooking show Cooking with Nonna and the winner of the Food Network’s “25 Hour Restaurant Battle”. Her family hails from the Puglia region in southern Italy beside the Adriatic Sea, and she grew up spending summers in Italy learning to cook with her aunts.

A member of the Screen Actors Guild and an actress since the age of 11, Rago has appeared in many major films and television series including Confessions of a Shopaholic, 13 Going on 30, and The Sopranos. She is a member of the Order Sons of Italy in America and National Italian American Foundation, where she sits on the board for the Italian-American Youth Committee.

Rago graduated in 2009 from St.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

John’s University with a degree in Italian Literature. The daughter of immigrants, she speaks Italian fluently.

Preserving Italian tradition She is on a mission to preserve the “integral” ways of the Italian kitchen. “These days, there are simpler ways to do everything.

When my grandmother made tatale she would make the dough with a hand crank. Now we have a mixer and it kind of does everything for you, but it’s important to at least know how to do it the traditional, artisanal way,” she said.

And she’s out to provide Italian nonnas with the credit they deserve.

“These are women who’ve never been used to getting attention.

Never been told thank you for feeding us every day. They just do it out of habit and out of tradition and out of culture. These amazing women hold families together.”

On Sunday her show will incorporate a local Milwaukee nonna, who will assist Rago onstage. In addition, Rago and the lucky nonna will appear on TMJ4 on July 21.

She is excited to be part of Festa for the first time. “It’s the biggest Italian fest in the country. I can’t wait!”

Rago’s shows are sponsored by Georgian Court University abd Sabta Arnisa Boutique Wines.

Interested in advertising with us?

Call (414) 223-2180 or email themman@italiancc.org.

Rossella Rago

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 5, SECTION A

Cucina Showcase to offer a full schedule

By Colleen Jurkiewicz For Festa Italiana 2012, the Piggly Wiggly Cucina Showcase will be serving up a full menu of delicious entertainment. Hundreds of people every day are expected to flock to the Cucina to experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of fine Italian cuisine “We’ve got some new vendors and the return of our favorites,” reported Marie Lieber, manager of the Piggly Wiggly Cucina Showcase. Chef Nick Stellino will be back for his eighth time, and Festa newcomer Rossella Rago, the host of the online Cooking with Nonna and the winner of the Food Network’s “25-Hour Restaurant Battle” will demonstrate easy, traditional recipes. Look for separate stories on both Stellino and Rago.

Here’s the Piggly Wiggly Cucina Showcase culinary demonstrations lineup: Thursday, July 19 • 5:30 p.m.: The Thursday lineup starts off on Thursday with the LoDuca Brothers’ Wine in New Berlin featuring wine connoisseur and national sales manager Lou Bruno and Jim LoDuca, president of the company.

• 6:30 p.m.: There will be a demonstration by chef Patrick Murphy from LeReve Patisserie, 7610 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa.

Friday, July 20 • 12 p.m.: Friday will kick off with the return of Joe McCormick of Ryan Braun’s Graffito, 102 N. Water St, Milwaukee.

• 1 p.m.: Brian Frakes of the Pfister Hotel, 424 E. Wisconsin Ave., one of the oldest and most prestigious venues in Milwaukee.

• 2:30 p.m.: Alfred D’Amato will represent Mozzaluna Pizzeria, 17700 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield.

• 4 p.m.: Tony Evans of Bravo Cucina Italiana, 95 N. Moorland Rd., Brookfield.

• 5:30 p.m.: Joe Jennaro, owner of Carmella’s Italian Bistro in Appleton.

• 6:45 p.m.: Justus Smith of The Venice Club, 1905 N. Calhoun Rd., Brookfield.

Saturday, July 21 • 11:45 a.m.: Buca di Beppo, 1233 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee, will be represented by Steve Perlstein.

• 1 p.m.: Chef Audrey Vandenburgh will feature the cuisine of Wild Earth at Potawatomi Bingo Casino at 1721 W. Canal St., Milwaukee.

• 2 p.m.: Michael Watson of Maggiano’s Little Italy, 2500 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa.

• 2:45 p.m.: Names will be drawn for the Cannoli-Eating Contest.

• 3 p.m.: Annual Cannoli-Eating Contest sponsored by Peter Sciortino’s Bakery, 1101 E. Brady St., Milwaukee.

• 4 p.m.: Nick Stellino, sponsored by DaVinci Pasta.

• 5:15 p.m.: Miles Borghgraef of Ristorante Bartolotta, 7616 W. State St., Wauwatosa.

• 6:45 p.m.: Rossella Rago of Cooking With Nonna.

Sunday, July 22 • 1 p.m.: David Magnasco of Tripoli Country Club, 7401 N. 43rd St., Milwaukee.

• 2 p.m.: Tomas White Jr. of Mia Famiglia Italian Ristorante & Steak House, 10049 W. Forest Home Ave., Hales Corners.

• 2:45 p.m.: Names will be drawn for the Kid’s Pizza-Making Contest • 3 p.m.: Kid’s Pizza-Making Contest sponsored by Due Sorelli,

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• 3:30 p.m.: Kid’s Pizza-Making Contest sponsored by Due Sorelli, ages 10-16.

• 4:15 p.m.: Rossella Rago of Cooking With Nonna.

• 5:30 p.m.: Jesse Sousa of Zin Uncommon California Italian, 629 Main St., Delafield.

• 6:30 p.m.: Nick Stellino, sponsored by Electrolux.

Cucina Showcase vendors Besides the culinary demonstrations, several vendors will be showcasing their products and services;

Nick Stellino to display his culinary passion at Festa

By Colleen Jurkiewicz One of the most recognizable chefs in America, Nick Stellino, will once again appear at the Piggly Wiggly Cucina Showcase on Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22, during Festa Italiana.

Stellino’s Saturday show will be at 4 p.m. and sponsored by DaVinci Pasta. On Saturday, he will conduct his cooking demonstration at 6:30 p.m. under the sponsorship of Electrolux.

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PAGE 6, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

many of them offering free samples throughout the day.

Although this list may be incomplete, the vendors as of presstime included: Oro d’Oliva, Due Sorelli, E. Formella & Sons, Carmella’s Bistro Sauces, Red Gold Tomato Products, Ghiradelli Chocolate Company and Ferraro USA/Nutella.

Daily activities at the Cucina Showcase will conclude with the Italian Idol amateur singing contest. Look for a separate story on this activity.

stockbroker, but gave up that lucrative career to follow his bliss – which led him straight to the kitchen. Determined to become a chef, he started his cooking career as a dishwasher and apprenticed with well-known culinary masters, eventually working his way to the top and garnering national attention with several television series, including Nick Stellino Cooking with Friends, Cucina Amore I, II and III, Nick Stellino’s Family Kitchen, and several PBS specials.

He has authored nine cookbooks, including Nick Stellino’s Passione: Pasta, Pizza, Panini and Mangiamo! Let’s Eat. On the topic of his cookbooks, Stellino states on his website, www.nickstellino.com, “I love them as if they were children. Each [cookbook] is different, and each one is dear to me.”

He has been a guest on such prestigious programs as Rachel Ray, Today, CBS This Morning, and Good Morning America. He runs a marketing and production company in addition to his culinary pursuits and is a well-known motivational speaker.

Stellino has appeared at Festa Italiana seven times since 2004.

“I believe that the family table is our last tribal meeting ground, where we all sit together and share our stories surrounded by great food, great wine, our family and friends. A family that eats together stays together!” he writes on his website.

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Watch, or better yet, participate in, Festa’s cannoli-eating contest

By Colleen Jurkiewicz What’s better than a cannoli?

How about all the cannoli you can eat?

The seventh-annual CannoliEating Contest will once again be held at Festa Italiana’s Cucina Showcase stage on Saturday, July 21 at 3 p.m. This year contestants will attempt to top Anthony Paulis’ amazing triumph of 2011, during which he consumed 10-1/4 cannoli.

As usual, the cannoli will make their grand procession into the Cucina Showcase on the shoulders of Roman soldiers. The cannoli are provided courtesy of Joe and Luigi Vella and Maria Sali at Sciortino’s Bakery, who are generously donating as much cannoli as the contestants can devour.

In order to compete, interested candidates can enter their names at the Cucina Showcase from Festa’s opening day, July 19 until shortly before the time of the con-

test on July 21. Ten contestants will compete after their names are randomly drawn. In order to be eligible to compete, contestants must be present at the drawing of the names on Saturday at 2:45 and must be over 18 years of age.

All participants will receive a tshirt and the first-place winner will be awarded a cash prize.

In keeping with tradition, Paulis will return this year to defend his title. Spectators will expect to see his signature championship belt, which he hoisted last year after his victory.

Cannoli are a famous Sicilian pastry dessert made of fried dough and a rich filling, sometimes containing mascarpone or ricotta cheese. In historic Italy they were made during Carnevale in Palermo as a delicacy and became especially popular with Italian-American immigrants in the early 20th century. The competitive eating of can-

noli is popular at Italian-American festivals all around the United States, particularly at the Feast of San Gennaro in New York City, but

Milwaukeeans can surely rival any other city in their enthusiasm for their own Sciortino’s-made pastries.

Kid’s pizza-making contest to return

By Colleen Jurkiewicz Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Due Sorrelli Italian Spices, the Piggly-Wiggly Cucina Showcase will once again host the popular Kid’s Pizza-Making Contest on Sunday, July 22 at 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

This will be the contest’s third year at Festa. Last year’s winners were Alex Blessing, 13, of Big Bend, and Kayla Sachs, 9, of Libertyville, Ill. The champions from last year won gift bags from Due Sorrelli and got to keep their chef’s hats and aprons that they wore to perfect their pizzas.

Two contests will be held – one for children ages 5 to 9 at 3 p.m. and another for ages 10 to 16 at 3:30 p.m. A pizza-making demonstration will precede the competi-

tion, which will be judged on creativity and visual appeal.

Interested contestants can sign up at the Cucina Showcase all days of Festa. At precisely 2:45 p.m. on Sunday, 10 names will be randomly drawn for each age group to determine who will compete. Contestants must be present at the drawing of the names in order to be eligible to compete.

Due Sorrelli is based in Oak Creek, and is owned by sisters Laurel and Rosemarie Torre.

“The kids’ pizza-making contest is always one of the greatest moments at the Cucina, and people just love it,” said Marie Lieber, manager of the Cucina Showcase. “We are so grateful to Due Sorrelli for making it possible.”

Here’s Tony Paulis gulping down one of the 10-1/4 cannoli he devoured in six minutes, thus setting a new record in Festa Italiana’s cannoli-eating contest last July. Paulis became a three-time champion of the contest. In 2010, he tied Tom Carlson of Minnesota for the title when both matched the former record, originally set by Chris Massa of Delafield in 2008, of eight cannoli ingested in six minutes. Paulis won his first cannoli-eating title at Festa in 2009. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)

Our best wishes to the Italian Community Center and Festa Italiana on 35 great years!

THE ITALIAN TIMES

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 7, SECTION A

Ancient Rome comes to life at Festa!

By Colleen Jurkiewicz Please make sure to stop by the Culture Tent at the 35th Festa Italiana, Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22. Here’s a look at what’s in store.

The students of Gina Jorgensen’s North Division High School art history class got a chance to travel back to ancient Rome while preparing displays for this year’s Cultural Exhibit.

You will see historic dioramas, artistic reproductions of ancient weapons, boards explaining Roman social traditions, and much more will be on display at the Culture Tent on the North End of the festival grounds. Students from the class will volunteer to be expertson-hand at the tent to explain exhibits to festival-goers.

Jorgensen explained she got the idea for the exhibit while doing a project-based learning unit on ancient Rome in her class. “Before the project is completed, the stu-

dents do much research first,” Jorgensen said. “We start with an essential question and students create projects to answer the question.”

Some examples of displays include a board explaining the logistics of an ancient catapult, utilized by the Romans in their wars against Syracuse, Macedon, Sparta, and Aetolia in the 3rd and 2nd centuries, BC. Another board illustrates the details of social etiquette in ancient Rome, explaining the difference between the appearance of noblewomen and common women.

Other boards give information on ancient Roman swords and shields.

Students have made impressive representations of a Roman shield and sword out of cardboard, plaster wrap, newspaper, and paint, along with examples of intricate mosaics.

Some students also created their own renderings of such historic buildings as the Coliseum and the Duomo in Florence with cardboard

and printmaking, which will accompany information about ancient Roman gladiators.

Festa attendees will also be able to see the projects used in an interactive way. “The catapult will be used to launch off bean bags somewhere on the grounds, most likely the Children’s Area,” said Jorgensen. “It will also be used to launch off candy during the parade.”

Culture tent activities Jorgensen and Christina Ziino are planning lots of new activities for this year’s Cultural Exhibit.

There will be a paper mosaic art activity (Dean Cannestra is graciously donating pizza circles to be used) where the public will have the chance to make their own paper mosaics just like the Ancient Romans did with tile.

Story time will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday night and at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Stories will be read in both English and Italian.

WisItalia and Victory Immersion School will have a table, as well as The Center for Cultural Exchange. Information on how to

become a member of the groups and a student at the immersion school will be provided.

“We will have a small marketplace in our tent with some authentic Italian merchandise such as glass, t-shirts, and other fun things,” said Jorgensen. “Last but not least, we will have our annual raffle of Italian baskets full of goodies!”

Look for the giant Pinocchio head and whale to be featured in the Festa Parade, using materials like chicken wire, conduit, wood, zip ties, thin wire, newspaper, plaster wrap, and paint. Italian Community Center member Cosmo Carini is building the wooden structures that Monstro and Pinocchio will be wheeled on.

Jorgensen wishes to thank the ICC Board, specifically Sam Purpero and Susie Christensen, for their generosity in funding the whale and Pinocchio project!

Thanks to Cosmo Carini, Dennis Manley, and Daniel Fouliard for their expertise with the whale and Pinocchio project! “Your gift of time and talents will never be forgotten!”

North Division High School student Aureaulis Parris is seen here working on the head of Pinocchio. (Photos provided by Gina Jorgensen)

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PAGE 8, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

Cucina Showcase (front) Miller Lite Oasis Area Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Area

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THE ITALIAN TIMES

Festa Fine Arts Show will exhibit 13 Italian American artists and feature two writers

By Ginny Balistreri It would be hard to debate that any culture has contributed more to the arts than Italy. The visual arts, literature, music, theater, crafts, architecture and even culinary arts owe a debt of gratitude to Italy and Italian culture, according to Valorie (Sanfilippo) Schleicher, the manager of the 2012 Festa Fine Arts Show.

Schleicher, a local artist who has gained a national and international reputation for her work in sculpture and photography, said the Festa Fine Art Show helps to propagate the history and tradition of Italy in the Arts and introduces Festa audiences to local Italian-American artisans who are continuing in that great tradition.

“Festa is a wonderful venue for artists,” she said. “We try to bring a variety of art into the show and to give those who might rarely attend an art exhibit a chance to view the art, watch it in the making, and buy a favorite piece to take home with them. We also mentor emerging artisans who are students from the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) by inviting one to participate in the show. The show gives them experience and exposure to professional artists who encourage their growth in the arts.”

The Festa Fine Arts Show is a popular stop for Festa crowds. This year’s exhibit will be located on the north end of the festival grounds north of the U.S. Cellular Stage. It shares space with the Cinema Tent (see article on the Cinema).

“There’s much to offer in the way of Italian and Italian American art and culture on the north end of the grounds,” Valorie stated. “We want to make sure everyone knows where we are and makes it a point to stop in to see us. Like all of Festa, the Fine Arts Show offers family-friendly entertainment. To highlight that emphasis, our show includes members of three artisan families – the Orlandini, Christensen and White families.”

The work of 15 visual artists, craft artisans, and authors makes up this year’s Festa Fine Arts Show. All of the participants are of ItalianAmerican heritage and can attribute part of their creativity to an innate connection to their ancestry and the Italian artists who preceded them.

In addition to exhibiting their work, some of the artists will demonstrate how they create their art, and they will answer questions about their techniques, tools and media. “This can be a special teaching moment for children,” commented Valorie.

All of the work will be available for sale and moderately priced. A portion of the proceeds goes to the ICC to perpetuate the growth of art and culture in Milwaukee.

Among this year’s exhibitors are two wellknown published writers: Paul Salsini and Arthur Cola. The writers will meet and chat individually with visitors to the Fine Arts Show and will autograph copies of their books, also available for purchase.

The following is a list of the exhibiters. Be sure to stop, meet them, and view their show.

The Art Show will be open the entire four-day festival, from Thursday through Sunday.

• Paul Salsini – The widely celebrated author will bring his latest novel, The Temptation of Father Lorenzo: Ten Stories of 1970s Tuscany to the Festa Fine Arts Show, along with his acclaimed A Tuscan Trilogy: The Cielo, a novel of wartime Tuscany; Sparrow’s Revenge, a novel of postwar Tuscany; and Dino’s Story, a novel of 1960s Tuscany.

• Yvonne (Marchetti) Stevenson - Bad Dog Studio Painter: Yvonne will be displaying her abstract art. She paints primarily in vivid, lively, and playful colors to enhance the beauty of an object and project mood and emotion.

• Paula DeStefanis Christensen – She will be displaying acrylic paintings and hand painted wearable art.

• Donna Pogliano – Girly Girl Baubbles and Beads –The Bay View jewelry maker will be returning to Festa with her Millefiori and art glass, plus her earrings, anklets and bracelets in the colors of the Italian flag.

• Arthur Cola – Author. An educator for 35 years, the Burlington resident will be bringing his three novels to Festa, The Stone Cutters Genius, The Shamrock Crown, and Papa and the Leprechaun King, along with his children’s Christmas-themed book, Papa and the Gingerbread Man • Mary Anne Schall – The Shorewood resident, whose family names include Bettio and Andreotta, is a jewelry maker who manipulates wire into wearable pieces of art using techniques adapted from basketry, knitting and metal work.

She combines silver, gold, and copper with pearls, gem stones, antique pieces, fused glass and china shards. She will be displaying necklaces, earrings, and bracelets.

• Debra Stubbe Burkhart Orlandini – The local artist will be displaying new paintings and drawings of both Milwaukee and Italian landmarks, including originals, prints and greeting cards taken from her original art. She uses a nontraditional medium that combines acrylic paint and magic marker.

• Eugene Orlandini – A third generation artisan, Orlandini will display and demonstrate the ornate plaster and restoration work that has given the family name international acclaim.

• Sheila Orlandini – The third member of the artistic Orlandini family to exhibit at the 2012 Festa Italiana Fine Arts Show, Sheila will display her photography.

• Susan (Rossi) Kamholtz – An artist of Italian and Irish descent, Kamholtz doesn’t like to limit herself to any one medium. So she will be exhibiting her multi-media paintings at the Festa Fine Arts Show.

• Valerie Erato – Bead and Toggle Jewelry.

Please turn to page 11A

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THE ITALIAN TIMES

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 9, SECTION A

Spano: Festa XXXV placing emphasis on principles that helped to make festival a success from page 3A Carini’s Pompeii Sacred Art exhibit and Vintage Italian American photo display getting any more impressive, but we think we might have done it this year with the addition of the Milwaukee County Historical Society’s salute to our city and county’s Italian immigrants. Many of the items that comprised the acclaimed Historical Society exhibit, “Faith, Family, Festa: Milwaukee’s Italians,” will be prominently displayed at our festival. The entire exhibit can be found on the south end of the grounds.

Our always popular Piggly Wiggly Cucina Showcase will feature cooking demonstrations by internet sensation Rossella Rago, who hosts the online “Cooking with Nonna” program, public television chef and author Nick Stellino along with a host of prominent local chefs, vendor displays, food samplings and other activities such as our “Cannoli-Eating Contest” and “Kid’s Pizza-Making Contest.”

For family fun, Festa Italiana presents “La Parata Italiana” (The Italian Parade) on Saturday and Sunday. We expect our Saturday night parade to be a huge one as we’ve invited representatives of all the lakefront ethnic festivals to join us in the procession. This will serve as our official salute to 35 years of Festa.

One of our sponsors, BP is bringing “The BP Team USA Experience” to Festa. BP, which is also a sponsor of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, has developed an interactive exhibit, featuring state-of-the-art equipment and athletic assessment techniques, which will be available for the participation and viewing of all of our guests.

We’re bringing back our LEGOs activity tent, where children of all ages can build their own Italian landmarks from LEGO pieces.

The Festa Children’s Stage and play area will present fun entertainment and activities throughout the day.

This year, we’re not doing any special admission shows at the Marcus Amphitheater, but we’ve put together a solid lineup of entertainment, which can be seen for free with a Festa admission. We’ll have a special concert by the rockin’ jazz band, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, on Friday night, July 20 (courtesy of one of our new food

vendors, Major Goolsby’s). We’ve signed the classic rock band, The Ides of March, for shows on both Friday and Saturday night, July 20 and 21.

On Monday, July 9, we’ll be announcing a concert by a national recording country act, which you will be able to see on Sunday, July 22 at Festa. This show is sponsored by the King Juice Company and Calypso Spiked Island Adult Lemonade.

Among the new acts in our entertainment lineup are classical crossover artists Michèal Castaldo and Alfio, escape artist Mario Manzini (performing his tribute to Houdini), the Louis Prima Jr. Band (direct from Las Vegas), 16-year old sensation Charissa Mrowka (who’s been compared to country superstar Taylor Swift) and Sammy Llanas (formerly of the BoDeans).

We’ve brought back Arrival: The ABBA Tribute Band, which

debuted to rave reviews last year.

Dick Contino, Matt Morgan, Aaron Caruso, Sandra Mandella, Giada Valenti and other longtime favorites are also returning to Festa.

Bartolotta Fireworks, which started in business with the first Festa in 1978, will present its renowned pyrotechnics show each night of this year’s festival. The biggest show will be on Friday night.

Festa will have 32 vendors operating more than 40 booths and portable trailers offering food and beverages. LoDuca Bros. Wine will be offering wine tastings.

We’re expecting thousands of people to converge on the Marcus Amphitheater on Sunday morning, July 22 for our Festa Mass, which will be celebrated by Fr. John M. Belmonte, S.J., Ph.D., superintendent of schools for the Joliet, Ill. Catholic diocese and former princi-

pal of Marquette University High School in Milwaukee. A religious procession will help to recapture the essence of the Italian feasts brought to America by our ancestors.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Mass & Procession Committee is collecting non-perishable food items for the Hunger Task Force at the entrance gates to the Marcus Amphitheater. I want to encourage everyone to participate and help us reach our goal of 10,000 pounds of food!

While it’s impossible to discuss everything going on at Festa in this message, virtually everything you need to know can be found in this issue of The Italian Times.

See you at Festa, July 19-22!

– Dave Spano Italian Community Center President Festa Italiana General Chairman

Congratulazione, Festa Italiana XXXV

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PAGE 10, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Festa Cinema Tent to feature new films from Italy Enter new contest – ‘Guess Who’s Italian’ – to win daily cash prizes

By Ginny Balistreri Who wants to go to the movies when there’s so much to do at Festa Italiana? Italian film lovers, of course.

Any celebration of Italian culture would be remiss if it didn’t include recognition of the influence of Italian cinema. Italy’s film industry, which dates back to the early 1900s, has given Italy and the world great films like La Dolce Vita, Two Women, and Blowup from noted filmmakers like Fellini, Rossellini, Zeffirelli, DeSica, and Antonioni. Their art easily crossed over into American culture and created international stardom for themselves and actors like Marcello Mastroianni, Sophia Loren and Anna Magnani.

Even Clint Eastwood owes his movie career to Italy’s Spaghetti Westerns and the cult trilogy he starred in that included The Good, the Bad and the Ugly Festa Italiana will again pay tribute to Italy’s film industry and give visitors to the four day festival a chance to preview award winning new releases from Italy’s bright new filmmakers, along with classic Italian films from inside Rome’s iconic Cinecitta Studios. For those dreaming of a trip to Italy or pining for their homeland, the Cinema Tent will also run travelogues of picturesque Italy.

Ann Zambito, Rachel Anderson, and Salvatore (Lococo) Strehlow, co-managers of the Festa Cinema Tent, have planned a four-day schedule of films and exhibits that

Italian American artisans, writers featured at Festa Fine Arts Show from page 9A Known for wire wrapping and specifically using that technique to make edgy, funky and unique rings, Erato will be exhibiting her unusual rings, along with pendants and her new button earrings.

• Marie White – The family of Marie and Angela White originated in Basilicata, Italy. Mom Marie works in mixed media – painting and clay. She will be exhibiting pottery and hand painted glass ornaments that depict people and scenes from their lives as adapted from photos.

• Angela White – The daughter of Marie White will be displaying Horse Hair Pottery.

• Josh (DeStefanis) Christensen – An emerging artist and the fifth Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) student to join the Festa Italiana Fine Arts Show, Christensen is the son of Paula (DeStefanis) Christensen.

In his first professional show, he will exhibit drawings and prints.

• Valorie (Sanfilippo) Schleicher – The Wauwatosa resident has been coordinating the exhibits for the Festa Fine Arts Show for the past seven years. A sculptor and photographer, she has gained a national and international reputation for her art, and has been invited to exhibit her work in shows in SoHo and London later in the year. She will be bringing her award winning Strong Woman photographic series to Festa.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

capture the influence of film on Italian and American culture. The Cinema Tent, which shares space with the Art Tent, will be located on the north end of the festival grounds. It includes a 50-seat, draped viewing area.

“We will be running full-length motion pictures that have been released to DVD in Italy but are not yet being shown to mainstream American audiences,” explained Rachel Anderson, speaking on behalf of the co-managers. “We’ve chosen films that are making names for themselves at International film festivals, like the recent festival held at the UWMilwaukee.”

The tent co-managers chose the films for Festa audiences. “We included comedies and lighter films to match the spirit of Festa,” Rachel added. “We’re also showing classic Italian films. All of the films are in Italian with English subtitles. Visitors can sit through an entire film, or watch part of it before moving on to other exhibits.”

Between the features, Festa will run travelogues of Italy. The Cinema Tent is the only cultural tent to offer its own refreshments.

According to the planning team, Italian sodas, Espresso, Lemoncello, champagne Bellini and Sciortino’s Bakery cookies will be offered for sale in the tent. Visitors will be able to stroll around the Cinema Tent exhibits or attend a film with their refreshments, or relax at tables set up for their comfort.

The exhibits will chronicle the history of the Italian film industry and include posters of Italian and Italian-American films, and photos of Italian actors and American actors of Italian heritage.

New contest details Festa is introducing a new con-

test this year specifically for visitors to the Cinema Tent. The movie-themed challenge, “Guess Who’s Italian,” will require entrants to identify the American actor of Italian heritage from several photos displayed in the exhibit.

Prizes will be awarded each night to the winner of a drawing of accurate entries. The Cinema Tent will host a different contest each day.

Winners do not need to be present to win.

“It might not be as easy as you think,” said Sal Strehlow, “Aside from popular opinion, not everyone looks Italian who is Italian, and not everyone with an Italian-sounding name is Italian. You’ll have to know your film celebrities.”

A CASH prize will be awarded each day of the contest. “It will be worth your while to enter,” Sal added.

Festa film schedule The following is a partial schedule of films being shown in the Festa Italiana Cinema Tent Thursday through Sunday: • Scialla! – Thursday, 7 p.m. and Sunday, 3 p.m.: Starring Fabrizio Bentivoglio, Barbora Bobulova, Vinicio Marchioni, and Filippo Scicchitano. A young boy grows up without a father figure and finds refuge in a professor who teaches him many life lessons. This is a film with mass appeal.

• Roma (a.k.a. Fellini’s Roma) – Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday, 2 p.m.: A 1972 semi-autobiographical, poetic film depicting director Federico Fellini’s move from his native Rimini to Rome as a youth.

The minimal plot is formed by a series of loosely connected episodes, and the only character to develop significantly is Rome herself. Peter Gonzales plays the young Fellini,

choosethe

and the film features un-credited guest appearances by Anna Magnani, Marcello Mastroianni, Alberto Sordi, Gore Vidal, and Fellini himself.

• Noi credevamo – Friday, 7 p.m.: A 2010 Italian drama film directed by Mario Martone, stars Luigi Lo Cascio, Valerio Binasco and Francesca Inaudi.

Characters Domenico, Salvatore and Angelo react to the heavy Bourbon repression of the uprisings of 1828 that involved their families and retraces events that led to the unification of Italy. This film was nominated for the Golden Lion at the 67th Venice International Film Festival.

• Ferie d’Agosto – Saturday, 7 pm: The film by Paolo Virzi is a sub-genre called “commedia di villeggiatura” or “balneare.” Two families (one leftist, the other rightist) collide during a summer vacation on the island of Ventotene off the coast of Naples in a study of the anthropological habits of the average Italian family. The ensemble cast includes some of the best actors of their generation: Silvio Orlando, Ennio Fantastichini, Piero Natoli, Laura Morante, Sabrina Ferrilli.

Three travelogues will alternate in between the featured films throughout the weekend. These all feature Italy as a whole, but focus more on the southern region, or Rome specifically.

• Visions of Italy: Southern Style – Takes viewers on a seamless journey along the rugged western coastline to the toe of the “boot.”

• 7 Days in Italy – An in-depth, seven-day sightseeing video tour of Italy.

• Italia: Opera Unica – A beautiful depiction of Italy’s diverse mosaic landscape.

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Treasures of the Italian church presented in Festa exhibit

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor In a continuing effort to convey the importance that Italians have long placed on their religious beliefs and customs, Festa Italiana presents its inspirational Pompeii Church Exhibit.

Located on the southeast end of the Festa grounds, the exhibit is a tribute to Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church, which was built

by Milwaukee’s immigrant Italians in the city’s old Third Ward. The Pompeii Church served the community at its Jackson Street location from May of 1905 until its demolition in October of 1967.

A great share of the artifacts that are displayed in the Festa exhibit were salvaged before the demise of the church, which occurred under an urban renewal project order, said Mario A. Carini, Italian Community Center Historian and exhibit chairman.

Some of the attractions in the Pompeii exhibit will be: • The Our Lady of Fatima grouping. Carini described the display as a beautiful four-piece grouping, featuring the Blessed Mother and three children. The grouping was hand-carved in wood in the Trentino area of northern Italy in 1930, he said.

• The Addolorata (the Sorrowful Mother) statue, which appeared on the side of the main altar at the

Pompeii Church. At Festa, it will be fronted by the statue of Christ in Repose, a kneeling angel, candelabra and other artifacts from the church. The Christ in Repose statue was put on view at the Pompeii Church each Good Friday, near the bottom of the main altar. This statue was donated to Festa in memory of Elizabeth Pinchar by her husband, Frank.

• La Madonna del Lume (Our Lady of Light), the patron saint of Porticello, Sicily. The Madonna del Lume setting once graced the north side of the Pompeii Church. At Festa, La Madonna del Lume will be displayed with a stream of ostensori (monstrances), which were used during the Benediction ceremony, Carini said. Some of these monstrances date back to the 1850s and were made in various European countries including Italy, Germany and Austria.

• The Our Lady of Lourdes statue, which was displayed at May crowning ceremonies at the Pompeii Church. It was donated to Festa by the C.W. Purpero family in memory of Rosalie Purpero.

• One of the two angels that graced the sides of the altar of the Pompeii Church. This was a gift to Festa from Salvatore and Antonina Alfino, who were wed at the church on June 26, 1926.

• Statues of St. Joseph and the Christ Child that were among the

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This bronze replica of Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, “Pietà,” will be included in the Pompeii Sacred Arts display at Festa Italiana. This replica, on long-term loan to the Italian Community Center from Marquette University’s Haggerty Museum of Art, was cast in 1945 by Ferdinando Marinelli Foundry in Florence, Italy from plaster molds that had been pulled in 1932 from the original sculpture. Shortly after the creation of this replica, the Italian government halted the practice of making reproductions of art masterpieces. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

original statues in the Pompeii Church.

Returning to Festa Making a return appearance at Festa in the Pompeii Church exhibit will be a bronze replica of Michelangelo’s famous sculpture “Pietà.” This replica, on long-term loan to the Italian Community Center from Marquette University’s Haggerty Museum of Art, was cast in 1945 by Ferdinando Marinelli Foundry in Florence, Italy from plaster molds that had been pulled in 1932 from the original sculpture. Shortly afterward, the Italian government halted the practice of making reproductions of art masterpieces.

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Milwaukee department store, purchased the sculpture in 1964 and had it shipped here for a special promotion celebrating the art and culture of Italy.

The piece was incorporated into the Marquette University collection in 1982; first as an extended loan from the Milwaukee Art Center and later as a permanent gift.

In 1984, the sculpture was featured in a Younkers Department Store display in Omaha, Neb. For the most part, however, the Pietà was on continuous display in Haggerty’s permanent collection gallery.

An agreement to loan the replica to the ICC was reached in late 2008.

Since this copy was cast directly from the original, it is full size: 5foot, 6-inches tall; 5-feet wide; and 2-feet, 9-inches deep. The bronze version weighs more than 1,300 pounds.

Michelangelo Buonarroti was born in Caprese (Tuscany region) in 1475 and was only 23 years old when he was commissioned to produce the Pietà. He sculpted it from a solid block of Carrera marble.

During his lifetime (he died in 1564), Michelangelo produced four different versions of the Pietà (the Italian word for “pity”). The version for which the bronze replica was made is the most famous, and is widely regarded as one of the finest sculptures ever made.

This version of the Pietà was the only piece of his art that Michelangelo ever signed. He chiseled his name into the sash that covers the Virgin Mary’s chest.

That signature is visible in the bronze copy.

Exhibit’s Sunday closing time People who plan to visit the Pompeii exhibit are asked to do so before 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 22.

The exhibit will officially close at that time, Carini said.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Components of Historical Society’s exhibit showcasing Milwaukee’s Italians to be featured at Festa Italiana

By Bob Ruggieri and Thomas Hemman Many of the items that comprised the acclaimed Milwaukee County Historical Society exhibit, “Faith, Family, Festa: Milwaukee’s Italians,” will be prominently displayed at Festa Italiana, July 1922.

Tracing the history of Italians in Milwaukee, the exhibit was on display a the Historical Society from April 2011 to April 2012. It was the first major exhibit at MCHS following the completion of a $10 million renovation project. It attracted thousands of visitors during its yearlong run.

The MCHS exhibit at Festa will be housed in the Pompeii Sacred Art Tent, which will be located on the south end of the festival grounds.

“All of us at the Milwaukee County Historical Society are honored and very pleased to have the opportunity for a final showing of ‘Faith, Family, Festa’ at Festa

Italiana,” said Michael Reuter, the Society’s Curator of Museum Collections. “It’s an ideal venue, since Festa is the very essence of Italian culture in Milwaukee.”

Reuter’s comments were echoed

by Scott Stroh, who joined MCHS as its Executive Director in 2011.

He had been with the Florida Historical Resources Division. He moved to Milwaukee during the week of Festa Italiana and, in fact, participated in Festa 2011’s opening day ceremonies.

Reuter noted that there was a noticeable surge in attendance at the Society during Festa last year.

“The decision by the Milwaukee County Historical Society to make its popular display on Milwaukee’s Italian community available to our festival marks another first for Festa Italiana and Milwaukee’s Italians,” said Mario A. Carini, the Italian Community Center’s historian, who played a key role in the formation of the MCHS display.

“Never before has the Society

loaned one of its exhibits to an outside organization. This is indeed a great honor.”

“We’re especially pleased that the MCHS display will be in our Pompeii Sacred Art Tent,” continued Carini. “Our mutual exhibits complement each other very nicely.”

The Historical Society’s Festa display will consist primarily of vintage photos. Some of the artifacts in the display at MCHS will not make the trip to Festa. They are considered to be fragile and could be harmed by being exposed for several days to weather conditions.

Like the exhibit at the Historical Society’s downtown headquarters, the display at Festa will consist of four modules. They are: • “Voyage to a New Land.” This

section explores the conditions that led Italians to leave Italy and what led them to Milwaukee.

• “A Benefit for All.” Visitors will learn about various social and religious groups formed to help fellow immigrants survive and prosper. A prime example of that was the many mutual aid societies.

• “Church Is Community.”

Among other things, this section will review the creation and demise of the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii Catholic Church, which became the heart of the Italian community in the old Third Ward. Also featured will be the many church festivals which were important social events.

• “Giving Back.” The contributions of Milwaukee’s Italians in all facets of society will be highlighted.

Festa’s vintage Italian photo exhibit brings back a lot of fond memories, provides perspective for younger generations

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor Always one of the most viewed and most commented upon attractions at Festa Italiana is the Vintage Italian Photo exhibit that is set up in a tent on the southeast end of the Festa grounds.

When witnessing the thousands of people who annually view the vintage photo exhibit, expect to see a wide range of emotional reactions.

Some will break out in tears upon seeing a photograph of a deceased family member or relative they so loved and cherished.

Some will be beaming with a smile when see a photograph of their mother, father or grandparents in a work setting or in a military uniform or enjoying themselves at a picnic from years gone by.

You certainly will see a lot of people conversing with each other as they view the vintage photos and recall the good-old-days.

For younger generations, the exhibit gives them an opportunity to see what life was like for their ancestors from the living conditions years ago, to the kinds of work they performed and the experiences they had.

This year, up to 1,200 photographs of families, street scenes and business places of Milwaukee’s early Italians will be showcased in the vintage photo exhibition at Festa Italiana, Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22 at Maier Festival Park.

One section of the exhibit will be devoted to Italians and Italian Americans who served in the military. Another section will feature wedding photos taken 60 or more

THE ITALIAN TIMES

years ago.

Returning to the exhibit will be pictures of Milwaukee’s early Italian families, their livelihood and the kinds of activities in which they participated, said Mario A. Carini, who coordinates the photo exhibit.

Even Italians who aren’t from Milwaukee can relate to these photographs because their parents or grandparents likely had similar kinds of experiences, he said.

Several years ago, the ICC acquired numerous historic photographs from Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) and the City of Milwaukee Department of City Development (DCD) of the old Third Ward and the Bay View area of Milwaukee, which were the primary settlements for most of the city’s early Italians. Some of these photos will be on display at Festa.

The MPS photos mostly depict activities in the early and mid 1900s at the Andrew Jackson School and Social Center on Detroit Street in the old Third Ward. Carini noted that these photos “reflect the importance the center had in the lives of the early Italian immigrants. It was at the center that they were introduced to American institutions and lifestyles.”

Many of the pictures on display this year will be shown for the first time at Festa, Carini said.

The photo display is in the same tent as the Pompeii Church exhibit.

Carini wants to remind visitors that both the vintage photo exhibit and the Pompeii Church exhibit will officially close at 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 22.

Vintage photos from Milwaukee’s early Italian community, like the two seen here, will be prominently displayed at Festa Italiana, thanks to the efforts of Italian Community Center Historian Mario A. Carini and the Milwaukee County Historical Society.

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Festa Mass: A celebration of faith, family and tradition Organizers make plea to help feed the hungry through donations of non-perishable food to Hunger Task Force

By Bob Ruggieri Thousands of worshipers are expected to converge upon the Marcus Amphitheater on the morning of Sunday, July 22, to attend the Mass which is one of the key components of Festa Italiana. The main celebrant this year is Father John M. Belmonte, S.J., Ph.D., superintendent of schools for the Joliet, Ill. Catholic diocese. He is the former principal of Marquette University High School in Milwaukee.

Vivian Balistreri (vivbal@sbcglobal.net) and Sal Lo Coco (salantonettelococo@att.net), co-chairs of Festa’s Mass Committee, said that the Mass will be followed by the traditional procession to the north end of the grounds for a benediction ceremony. The Sicilian Band of Chicago and the band of La Società San Giuseppe.of Milwaukee will take part in the procession.

Alerting the Festa crowd to the coming of the procession and the need to be respectful will be drummer Joe Zarcone. He takes the spot filled for

To all Members of the Italian Community Center and all our guests of Festa Italiana: Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to Festa Italiana on Sunday, July 22nd. The ICC is working with the Hunger Task Force and our goal is to collect 10,000 pounds of food for local families. Please see the ar cle on the Festa Mass for more details. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you at Festa.

– Gina Spang Vice President Italian Community Center

many years by Anthony Vella. “We’re very grateful for Anthony’s dedicated participation, which spanned nearly 20 years, and are delighted to have Joe out front this year,” said Balistreri. “We’d welcome more drummers leading the way, and invite persons interested in participating in future years to contact us.”

Lo Coco said 23 societies are expected to be represented in the procession this year. “We’re very grateful for the support of the Italian clubs and societies whose participation each year in the Mass and the procession reinforces the traditional aspects of our celebration,” said Lo Coco.

Adding to the traditional nature of the occasion is the music used during the Mass. It is distinctly Italian music compiled by Dr. Marisa GattiTaylor, who also teaches Italian pronunciation to members of a volunteer chorus assembled especially for the Festa Mass. The choir is under the direction of Michael Kamenski, music liturgist at St. Sebastian’s Catholic Church and conductor of the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra.

The day’s activities are sponsored by Catholic Financial Life and James Guardalabene of Harder Funeral Home.

Collecting food donations The gates to the Marcus Amphitheater will open at 10 a.m. Those attending are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which will be collected at the entrances by representatives of the Hunger Task Force. In 2011, 3,000 pounds of food were collected, up from 1,000 pounds in 2009, the first year of the project.

Both Balistreri and Lo Coco expressed hope that the 2011 mark can be topped this year. At the Italian Community Center’s May 24 general membership meeting, they asked members to spread the word to their family and friends expected to attend the Mass about making non-perishable food donations. They encouraged all Festa volunteers to donate even if their duties prevent them from attending the Mass.

ICC Vice President Gina Spang, who conducted the general meeting in the absence of President Dave Spano, said Festa managers should encourage their volunteers to donate when they distribute their admission and parking passes and that Festa would make some accommodations for those volunteers who want to donate but cannot get to the Mass.

Cash donations welcome to defray Mass costs Once again, cash donations to help defray the costs of the Mass are being accepted. Last year, donors contributed $1,500. This year, Lo Coco said, the Mass Committee would like to see that figure surpass the $2,000 mark. Persons who are interested in making a tax-deductible cash donation to the Mass should contact Mary Ann Maglio at the ICC at 414/223-2194 or Balistreri or Lo Coco.

Rehearsal schedule announced for Festa Choir Singers wishing to join their voices to this year’s Festa Choir will be rehearsing at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 5400 W. Washington Blvd., Wauwatosa.

Rehearsals will last 90 minutes and music will be provided. Some hymns will be sung in Italian and

Latin, but no previous knowledge of either language is necessary as Dr. Marisa Gatti-Taylor will be providing language coaching.

The mixed chorus is open to all voice parts – soprano, alto, tenor, bass. No auditions are necessary; however, Maestro Michael Kamenski requests that singers participate in at least three of the following rehearsals: July 3, 5, 10, 12, 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The final rehearsal, on Thursday, July 19, from 7 to 9 p.m., is mandatory for everyone.

The Mass, which is the heart of Festa Italiana, will be held on Sunday, July 22 at 11 a.m. in the Marcus Amphitheater.

Anyone interested in singing with the Festa Choir is cordially invited to contact the director, Michael Kamenski at 414/453-1928 or by e-mail at mkamenski@saintsebs.org (please use “FESTA CHOIR” in the subject line).

Have somethng to sell? Let our Independent and Assisted Living apartments currently available.

readers know about it with an ad in our next issue. For information on ad sizes and costs, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an email to themman@italiancc.org.

PAGE 14, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Fr. John Belmonte to be principal celebrant of Festa Mass

By Bob Ruggieri Father John M. Belmonte, S.J., Ph.D., the former principal of Marquette University High School in Milwaukee, will be the main celebrant at Festa Italiana’s Mass on Sunday, July 22. As has become customary, thousands of worshipers are expected to converge upon the Marcus Amphitheater for the 11 a.m. Mass.

“The opportunity to preside at the Festa Mass is a great honor,” said Belmonte.

“As ItalianAmericans we emphasize ‘fede’ and ‘famiglia,’ that is, ‘faith’ and ‘family.’ The Festa Mass brings together for me both faith and family given my long association with Milwaukee as a student at Marquette University, a Jesuit at Marquette High and the many friends I’ve come to call family from the Italian-American community in Milwaukee.”

The gates to the Marcus Amphitheater will open at 10 a.m.

Following the Mass, all are invited to march in the procession to the north end of the festival grounds for a benediction ceremony.

About Fr. Belmonte Belmonte is superintendent of schools for the diocese of Joliet, Ill. He was named to that post in July of 2010. For the six years prior to that, he was principal of Marquette University High School in Milwaukee.

In October of 2007, Belmonte was honored by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Justinian Society of Lawyers as their Italian of the year. In May of 2010, he received the Leonardo da Vinci Award for Excellence in Education from the Order Sons of Italy in Chicago.

Since 2001, Belmonte has served

Call put out for Festa Mass ushers Ted Catalano, Mass & Procession Committee member and usher recruiter, has issued a call for at least 15 new ushers to step up and volunteer for this year’s Festa Italiana Mass on Sunday, July 22.

To be an usher, you must be at least 16 years old. The only other requirement is that you attend a brief instructional meeting at the Italian Community Center on Monday, July 16 at 7 p.m. At that time, information on the duties of an usher during the Mass and the

THE ITALIAN TIMES

procession, which follows the Mass, will be discussed.

Catalano requests that new ushers sign up with him early and then follow through on their commitment. To volunteer as an usher or for more information, call Catalano at 414/305-9769.

At least 55 ushers are needed every year for the Mass, which has drawn up to 15,000 people.

Catalano said he has about 40 dedicated ushers who show up automatically each year.

as chaplain of the Chicago Chapter of the Sicilian club of Ciminna, Sicily, known as “La Societa’ del Santissimo Crocifisso.” In 2011, the club honored him with the Padre Delle Grazie Award for dedicated religious leadership and service.

Since 1991 he has been a chaplain to the Ain Karim Shelter in Rome, Italy.

Belmonte was born in Chicago.

After graduating from Arlington Heights High School in 1981, he attended Marquette University in Milwaukee. He graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in 1985.

That same year he joined the Society of Jesus.

In preparation for ordination to the priesthood, he completed his theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He graduated magna cum laude with a baccalaureate in Sacred Theology in 1995.

He then studied at Weston Jesuit School of Theology in Cambridge, Mass. where, in 1997, he completed a licentiate in Sacred Theology with distinction, with a concentration in Sacred Scripture.

Fr. John M. Belmonte

In 1999, he enrolled in the doctoral program in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Chicago’s Loyola University. He completed his doctorate in 2006, with distinction.

Attention First Holy Communicants!

Do you have or know a child receiving his/her First Holy Communion this year? The Festa Italiana Mass & Procession Committee is inviting all 2012 First Communicants to participate in the 2012 Festa mass and procession on Sunday, July 22.

For more information, please contact Shannon Drezek by phone at 608/577-6353 or by e-mail: smd7759@yahoo.com.

Deadline to sign up is June 30.

Children are not required to be of Italian descent to participate.

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 15, SECTION A

Get your advance Festa tickets now and save money

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor Can’t wait for Festa Italiana?

Then, get your advance admission tickets now.

Festa officials have set the price

ORDER YOUR MONEY-SAVING ADVANCE TICKETS TO FESTA ITALIANA 2012 Name(s) ____________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________ City, State, Zip _______________________________________________ Phone ________________ Email _________________________________ I/we want to order _____ advance tickets @ $10.00 each.

Total amount enclosed: $________________________________________ Payment by check, money order and credit card accepted.

Credit Card No. _______________________________________________ Credit Card Expiration Date _____________________________________ Mail this form with your payment to Festa Italiana, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. Checks or money orders are payable to Festa Italiana. Your advance tickets will be mailed to you. Requests for advance tickets must be received no later than July 9, 2012.

for an advance admission ticket at $10. That’s a $3 savings over the 2012 gate admission price.

One way to get your advance tickets is to order them online by visiting www.festaitaliana.com. Festa has set up a secure ordering system through PayPal. You may also buy advance tickets in person at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, or for credit card puchases, call 414/223-2194. You can also use the form that accompanies this article to order your advance admission tickets.

A list of the advance ticket outlets as of presstime for this newspaper is published below. More outlets may be added.

The 35th annual Festa Italiana takes place Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22 on the Summerfest grounds. As has always been the case, children, 12 and younger, are admitted to Festa for free when accompanied by an adult. The festival is open to the public from 5 p.m. to midnight,

Thursday, July 19 and 11:30 a.m. to midnight, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 20-22.

Neither the advance nor gate admission ticket includes a raffle entry. A separate story on Festa’s 50/50 raffle can be found in this section.

Festa advance ticket outlets These Piggly Wiggly Stores in Wisconsin: 123 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee 835 E. Green Bay Ave., Saukville 1234 Hwy. 175, Hubertus W194 N16774 Eagle Dr., Jackson 1100 E. Commerce Blvd., Slinger 505 S. Cottonwood, Hartland 1300 Brown St., Oconomowoc 6111 W. Maquon Rd., Mequon Tower Square, 2201 E. Rawson, Oak Creek W61 N286 Washington, Cedarburg W189 S7847 Racine Ave., Muskego These Butera Markets in northeastern Illinois: 3 Clock Tower Plaza, Elgin, IL 4761 Nagle, Harwood Heights, IL 550 W. Lake St., Roselle, IL 2732 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL 1175 W. Spring St., South Elgin, IL 4411 N. Cumberland, Norridge, IL 1500 Grand Ave., Lindenhurst, IL

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6915 W. Lincoln Ave. 414-321-4040 PAGE 16, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

1400 E. Algonquin Rd., Algonquin, IL Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee Cafe La Scala 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee Angelina’s Deli 15644 W. North Ave., Brookfield Balistreri’s Bluemound Inn 6501 W. Bluemound Rd., Milwaukee Balistreri’s Restaurant 812 N. 68th St., Milwaukee Canfora Bakery 1100 E. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee

Chase Towers Corporate Concierge 111 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee Glorioso’s on Brady 1011 E. Brady St., Milwaukee Nick’s Barber Shop 1520 E. Capitol Dr., Shorewood Nino’s Bakery N88 W16672 Main St., Menomonee Falls Reina International Auto/ Vespa Milwaukee 12730 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield Sal’s On Oakland Barber Shop 2912 N. Oakland Ave., Milwaukee Sciortino’s Bakery 1101 E. Brady St., Milwaukee Tenuta’s Deli & Liquor 3203 52nd St., Kenosha

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Festa parade to be better than ever from page 3A separate article), are creating the giant Pinocchio and whale from the Pinocchio story that will process in the parade. They are assisted by local sculptor Dennis Manley, owner of Demanco Renovation and an instructor at UW-Milwaukee, who retired in early June of this year after 26 years.

“We are so lucky to have him!

He is helping me out of the goodness of his heart,” said Jorgensen.

“I am so lucky for him to share his talents with me. Dennis has asked

not to be compensated for the time he will share with us. I can’t express my gratitude enough, on behalf of myself, North Division High School, the ICC, and all the Festa-goers!”

Manley began to consult on the Pinocchio project, as the 8 to 10 foot structure required a stronger armature and was beginning to collapse from weight. “Since then, he has decided to assist in this process and share his talents,” said Jorgensen.

The Pinocchio figure and the accompanying whale (which, at 14

Many youngsters joined Aggie Collura (at front of float, far right), the Italian Community Center’s 2011 Nonna of Il Grande Carnevale, for a ride on the Pinocchio float during one of the parades at last year’s

THE ITALIAN TIMES

feet or longer, will have an opening and closing mouth and will be carried by several people surrounded by painted fabric to represent the ocean) will be completed this summer by select students from Jorgensen’s classes.

The armature will be created from chicken-wire, papier-mache, and plastered gauze. “We will be adding a pulley for the mouth if possible,” said Jorgensen. “We would love to add a spout that can spray water out of the top of the whale, if not this year than next. If

Festa Italiana. The float was designed and built by ICC member Cosmo Carini and has been put to use in the Festa parade since 2009. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

anyone has expertise in this area, I would love to talk with you!”

Anyone willing to give a donation to help reduce the cost of making these beautiful parade creations may contact Gina Jorgensen at 414/380-0808 or at ginajorgy@yahoo.com. “The cost has doubled from what I have projected.

We are building it so it can last for many years to come,” she said.

“Thanks to the ICC and Susan Christiansen, who have funded this project!”

Honoring Milwaukee’s ethnic heritage In honor of Festa’s 35th anniversary, Christiansen has extended an invitation to all of Milwaukee’s ethnic festivals to participate in Saturday’s parade to represent the many ethnic groups that have made this city the melting-pot metropolis that it is today.

“Since this is Festa Italiana’s 35th anniversary, we want this year’s parade to be as spectacular as possible,” says Christiansen.

“We think it would add a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to add cheerleading squads to shout cheers celebrating Festa’s anniversary and Pom squads to perform along the way with red and green pom-pons.”

The purpose of the parades, said Christiansen, is to “celebrate famiglia, cultura and all things Italian!”

All children are encouraged to participate in the parade on both days. Parents whose children would be interested in walking in the parade are asked to contact Susie Christiansen at 414/217-0174 or susie@iccmilwaukee.com..

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 17, SECTION A

Festa to hold huge Saturday parade dedicated to the memory of late Milwaukee Mayor Henry Maier

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor Festa Italiana officials have announced that their 35th annual festival is being dedicated in memory of late Milwaukee Mayor Henry W. Maier. As part of the salute, Festa is holding a huge Saturday night parade in which other ethnic festivals have been invited to participate.

In the 1960s, Maier envisioned a Milwaukee event similar to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany.

He didn’t succeed with the Oktoberfest concept, however, he did orchestrate the creation of Summerfest, which today is the largest outdoor music festival of its kind in the world.

Maier’s vision also provided impetus for the creation of Festa Italiana in 1978, the first ethnic group to host a festival celebrating its heritage on the Summerfest grounds.

“Henry Maier loved parades,” said Paul F. Iannelli, Festa Operations Manager. “We are expecting all of our ethnic partners – Germanfest, Irish Fest, Polish Fest, African World Festival, Indian Summer and Arab World Festival – as well as Pride Fest representatives to join us for the Saturday night parade.”

Iannelli added, “We invite the citizens of Milwaukee, who would

Former Milwaukee Mayor, the late Henry W. Maier

like to participate, to join us in our tribute to Mayor Maier.”

Today, the Summerfest grounds are officially part of Henry W. Maier Festival Park.

About Mayor Maier Henry Walter Maier was born Feb. 7, 1918 and died July 17, 1994. He served in the Wisconsin State Senate from 1950 until his election as Milwaukee mayor in

1960. He remains the longest serving mayor in the City of Milwaukee’s 166-year history. After being re-elected several times, Maier concluded his service as mayor in April of 1988.

During his time as mayor, he also served as president of both the United States Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities. He was instrumental in promoting the establishment of the federal revenue-sharing program, which brought billions of dollars into Milwaukee and other cities in the 1960s.

Supporters credit Maier with presiding over a city where streets were cleaner and safer than those in many other cities, in which the police and fire departments were generally considered honest and efficient, and where garbage was collected on time and snow was promptly plowed.

Possibly Maier’s proudest accomplishment was the creation of Summerfest, which came into being in 1968 and was held at 35 different locations. The event was moved to Milwaukee’s lakefront in 1970, where it has remained and prospered.

“Maier oozed with enthusiasm about Summerfest and the creation of the ethnic groups that came into existence several years later,” Iannelli said.

Summerfest and the ethnic festi-

vals became the jewels of summertime activities in Milwaukee. Maier often sang about his pride in Milwaukee and Summerfest at the event’s opening ceremonies. In 1969, he wrote the “Summerfest Polka.” These are the lyrics: “Go to Milwaukee!

How humming a city you’ll see Sing in Milwaukee!

Trah, lah, lah, lee.

Prosit Milwaukee!

Toast Gaily and so Free.

Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Milwaukee!

A happy place to be!”

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PAGE 18, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Festa’s food vendors ready to satisfy your Italian food cravings

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor No matter where you go on the grounds of Festa Italiana, you’re going to have the opportunity to avail yourself of a magnificent variety of delicious Italian food prepared by some of the Milwaukee area’s top restaurants, delicatessens and bakeries.

There will be 32 vendors operating more than 40 booths and portable trailers offering food and beverages.

All of the vendors, except two, have had food operations at Festa previously. The new vendors are Trattoria di Carlo, a prominent Oak Creek restaurant, and Major Goolsby’s, a popular downtown Milwaukee sports pub.

Among the offerings at the Trattoria di Carlo booth will be stromboli with spinach and roasted chicken or Italian sausage, spinach and black olives.

Major Goolsby’s will be offering its American fare (hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, bratwurst, hot dogs and sweet potato tots.)

The returning vendors in alphabetical order are: Alioto’s of Wauwatosa, Angelo’s Pizza, Badger Corn, Bella Caffè, Bobalou Enterprises (Lemon Chill), Cafe La Scala, Carini’s La Conca d’Oro, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Catalano Fruit, Fruit Cup and Lemonade, Cataldo’s, Cold Stone Creamery, Crocker Root Beer Barrels, Gelateria Italiana, Glorioso’s

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THE ITALIAN TIMES

Italian Market, Italian Sno, Johnny V’s Classic Cafe, Koepsell’s Festival Popcorn Wagons, Libiamo, Mille’s Italian Sausage, Nessun Dorma, Nino’s Italian Bakery, Nuts For You!, Papa Luigi’s, Pietro’s Pizza, Saz’s Festival, Sciortino’s Bakery, Sil’s Mini Donuts, Ultimate Confections, Venice Club and Water Street Brewery.

What’s on the menu?

Two of the most popular items on the Festa food menu – Italian sausage sandwiches and pizza – will be available in multiple locations.

Mille’s Italian sausage will operate four booths – one on the north end of the grounds, one outside the Cucina Showcase, one in the Miller Lite Oasis area and one on the south end in the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard area.

Cafe La Scala, which joined the Festa food vendors lineup last year with one pizza booth, will operate two booths this year; one in the Harley-Davidson area and the other on the north end of the grounds. Cafe La Scala is the public restaurant at the Italian Community Center.

Here’s a sampling of what other vendors will have available: calamari (squid), octopus, eggplant spiedini, beef speidini, Italian sausage sliders, ravioli, gnocchi (potato dumplings), arancini (rice balls), broccioloni (rolled meat stuffed with cheeses, herbs and eggs), sfincione (thick Sicilian-style pizza), various chicken dishes, various pasta dishes, calzone, Italian beef sandwiches, shrimp scampi, roasted corn, cannoli, biscotti, gelato, ice cream sundaes, fresh fruit and much, much more.

Beverages Festa visitors will have plenty of opportunities to quench their thirst or cool off. There will be vendors across the grounds selling beer, wine, margaritas and martinis.

The Roman Terrace (atop the Harley-Davidson Pavilion), operated by Giuseppe Vella, Dean Cannestra and Tony Piacentini,

will provide a full-service bar.

Supplying the beer for Festa will be Miller/Coors, makers of Miller Lite, Miller Genuine Draft and Miller High Life. Miller/Coors will also supply Festa with Peroni, Italy’s most popular beer.

LoDuca Brothers will be the wine supplier. LoDuca will be offering wine samplings during Festa.

(See separate article.)

Major Goolsby’s will be in charge of the martini and margarita bars.

Pepsi-Cola products, including Aquafina bottled water, will be available at all permanent booths and at the Crocker Root Beer Barrel locations.

The King Juice Company will be supplying its new adult beverage, Calypso Spiked Island Adult Lemonade to the bars serving beer and alcoholic beverages at Festa.

Calypso Spiked Island Adult

Lemonade is made with real juice, real sugar, has no preservatives and contains 5% alcohol.

Festa will serve as the site for a launch party for the introduction of this new product.

Festa visitors will also find specialty coffees, soft drinks, lemonade and milk.

Complete menus will be posted at each location and in the brochure available at Festa’s information booths. A sample menu from each booth can be found in this section of The Italian Times.

The Festa Food Committee reported that vendors will be participating in the festival’s “50/50” cash raffle and in the sale of Corporate Day tickets.

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New at Festa – Wine tastings Italian and Napa Valley wines to be featured New this year at Festa Italiana will be scheduled wine tastings.

The tastings, called “flights,” will feature some of the most famous and expensive wines of Italy along with some from Napa, Calif. that are becoming world famous.

Among the latter will be wines from the Napa vineyard of Mario Andretti, the famed race car driver.

A special wine bar at the top of the Harley-Davidson building, across from the Harley stage, will serve the wines between “flights.”

Lo Duca Bros., sponsor of wine concessions at Festa, which announced the wine tasting events, reported that the educational and informative “flights” will be led by Frank Mirenda.

Mirenda is a certified sommelier and, for the last 11 years, has been general manager of the Andretti Vineyard. His presentations will involve seven wines.

Registration for the “flights” can be purchased at any of the wine

booths at Festa Italiana for $20.

There will be two wine tasting events on Friday, July 20; three on Saturday, July 21; and two on Sunday, July 22.

Space will be limited to 30 people at each session.

The menu at the wine booths this year will consist of the following wines from Italy: Pinot Grigio, Mamertino, Chianti from Tuscany; Pinot Noir from Verona; Moscato d’Asti from Cuneo; Lambrusco from Reggio Emilia; and the always popular Mamertino from Emilia Romagna. Wine will be $6 per glass.

This year, Festa’s wine booths will be run by volunteer groups, with the profits going to Festa Italiana and to the Italian Communiy Center to support cultural activities and the building fund.

The volunteers come from the St. Joan Antida Alumni Association, the Garibaldi Society and the Order Sons of Italy.

Festa Italiana admission deals and specials Festa Italiana and its sponsors have put together several opportunities for you to attend the festival, July 19-22, for free or at a reduced cost. Festa will take place for the 35th time at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (the Summerfest grounds).

Pre-Festa deals Buy an advance Festa ticket online at www.FestaItaliana.com before July 9 and save $3. The advance ticket price is $10 while an admission ticket at the gate will cost $13. People can buy advance tickets at numerous outlets in southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Please look for a separate story on those outlets in this section. There’s also an advance ticket order form in this section that can be used for ordering tickets. Please make sure your order is submitted before July 8 in order to allow sufficient time to process your request.

Purchase one 12-pack or two 6packs of Peroni Beer and receive a ticket good for one free admission to Festa. This offer is valid through July 22, or while supplies last. Tickets are redeemable at the Mid-Gate only.

Everyday deals In celebration of Festa’s 35th anniversary, those adults 35 years of age and having valid identification will receive free admission Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 20-22, from 3 to 5 p.m. at any admission gate.

On each of the four days of Festa, children, 12 years and younger, when accompanied by an adult, will be admitted for free.

July 19 deals Bring your Piggly Wiggly Preferred Club Card to the Mid-

Gate or the South Gate for free admission from 5 to 7 p.m.

July 20 deals From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 20, Festa Italiana and its VIP Day sponsors are offering people with disabilities along with their caregivers free admission. These free admission tickets must be obtained in advance. Look for a separate VIP Day story in this section that has the details on ordering VIP Day tickets. This free admission offer is sponsored by Goodwill Industries, Milwaukee Public Schools, Summerfest and the Italian Community Center.

Festa Italiana invites everyone to the festival for free between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. This free admission offer is courtesy of the Italian Conference Center and Cafe La Scala, the public restaurant at the Italian Community Center.

From 3 to 7 p.m., present your Piggly Wiggly Preferred Club Card at the Mid-Gate or South Gate and receive $6 admission to Festa. That’s a $7 saving over the gate admission price!

July 22 deals From 10 to 11:15 a.m. on Sunday, July 22 at the south gate entrance only, there will be free admission to Festa Italiana when you attend the Mass in the Marcus Amphitheater, which will be followed by a religious procession through the grounds. Please bring nonperishable food donations for the Hunger Task Force.

Group and bus tour discounts For information on large group discounts to bus tour deals, please contact the Festa Italiana office at 414/223-2808 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

ICC members: Get your free Festa ticket

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As a benefit of membership in the Italian Community Center, each member is entitled to one free Festa Italiana ticket, which is good for admission to the festival any one of the four days.

There are two ways for members

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PAGE 20, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

to obtain these member-only tickets.

Mary Ann Maglio is in charge of distributing the member tickets.

Those members who wish to pick up their tickets in person can stop in at the ICC office reception desk weekdays between the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mary Ann will handle all requests from 7 to noon.

Michelle Lefebvre will fill requests from noon to 5 p.m. Be sure to bring your current membership card with you. You will be asked to present the card.

Those members who cannot pick up their tickets in person can order them through the mail. You must include a self-addressed, stamped return envelope.

Ticket requests that do not have the return envelope will not be processed. Mail orders must be received by Thursday, July 12 to allow sufficient time for processing and delivery to your residence.

The 35th annual Festa is Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22 on the Summerfest grounds.

Anyone with questions can call Mary Ann at 414/223-2194.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

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JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 21, SECTION A

Festa’s Piazza di Pompeii offers unique shopping experience

By Ginny Balistreri We may have grown accustomed to our department stores and shopping malls, but in many cities and towns in Italy and other countries of Europe and the rest of the world, outdoor marketplaces are still the place for individuals and families to shop for groceries, clothing, reading materials, music and even art.

In the tradition of those European marketplaces, Judy Menos, manager of the Festa Marketplace, has assembled an array of vendors from around the country to give Festa visitors a taste of Italy’s great marketplaces.

Don’t miss the chance to pick up a special gift for someone you love, including yourself. You’ll find everything from jewelry to travel packages in the Festa Piazza di Pompeii, located in the Williamsburg area of the festival grounds Judy has been recruiting vendors for the Piazza since the day after last year’s Festa to bring the best and most desirable merchandize to the 2012 festival. At the time this article was headed for the presses, she and her assistant Cathy Cupertino Poole and her husband George Menos were still identifying and interviewing vendors who want to be part of the Festa marketplace. Overall, the Piazza attracts more than 50 vendors each year.

“I’m excited about this year’s Piazza,” Judy said. “People who come to Festa like the convenience of shopping where they can find

unique and otherwise difficult to find merchandise and services.

That convenience adds value to their Festa experience.”

Judy added that there will be the usual Italian memorabilia, like t-shirts, bumper stickers, aprons, visors, sunglasses, and hats, but also an array of jewelry, handbags, clothing, books and services. “We even have vendors marketing time shares and vacation homes in Branson, Missouri, and the Lake of the Ozarks,” she said. “I expect that you’ll find whatever you’re looking for right here in the Piazza di Pompeii. So put your shopping

and gift lists together before you come to Festa.”

Jewelry is a popular find at each year’s festival. The 2012 event won’t disappoint. “We’re going to feature beautiful amber and silver jewelry, Egyptian jewelry and artifacts, and hair jewelry, which is very popular this year,” she said.

“We also have wonderful costume jewelry.

“The festival is the place to find unique pieces you won’t often find in a department store.”

In addition, the Piazza will be featuring children’s clothing for the first time. “Shoppers will appreci-

Pompeii Men’s Club selling Festa and Italia sportswear for 35 years!

By Ginny Balistreri For 35 years the Pompeii Men’s Club has supported Festa Italiana and the Italian Community Center through its service club activities at Festa.

This year is no different. Pompeii Men’s Club returns to Festa with booths marketing Italia sportswear and other merchandise that highlights Italian and ItalianAmerican culture.

The club will host two booths again this year. One will be located near the Information booth inside the Main Entrance to the festival grounds. The other will be in the Piazza di Pompeii in the

Williamsburg marketplace.

Chuck Lazzaro, 2012-2014 president of the Pompeii Men’s Club, said the club’s members will staff the booths during the entire four-day festival. Proceeds support Festa, the ICC, and a wide variety of community charities and scholarship funds.

The booths are very popular with visitors to Festa, noted Lazzaro. “People will buy a shirt or hat with a Festa logo and put them on immediately so they can walk through the grounds sporting the ‘right look,’” The gear also makes great Please turn to page 46A

ate the wide selection of infant, toddler and children’s apparel,” Judy added.

There will also be an impressive selection of women’s sundresses and fashionable blouses, skirts, tops, and handbags for every season. The choices are trendy and both casual and dressy.

One of the vendors returning to Festa by popular demand will be selling soccer gear and memorabilia for the sports enthusiast. Included will be a selection of jerseys, shorts and tops from every popular team.

For those who like to cook, there will be vendors on hand with food items for sale, such as olive oils, balsamic vinegars, dipping sauces, herb blends, seasonings, and drink mixes. And if you’re looking for information on topical issues like holistic medicine, acupuncture, and vacation opportunities, you’re likely to find it at the Piazza di Pompeii.

“This is just a partial list of what we will be offering in this year’s Piazza di Pompeii,” Judy said. “We even have book sellers including the author of the recently published ‘Whatever Happened to Sunday Dinner’ and the author of a history of Italy. You can pick up a copy of their books AND get the authors to personally autograph them for you. They make great gifts if you’re thinking ahead to birthdays, Christmas and other occasions.”

Shopping in the Piazza di Pompeii begins when the Festa “doors” open on Thursday and continues until closing time Sunday night. Be sure to check it out.

Get a Corey Hart Autographed Picture with a test drive!

All purchases come with a tailgate package (grill, cooler, folding chairs) and an invitation to meet Corey Hart and Mat Gamel of the Brewers!

2012 Ford Focus

189

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2012 Ford Fusion

199

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• Sunroof • SYNC • Power Seat

2012 Ford Escape

229

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24 Month Lease Term • 10,500 miles/year. Payment plus tax and title, $2000 down plus first payment due at signing for a total of $2189 (Focus 1F CL328456); $2199 (Fusion 3F CR36119); $2229 Escape 1F CKC38567. Security Deposit waived to approved credit. Offer ends July 2, 2012.

2012 Lincoln MKZ

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*Plus title, license and $2000 down.

PAGE 22, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

Jeff Sardina Uptown Motors 2111 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa (414) 937-5999 www.uptownmotorcars.com THE ITALIAN TIMES

THE ITALIAN TIMES

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 23, SECTION A

It’s food. It’s family.

It’s Tradizione.

JULY 19-22 SPECIAL DEALS

ENTERTAINMENT

RELIGION/HISTORICAL

In celebration of Festa's 35th Anniversary, those 35 years of age receive free admission Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at the Midgate with a Valid ID.

UĂŠĂŠSURPRISE AWARD-WINNING NASHVILLE RECORDING ARTIST AND SONGWRITER to be announced exclusively on WMIL 106.1 on Monday, July 9!

UĂŠĂŠIDES OF MARCH, Chicago’s award winning classic rock band UĂŠBIG BAD VOODOO DADDY SWING BAND UĂŠĂŠSAM LLANAS, singer, acoustic guitarist and songwriter, founding member of the Bo Deans UĂŠĂŠ ĂƒV>ÂŤiĂŠ>Ă€ĂŒÂˆĂƒĂŒ]ĂŠMARIO MANZINI Houdini Tribute Act, will entertain audiences with a family friendly show complete with illusions, magic, levitation tricks and dramatic escapes UĂŠ >ĂƒĂŠ6i}>Ăƒ L>Ăƒi`ĂŠiÂ˜ĂŒiĂ€ĂŒ>ˆ˜iĂ€]ĂŠLOUIS PRIMA JR. BAND UĂŠ …ˆV>}Âœ L>Ăƒi`ĂŠĂƒÂˆÂ˜}iÀÊILIANA INCANDELA UĂŠĂŠ ˜`iÂŤi˜`iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠVÂ?>ĂƒĂƒÂˆV>Â? VĂ€ÂœĂƒĂƒÂœĂ›iÀÊ>Ă€ĂŒÂˆĂƒĂŒĂŠ

UĂŠĂŠ >ĂŒÂ…iÀÊ ÂœÂ…Â˜ĂŠ °Ê iÂ?Â“ÂœÂ˜ĂŒi]ĂŠ-Ă•ÂŤiĂ€ÂˆÂ˜ĂŒi˜`iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠÂœvĂŠ Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Joliet, will be celebrating the Sunday mass at 11:00 a.m. and leading the procession following on Sunday, July 22 at the Marcus Amphitheater.

UĂŠĂŠ ÂœĂ€ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠwĂ€ĂƒĂŒĂŠĂŒÂˆÂ“i]ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ ˆÂ?Ăœ>Ă•ÂŽiiĂŠ ÂœĂ•Â˜ĂŒĂžĂŠ ÂˆĂƒĂŒÂœĂ€ÂˆV>Â?ĂŠ Society will present its new exhibit at Festa, Âş / ĂŠ 9ĂŠ -/ °ÊÊ/Â…iĂŠiĂ?…ˆLÂˆĂŒĂŠÂœvviĂ€ĂƒĂŠ>ĂŠĂ€>Ă€iĂŠ opportunity to learn about the traditions, triumphs and hardships of immigrant life for Milwaukee’s Italian community.

UĂŠĂŠ ĂŠ6ÂˆÂ˜ĂŒ>}iĂŠ*Â…ÂœĂŒÂœĂŠ ÂœÂ?Â?iVĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ĂŠÂœvĂŠÂœĂ›iÀÊ£]Ă¤Ă¤Ă¤ĂŠÂŤÂ…ÂœĂŒÂœĂƒĂŠ representing Italians in Milwaukee will be on display – the largest in the country UĂŠ,iÂ?ˆ}ÂˆÂœĂ•ĂƒĂŠVÂ…Ă•Ă€VÂ…ĂŠ>Ă€ĂŒÂˆv>VĂŒĂƒĂŠvĂ€ÂœÂ“ĂŠ>ĂƒĂŠi>Ă€Â?ÞÊ>ĂƒĂŠÂŁnnä UĂŠĂŠ iÂ?ÂŤĂŠĂ•ĂƒĂŠĂ€i>VÂ…ĂŠÂœĂ•Ă€ĂŠ}Âœ>Â?ĂŠÂœv棊]Ă¤Ă¤Ă¤ĂŠÂŤÂœĂ•Â˜`ĂƒĂŠvÂœĂ€ĂŠ the Hunger Task Force. They will be collecting nonperishable food items on Sunday, upon entrance to Mass outside of the South gate.

Peroni Beer: Purchase ONE (1) 12-Pack or TWO (2) 6-Packs of Peroni and receive a ticket good for ONE (1) FREE Admission to Festa Italiana. Offer valid through July 22, 2012, or while supplies last. Tickets redeemable at the Mid-Gate.

Children: Free Admission for kids 12 and under with an adult!

Harley Museum: Present an Active Military ID at the information booth for admission passes to the Harley Museum.

THURSDAY 5:00 - 7:00 pm Bring your Piggly Wiggly Preferred Card to the Mid-Gate for FREE Admission.

FRIDAY 11:00 am - 2:00 pm VIP Day - for those with physical challenges, along with their caregivers. Receive FREE Admission and HALF-PRICE on selected food items and soda.

Sponsored by Goodwill and Summerfest.

11:30 am - 3:00 pm FREE Admission for everyone! Compliments of the Italian Conference Center and CafĂŠ La Scala.

3:00 - 7:00 pm Bring your Piggly Wiggly Preferred Card to the Mid-Gate for $6 Admission .

SUNDAY 10:00 - 11:15 am Mass gate opens at 10:00 am and closes at 11:15 am.

However, Mass begins promptly at 11:00.

South Entrance Only. FREE Admission to Festa when you attend High Mass at 11:00 am in the Marcus Amphitheater. Following Mass will be an authentic Italian religious procession through the Festa grounds. Please bring nonperishable food donations for Hunger Task Force.

FESTA HOURS Thursday 5pm - midnight Friday-Sunday 11:30am - midnight For more information on everything from group discounts and bus tours to entertainment and attractions, call 414-223-2808, 8 a.m. to 4 pm MondayFriday, or go to FestaItaliana.com.

PAGE 24, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

MICHEAL CASTALDO

UĂŠĂŠA BBA ARRIVAL from Sweden returns after a standing room only show last year UĂŠ"ÂŤiĂ€>ĂŠĂŒiÂ˜ÂœĂ€ĂŠCHRIS MACCHIO UĂŠ iĂœĂŠ9ÂœĂ€ÂŽĂŠ ÂˆĂŒĂžĂŠ"ÂŤiĂ€>ĂŠĂŒiÂ˜ÂœĂ€ĂŠMATT MORGAN UĂŠ Â?>ĂƒĂƒÂˆV>Â?Â?Ăž ĂŒĂ€>ˆ˜i`ĂŠÂœÂŤiĂ€>ĂŠĂŒiÂ˜ÂœĂ€ĂŠAARON CARUSO UĂŠ6i˜iĂŒÂˆ>Â˜ĂŠĂƒÂˆÂ˜}iĂ€Ă‰ĂƒÂœÂ˜}ĂœĂ€ÂˆĂŒiÀÊGIADA VALENTI UĂŠĂŠTHE BRONX WANDERERS performing the greatest hits from the ‘50s and today UĂŠĂŠDICK CONTINO “the legendary virtuoso of the accordionâ€?

UĂŠĂŠ-ˆ˜}iÀÊDOMINIC MANTUANO, known for his cabaret style presentation of the classic songs of Mario Lanza UĂŠ"ÂŤiĂ€>ĂŠ>˜`ĂŠVÂ?>ĂƒĂƒÂˆV>Â?ĂŠĂƒÂˆÂ˜}iÀÊFRANK TENAGLIA UĂŠ-ˆ˜}iÀÊJOHN CIOTTA UĂŠĂŠ iÂœÂŤÂœÂ?ÂˆĂŒ>Â˜ĂŠÂ˜>ĂŒÂˆĂ›iĂŠ>˜`ĂŠ …ˆV>}ÂœĂŠĂƒÂˆÂ˜}iÀÉÀiĂƒĂŒ>Ă•Ă€>ĂŒiÕÀÊ TONY SPAVONE

UĂŠĂŠ-ˆ˜}iÀÊ>˜`ĂŠĂƒÂœÂ˜}ĂœĂ€ÂˆĂŒiÀÊPETER GUERIN, famous for his eclectic blend of classic big band rock

50/50 RAFFLE $5,000 minimum prize, only $10.00 per chance.

FOOD UĂŠĂŠ*ˆ}}Â?ÞÊ7ˆ}}Â?ÞÊ Ă•Vˆ˜>ĂŠ-Â…ÂœĂœV>ĂƒiĂŠvi>ĂŒĂ•Ă€ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠÂ?ÂœV>Â?ĂŠ chefs from some of Milwaukee’s best restaurants.

UĂŠĂŠ >Žˆ˜}ĂŠÂ…iÀÊ`iLĂ•ĂŒĂŠ>ĂŒĂŠ iĂƒĂŒ>]ĂŠROSSELLA RAGO, host of “Cooking with Nonnaâ€? and the recent winner of the Food Network – 24 Hour Restaurant Battle,â€? Battle Italiano,â€? will be appearing at the Cucina Showcase Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22 UĂŠĂŠNICK STELLINO will return showcasing his award winning food UĂŠĂŠ iĂœĂŠvœœ`ĂŠĂ›i˜`ÂœĂ€ĂƒĂŠÂˆÂ˜VÂ?Ă•`iĂŠ/Ă€>ĂŒĂŒÂœĂ€Âˆ>ĂŠ`ÂˆĂŠ >Ă€Â?ÂœĂŠ and Major Goolsby’s UĂŠCANNOLI EATING CONTEST

ATTRACTIONS UĂŠ œ˜`ÂœÂ?>ĂŠĂ€Âˆ`iĂƒ UĂŠĂŠ LLœ˜`>Â˜Ă˘>ĂŠÂˆÂ˜ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ-ÂŽĂžĂŠÂœÂ˜ĂŠ Ă€Âˆ`>ÞÊiĂ›i˜ˆ˜}]ĂŠ Ă•Â?ÞÊÓäÊ ViÂ?iLĂ€>ĂŒÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ >Ă€ĂŒÂœÂ?ÂœĂŒĂŒ>ĂŠwĂ€iĂœÂœĂ€ÂŽĂƒÂ°ĂŠĂŠ UĂŠĂŠ *ĂŠ/i>“Ê1- ĂŠ Ă?ÂŤiĂ€Âˆi˜ViĂŠvi>ĂŒĂ•Ă€ÂˆÂ˜}ĂŠ>ĂŠĂƒĂŒ>Ă€ĂŒiÀÊLÂ?ÂœVÂŽĂŠ sprint area, wheel chair drag race, BP sports lab, lung capacity test, heart rate test, BP Olympic trials area and four interactive gaming stations UĂŠĂŠ,>`ÂˆÂœĂŠ ÂˆĂƒÂ˜iÞÊ 6 ĂŠ,Âœ>`ĂŠ Ă€iĂœĂŠ>ÂŤÂŤi>Ă€>˜ViĂŠÂœÂ˜ĂŠ Sunday, July 22 at 4:30 p.m. including music, games, prizes and giveaways UĂŠĂŠ*ˆ˜œVVÂ…ÂˆÂœĂŠ*>Ă€>`iĂŠ>ĂŒĂŠx\ĂŽĂ¤ĂŠÂŤÂ°Â“Â°ĂŠÂœÂ˜ĂŠ Saturday and Sunday UĂŠ >ˆÂ?ÞÊiÂ˜ĂŒiĂ€ĂŒ>ˆ˜“iÂ˜ĂŒĂŠ>ĂŒĂŠĂŒÂ…iĂŠ …ˆÂ?`Ă€iÂ˜Â˝ĂƒĂŠ-ĂŒ>}i UĂŠ œ…Â?Â˝ĂƒĂŠ ÂœÂ?ÂœĂ€ĂŠ7Â…iiÂ?Ăƒ UĂŠ "ĂŠ>VĂŒÂˆĂ›ÂˆĂŒÂˆiĂƒĂŠĂŒiÂ˜ĂŒ UĂŠĂŠ ÂœVViĂŠ >Â?Â?ĂŠ`>ˆÂ?ĂžĂŠĂƒÂŤÂœÂ˜ĂƒÂœĂ€i`ĂŠLÞÊ >ĂŒÂ…ÂœÂ?ˆVĂŠ ˆ˜>˜Vˆ>Â?ĂŠ ˆviĂŠ and a Bocce Ball tournament UĂŠ ĂŒ>Â?ˆ>Â˜ĂŠ `ÂœÂ?

UĂŠ ĂŒ>Â?ˆ>Â˜ĂŠ ˆ˜i“> UĂŠĂŠ ÂœÂ?`iÂ˜ĂŠ }iĂŠÂœvĂŠ"ÂŤiĂ€>ĂŠqĂŠ>ĂŠĂƒ>Â?Ă•ĂŒiĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠ ĂŒ>Â?ĂžÂ˝ĂƒĂŠÂ“ÂœĂƒĂŒĂŠ famous singers, composers and conductors UĂŠ-ĂŒÂ°ĂŠ >Ă€VÂœĂŠ6i˜iĂŒÂˆ>Â˜ĂŠ/ÂœĂœiÀÊ ÂˆĂƒÂŤÂ?>Ăž

THE ITALIAN TIMES

THE BEST FOOD. 1. CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILL PENNE POMODORO $ 4.00 CAESAR SALAD $ 4.00 KID FINGERS WITH PENNE POMODORO $ 5.00 NA HOMEMADE RED SANGRIA $ 5.00 FRIED ZUCCHINI WITH ROASTED GARLIC AIOLI $ 5.50 CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD $ 6.00 MEZZALUNA RAVIOLI $ 6.00 CALAMARI RICARDO $ 6.50 CHICKEN MARSALA $ 6.50 MEZZALUNA RAVIOLI DINNER $ 8.00 CHICKEN MARSALA DINNER $ 8.50 2. NESSUN DORMA CHEESE-FILLED BREADSTICKS (2) $ 4.50 RICEBALLS, SPINACH-FILLED $ 5.00 MEATBALL SANDWICH $ 5.50 PORTABELLA PHILLY PANINI $ 6.25 ARTICHOKE DIP $ 5.00 3. CAFE LA SCALA 1/4 PIZZA $ 3.50 WHOLE PIZZA $ 12.00 TOPPINGS: CHEESE, SAUSAGE, PEPPERONI 4. ALIOTO’S FRENCH FRIES $ 3.00 GARLIC BREADSTICKS (4) WITH RED SAUCE $ 4.50 1 LB. ROMAN POTATO CHIPS $ 4.50 ITALIAN SAUSAGE SLIDERS (2) $ 5.00 THREE CHEESE RAVIOLI WITH GARLIC BREADSTICKS $ 6.00 CHICKEN ROMANO SANDWICH $ 6.00 WITH FRIES $ 7.50 NA ARNOLD PALMER (16OZ) $ 3.00 TEA (16OZ) $ 3.00 4A. NINO’S ITALIAN BAKERY FUDGE/MINT BROWNIES $ 3.00 CHEESE OR LEMON GENOVESE $ 3.00 CANNOLI $ 3.00 CHOCOLATE CANNOLI $ 3.50 ECLAIRS $ 3.50 REGULAR OR AMARETTO CREAM PUFFS $ 3.50 NAPOLEON $ 3.50 ITALIAN COOKIES (1/2LB.) $ 5.50 SFINGI (5OZ) $ 4.50 5. JOHNNY V’S CLASSIC CAFÉ FRIED EGGPLANT STICKS WITH MARINARA SAUCE & LEMON $ 5.75 SPINACH MANICOTTI WITH WHITE SAUCE (VEGETARIAN), BREAD & BUTTER $ 6.00 CHICKEN TENDERS WITH SEASONED FRENCH FRIES $ 6.50 ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH WITH SEASONED FRENCH FRIES $ 6.75 MOSTACCIOLI WITH MEATBALLS, BREAD AND BUTTER $ 6.75 GNOCCHI WITH FIRE ROASTED TOMATOES AND CREAM SAUCE, BREAD AND BUTTER $ 7.00 BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE, MEATBALLS, BREAD AND BUTTER $ 7.00 6. TRATTORIA DI CARLO FOUR CHEESE LASAGNA POCKET W/VODKA PINK SAUCE $ 7.50 FOUR CHEESE LASAGNA POCKET W/BOLOGNESE SAUCE & PEAS $ 7.50 SICILIAN BOMB SANDWICH $ 7.50 SICILIAN BOMB PIZZAIOLA SANDWICH W/RED SAUCE $ 7.50 MOZZARELLA STICKS $ 6.50 BREADED ZUCCHINI $ 6.50 TOASTED CHEESE RAVIOLI $ 6.50 STROMBOLI ROASTED CHICKEN & SPINACH STROMBOLI $ 6.50 ITALIAN SAUSAGE, SPINACH & BLACK OLIVES $ 6.50 7. LIBIAMO RESTAURANT SFINCIONE $ 4.50 RICE BALLS $ 5.00 CALAMARI $ 7.50 CHICKEN SPIEDINI $ 7.00 SHRIMP SCAMPI $ 7.50 8. MILLE’S SPAGHETTI FACTORY GARLIC OR CHEESE BREAD $ 4.00 WITH CHEESE $ 4.75 MUSHROOMS (FRIED) $ 5.50 ZUCCHINI STICKS (FRIED) $ 5.50 CHEESE RAVIOLI (FRIED) $ 5.50 MEATBALL SANDWICH $ 5.50 SPAGHETTI WITH PLAIN SAUCE $ 5.50 WITH MEATBALLS $ 6.25 COMBO PLATE OF ZUCCHINI STICKS, CHEESE RAVIOLI & MUSHROOMS $ 6.75 CHICKEN PARMESAN SANDWICH - $5.75

THE ITALIAN TIMES

12. SAZ’S SOUR CREAM AND CHIVE FRIES $ 3.25 MOZZARELLA MARINARA 2 STICKS $ 3.75 4 STICKS $ 6.75 BATTERED WHITE CHEDDAR CHEESE CURDS $ 6.00 CHICKEN TENDERS $ 6.50 SAMPLER COMBINATION (MOZZARELLA, FRIES, CURDS) $ 7.25 SAZ’S PULLED PORK SANDWICH $ 8.00 ITALIAN MEATBALL SANDWICH $ 7.00 MAMA SAZAMA’S SIGNATURE LASAGNA $ 8.00 13. BELLA CAFFE GOURMET BREWED COFFEE HOT OR ICED $ 2.50 ESPRESSO $ 3.00 CAPPUCCINO – HOT OR ICED $ 4.00 LATTE – HOT OR ICED $ 4.00 MOCHA – HOT OR ICED $ 4.50 AMERICANO – HOT OR ICED $ 3.00 CAFÉ AU LAIT $ 3.50 STEAMER $ 3.50 ITALIAN SODA $ 3.00 HOT COCOA OR CHOCOLATE MILK $ 3.00 HOT TEA – HOT OR ICED $ 2.50 CHAI TEA – HOT OR ICED $ 4.50 FRAPPE' BLENDED ESPRESSO DRINK $ 5.00 ADD A FLAVOR $ 0.50 VANILLA, HAZELNUT, CARAMEL, IRISH CREAM, RASPBERRY, SUGAR FREE VANILLA BIG COOKIE $ 2.00 CRAISIN ORANGE SCONE $ 3.00 RASPBERRY FILLED ALMOND SCONE $ 3.50 15. COLD STONE CREAMERY WAFFLE BOWLS $ 1.25 DIPPED BOWLS $ 1.75 COOKIE SANDWICHES COOKIE CRUMB YUM $ 4.00 CAKE BATTER SPRINKLE $ 4.00 KISS ’N’ TELL CHOCOLATE $ 4.00 KID’S SIZE WITH CONE $ 4.00 LIKE-IT $ 5.00 LOVE-IT $ 5.50 OH FUDGE $ 4.75 MILK AND COOKIES $ 4.75 SAVORY STRAWBERRY $ 4.75 SMOOTHIES 2 TO MANGO $ 4.75 BERRY LEMONY $ 4.75 16. PAPA LUIGI’S SICILIAN GARLIC BREAD HALF $ 2.50 FULL $ 4.50 CHEESY BOSCO STICKS $ 3.50 FRESH CUT ITALIAN CURLY FRIES $ 4.00 SKEWED SHRIMP SCAMPI 10 PIECES $ 4.00 20 PIECES $ 7.00 CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD $ 6.00 BEEF SPIEDINI $ 7.00 STUFFED LASAGNA CHEESE ROLLS $ 7.00 17. CARINI’S LA CONCA D’ORO SICILIAN PORK SANDWICH $ 7.00 EGGPLANT SPIEDINI $ 7.00 CALAMARI $ 8.00 EGGPLANT PASTA $ 7.00 RISOTTO ROLLS (2) $ 8.00 18. MILLE’S FESTA SAUSAGE ITALIAN SAUSAGE SANDWICH $ 4.50 19. GLORIOSO’S DELI CHEESE CALZONE $ 5.00 SAUSAGE CALZONE $ 5.00 MEATBALL SANDWICH $ 5.00 ITALIAN BEEF $ 5.50 PHILLY ITALIAN BEEF $ 6.00 20. PETER SCIORTINO’S BAKERY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE $ 1.50 BROWNIE $ 3.00 ECLAIR $ 3.00 REGULAR CANNOLI $ 3.00 CHOCOLATE CANNOLI $ 3.50 TIRAMISU $ 4.50 ARANCINI (RICE BALL-MEAT) $ 5.00 ITALIAN COOKIES (1/2LB.) $ 5.00 27. ROMAN TERRACE COCKTAIL LOUNGE MIXED DRINKS $ 8.00 SPECIALTY DRINKS $ 10.00 ICED DRINKS $ 10.00 MARTINIS $ 12.00 WINE $ 10.00 28. PETER SCIORTINO’S CAFFE BISCOTTI $ 1.50 CASSATINI $ 2.50 MINI SFOGLIATELLE $ 2.50 REGULAR CANNOLI $ 3.00 FUDGE BROWNIE $ 3.00 SLUSHIE $ 3.00 CAPPUCCINO/ICED $3.00

29. VENICE CLUB CHICKEN PARMESAN SANDWICH $ 6.25 EGGPLANT STICKS $ 6.00 BRUCIULUNI SANDWICH SATURDAY/SUNDAY ONLY $ 6.50 COMBINATION (EGGPLANT, MUSHROOM, CAULIFLOWER) $ 7.50 BRUCIULUNI DINNER SATURDAY SUNDAY ONLY $ 8.50 ITALIAN SAMPLER (SAUSAGE, MEATBALLS, MANICOTTI) $ 8.55 FRIDAY FISH FRY, FRENCH FRIES, COLE SLAW, TARTAR SAUCE $ 9.00 ICE CREAM COFFEE OR ROOT BEER FLOAT 30. CATALDO’S PEPPERONI PIZZA STICKS $ 4.00 AMARETTO PUFFS $ 5.00 MOZZARELLA MARINARA $ 5.00 SFINGI $ 5.00 SFINGI WITH CANNOLI FILLING $ 5.00 ITALIAN CHICKEN TENDERS WITH SAUCE $ 6.50 PASTA WITH MEATBALLS $ 6.50 LASAGNA – SPINACH OR VEGGIE $ 7.00 31. CAFE LA SCALA 1/4 PIZZA $ 3.50 WHOLE PIZZA $ 12.00 TOPPINGS: CHEESE, SAUSAGE, PEPPERONI 32. ANGELO’S PIZZA CAPPUCCINO PUFFS $ 4.50 POTATO ROMANO $ 4.50 LASAGNA STICKS $ 5.50 CALZONE CHEESE & PEPPERONI $ 5.75 SPINACH & CHEESE $ 5.75 MEATBALL SANDWICH $ 5.50 SICILIAN CHICKEN WINGS $ 5.75 HOT ITALIAN SUB $ 6.75 SICILIAN STEAK SANDWICH W/POTATO ROMANO $ 7.50 37. PIETRO’S PIZZA MINI CANNOLI $ 1.75 CANNOLI CAKE $5.50 CHEESE BREAD $ 3.50 SFINCIONE $ 4.25 ARANCINI (RICE BALL) $ 5.25 TOASTED RAVIOLI $ 6.50 ROAST BEEF SANDWICH $ 7.00 FRIED CALAMARI MARKET SEAFOOD SALAD (OCTOPUS, SQUID, OR COMBO) MARKET 38. MILLE’S FESTA SAUSAGE ITALIAN SAUSAGE SANDWICH $ 4.50 MUSHROOMS (FRIED) $ 5.50 ZUCCHINI STICKS (FRIED) $ 5.50 MEATBALL SANDWICH $ 5.50 SPAGHETTI WITH PLAIN SAUCE $ 5.50 WITH MEATBALLS $ 6.25 CHICKEN PARMESAN SANDWICH $5.75 43A. ULTIMATE CONFECTION DIPPED PRETZEL, MARSHMALLOW OR LICORICE $ 0.75 CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY $ 3.00 JUMBO TURTLE $2.00 PLAIN BAR OR TURTLE BAR 4 OZ. $ 3.50 6 OZ. $ 4.50 ULTIMATE PRETZEL (CASHEW OR PECAN) $ 4.00 BROWNIE MOUNTAIN OR DOUBLE TURTLE SUNDAE 6OZ $4.50 9OZ $ 6.50 STRAWBERRY FAMILY PACK $ 10.50 44. MAJOR GOOLSBY’S HAMBURGER $ 5.50 MAJOR HAMBURGER $ 7.50 CHEESEBURGER $ 6.00 MAJOR CHEESEBURGER $ 8.00 BACON CHEESEBURGER $7.50 MAJOR BACON CHEESEBURGER $9.50 CHICKEN BREAST SANDWICH $ 6.50 JUMBO BRAT $ 5.50 JUMBO HOT DOG $ 4.50 CRISPY COATED FRIES $ 3.50 SWEET POTATO TOTS $ 5.50 53. GELATERIA ITALIANA GELATO/SORBETTO, 1 SCOOP $ 3.75 GELATO/SORBETTO, 2 SCOOPS $ 5.75 AFFOCATO (GELATO + ESPRESSO) $ 4.75 SPUMONI $ 4.75 TARTUFO (TRUFFLE) $ 4.75 BRIOCHE (ITALIAN ICE CREAM SANDWICH) $ 5.75 LEMON, ORANGE, OR PEACH RIPIENO 1 FRUIT $ 5.75 57. WATER STREET BREWERY SEE THEIR MENU AT FESTA 58. VENICE CLUB’S OWN FESTA SAUSAGE ITALIAN SAUSAGE SANDWICH $ 4.50

ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE GROUNDS

BADGER CORN ROASTED CORN ON THE COB $ 3.50 LEMON CHILL CHEESE CUPS $ 0.50 LICORICE ROPES $ 1.50 ASSORTED CHILL FLAVORS $ 4.00 STUFFED GOURMET PRETZELS $ 4.00 CATALANO FRUIT PIECES OF FRUIT $ 1.00 FRESH SQUEEZED ORANGE JUICE $ 2.75 CHERRIES $ 3.00 GRAPES $ 3.00 GATORADE $ 3.50 TROPICANA DRINKS $ 3.50 FRESH FRUIT CUP $ 3.75 VEGETABLE PLATTER $ 4.50 CATALANO LEMONADE FRESH SQUEEZED LEMONADE $ 3.50 FRESH SQUEEZED DIET LEMONADE $ 3.50 CROCKER ROOT BEER BARRELS COFFEE $ 1.00 HOT CHOCOLATE $ 1.50 FLOATS 16 OZ. $ 4.00 32 OZ. $ 6.00 HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE OF MILWAUKEE HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE WITH ASSORTED FLAVORS $ 3.50 KOEPSELL’S POPCORN LICORICE ROPE $ 1.50 SNOWCONE 7 OZ. $ 2.00 14 OZ. $ 3.00 20 OZ. $ 4.00 COTTON CANDY STICK $ 3.00 BAG $ 6.00 POPCORN, PLAIN OR BUTTERED SMALL $ 3.50 LARGE $ 7.00 LA TRINACRIA SALTED PEANUTS $ 1.50 CALIA $ 2.75 SEMENZA $ 2.75 PISTACHIOS $ 5.00 NUTS FOR YOU ROCK CANDY SUCKERS EACH $ 1.00 CINNAMON ROASTED ALMONDS OR CASHEWS SMALL $ 4.00 MEDIUM $ 7.00 LARGE $ 11.00 SALTED ROASTED CASHEWS OR ALMONDS SMALL $ 4.00 MEDIUM $ 7.00 LARGE $ 11.00 SIL’S MINI DONUTS SMALL BAG DONUTS (6PC) $ 2.00 LARGE BAG DONUTS (12PC) $ 4.00 DIPPIN’ DONUTS $ 5.00 SIDE OF ICING $ 1.00 FAMILY PACK (36PC) $ 11.00

CHECK OUT THE GROUNDS BROCHURE DURING FESTA TO FIND YOUR FAVORITE EATERY.

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 25, SECTION A

It’s food. It’s family.

It’s Tradizione.

JULY 19-22

MILLER STAGE

12:00 PM – NOYZ BOYZ AND THE GYRLZ (FRI, SAT, SUN) 1:30 PM – MICHEAL CASTALDO (FRI, SAT, SUN) 3:00 PM – RUSSO BROTHERS (FRI, SAT, SUN) 4:30 PM – BRONX WANDERERS (FRI, SAT, SUN) 6:00 PM – TONY SPAVONE 7:30 PM – MATT MORGAN 9:00 PM – THE BARBEEZ (THURS) 9:00 PM – BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY (FRI) 9:00 PM – ARRIVAL – ABBA TRIBUTE BAND (SAT, SUN) 10:15 PM – FIREWORKS 10:30 PM – BRONX WANDERERS

SPIKED ISLAND STAGE

12:00 PM – ELEGANT GYPSIES (FRI, SAT, SUN) 1:30 PM – GRACE MCDONNELL (FRI, SAT, SUN) 3:00 PM – DOO WOP DADDIES (FRI, SAT, SUN) 4:30 PM – CHRIS MACCHIO (FRI, SAT, SUN) 6:00 PM – AARON CARUSO (THURS, FRI, SAT) 6:00 PM – CHARISSA MROWKA (SUN) 8:30 PM – MOUNT OLIVE (THUR) 8:30 PM – IDES OF MARCH (FRI, SAT) 7:30 PM – OLD DOMINION (SUN) 8:30 PM – SURPRISE COUNTRY ACT (SUN) 10:15 PM – FIREWORKS 10:30 PM – DOO WOP DADDIES (THURS, FRI, SAT)

T.J. BARTOLOTTA

1:30 PM – JAYNE TAYLOR - FRI, SAT & SUN 3:00 PM – PETER GUERIN– FRI, SAT, SUN 4:30 PM – ALFIO – FRI, SAT, SUN 6:00 PM – DOMINIC MANTUANO 7:30 PM – TRADZIONE VIVENTI 8:45 PM – OLDIES BUT GOODIES SPECTACULAR 10:15 PM – FIREWORKS 10:30 PM – OLDIES BUT GOODIES SPECTACULAR

BRIGGS & STRATTON BIG BACKYARD

1:30 PM – HADLEY BAND (FRI, SAT) 1:30 PM – ZOJA PERFORMANCE GROUP (SUN) 3:00 PM – ILIANA (FRI, SAT, SUN) 4:30 PM – JOHN CIOTTA (FRI, SAT, SUN) 6:00 PM – FILIPPO VOLTAGGIO 7:30 PM – TOM SORCE BAND (THUR) 7:30 PM – MARIO MANZINI HOUDINI (FRI, SAT, SUN) 9:00 PM – CHARISSA MROWKA (THUR) 9:00 PM – LOUIS PRIMA JR. BAND (FRI, SAT, SUN) 10:15 PM – FIREWORKS 10:30 PM – SAM LLANES, FORMERLY OF THE BODEANS (FRI, SAT)

U.S. CELLULAR STAGE

1:30 PM – BENEDICTION (SUN) 1:30 PM – FESTA REGIONAL RENAISSANCE DANCERS (FRI, SAT) 3:00 PM – DICK CONTINO (FRI, SAT, SUN) 4:30 PM – FRANK TENAGLIA (FRI, SAT, SUN) 6:00 PM – OPENING CEREMONY (THUR) 6:00 PM – SANDRA MANDELLA 7:30 PM – DICK CONTINO 9:00 PM – GIADA VALENTI 10:15 PM – FIREWORKS

DOMINIC H. FRINZI MEMORIAL OPERA TENT

THURSDAY 6:30 PM - SPARLING THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONS FRIDAY 1:30 PM - LECTURE: THE LIFE OF GIACOMO PUCCINI BY KAY SPARLING 3:30 PM - YOUNG OPERA APPRENTICES 5:30 PM - KERRY HART & FRIENDS 7:00 PM - NOTTURNO SATURDAY 3:30 PM - LECTURE: THE LIFE OF GIACOMO PUCCINI BY KAY SPARLING 5:30 PM - KAY SPARLING, DRAMATIC SOPRANO 7:00 PM - NOTTURNO SUNDAY 3:00 PM - MILWAUKEE MANDOLIN ORCHESTRA 5:00 PM - MILWAUKEE MANDOLIN ORCHESTRA 6:30 PM - SOUTH SHORE YOUTH OPERA ENSEMBLE

PIGGLY WIGGLY CUCINA SHOWCASE

THURSDAY 5:30 PM – LODUCA BROTHER'S WINE LOU BRUNO & JIM LODUCA 6:30 PM – LEREVE PATISSERIE & CAFÉ PATRICK MURPHY & ANDY SCHNEIDER FRIDAY 12:00 PM – RYAN BRAUN'S GRAFFITO JOE MCCORMICK 1:00 PM – PFISTER HOTEL BRIAN FRAKES 2:30 PM – MOZZALUNA ALFREDO D'AMATO 4:00 PM – BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA TONY EVANS 5:30 PM – CARMELLA'S JOE JENNARO 6:45 PM – THE VENICE CLUB JUSTUS SMITH SATURDAY 11:45 AM – BUCA DI BEPPO STEVE PERLSTEIN 1:00 PM – WILD EARTH POTAWATOMI BINGO & CASINO AUDREY VANDENBURGH 2:00 PM – MAGGIANO'S LITTLE ITALY MICHAEL WATSON 2:45 PM – DRAW NAMES FOR CANNOLI CONTEST 3:00 PM – CANNOLI EATING CONTEST SPONSORED BY SCIORTINO BAKERY 4:00 PM – NICK STELLINO SPONSORED BY DAVINCI PASTA 5:15 PM – RISOR RISTORANTE BARTOLOTTA MILES BORGHGRAEF 6:45 PM – ROSSELLA RAGO COOKING WITH NONNA SUNDAY 1:00 PM – TRIPOLI COUNTRY CLUB DAVID MAGNASCO 2:00 PM – MIA FAMIGLIA ITALIAN RISTORANTE & STEAK HOUSE TOMAS WHITE, JR. 2:45 PM – DRAW NAMES FOR KID'S PIZZA MAKING CONTEST 3:00 PM – KID'S PIZZA MAKING CONTEST AGE 4-9 3:30 PM – KID'S PIZZA MAKING CONTEST AGE 10-16 SPONSORED BY DUO SORELLI 4:15 PM – ROSELLA RAGO COOKING WITH NONNA 5:30 PM – ZIN UNCOMMON CALIFORNIA ITALIAN JESSE SOUSA 6:30 PM – NICK STELLINO SPONSORED BY ELECTROLUX

Schedule subject to change.

PAGE 26, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

THE ITALIAN TIMES

THE ITALIAN TIMES

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 27, SECTION A

Festa making gondolas twice as much fun this year

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor Last year marked the return of gondola rides at Festa Italiana after several years’ absence. Festa purchased a 36-foot long gondola, obtained the services of four ablebodied gondoliers, and went on to provide an enjoyable, and, in one instance, a romantic experience for

These were three of the gentlemen who served as gondoliers at last year’s Festa Italiana and are returning to fill the same roles this year. From the left: Patrick Lonzo, Tony Emmiti and Anthony Frigo.

Not shown is Sal Galioto, who is seen at work in the other photo on this page. (Photo by Tom Lonzo)

numerous gondola passengers.

This year, Festa is bringing along a second gondola, a 24-foot model, courtesy of the Vella family of Peter Sciortino’s Bakery fame.

The Vella family purchased this gondola from the Treviso family, whose sons handcrafted gondolas and provided them for the rides that were offered at Festa several years ago.

Like last year, Festa will offer gondola rides each day of the festival, Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22, from shortly after the opening until after the nightly fireworks show. The loading dock will be in the same location, on the north end of grounds abutting the Summerfest lagoon.

Costs have been set at $25 for a single individual or a couple except during the fireworks show. For those who want to ride the gondolas during the pyrotechnics display, the cost will be $45 for a single individual or a couple. People can make their reservations at a booth on the loading dock.

Rides last a minimum of 20 minutes, according to Bill Jennaro, Festa’s manager of gondola rides.

Returning to fill the roles of gondoliers will be Sal Galioto, Tony Emmiti, Patrick Lonzo and Anthony Frigo. These gentlemen play lovely recorded Italian music during the rides and sometimes sing to their passengers.

Throughout history, a ride on a gondola has known to evolve

PAGE 28, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

romance. Last year that proved true on the Saturday night of Festa when a young male passenger pro-

posed marriage to his young female companion during a ride, Jennaro said.

With veteran gondolier Sal Galioto at the helm, Roxanne and Wayne Sytkowski of Franklin enjoyed a relaxing ride in the Summerfest lagoon on a warm Friday evening at Festa Italiana 2011. Gondola rides returned to the Festa lineup last year after several years’ absence and proved to be quite a popular attraction. This year, Festa officials have added a second gondola to the offerings, which should make the wait between rides shorter. Galioto served as gondolier when Festa first offered gondola rides in the 1990s and early 2000s, under the operation of the Treviso family.

(Times photo by Tom Hemman)

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy coming to Festa for Friday night show sponsored by Major Goolsby’s

By Colleen Jurkiewicz Nationally-renowned contemporary swing revival band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is coming to Festa this year for the first time. They will be performing courtesy of Major Goolsby’s at the Miller Lite Stage on Friday evening at 9 p.m. and are sure to be a powerful draw for Italians and non-Italians as well.

The band is best known for their singles “Go Daddy-O”, “You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby)” and “Mr. Pinstripe Suit.”

They memorably played at the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXIII in

I Want to Buy Your Old Musical Instruments.

Looking for accordions, concertinas, guitars, banjos, mandolins, violins, saxophones & amplifiers.

Call Tom (414) 333-3221

THE ITALIAN TIMES

1999.

Originally from southern California, the band is comprised of Scotty Morris (lead vocals and guitar), Kurt Sodergren (drums and percussion), Dirk Shumaker (double bass and vocals), Andy Rowley (baritone saxophone and vocals), Glen Marhevka (trumpet), Karl Hunter (saxophones and clarinet), Joshue Levy (piano, arranger), Tony Bonsera (trumpet) and Alex “Crazy Legs” Henderson (trombone).

They appeared as themselves in a club scene of the classic 1996 Vince Vaughn movie Swingers.

They have released seven albums, including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy (1994), Americana Deluxe (1998), and How Big Can You Get?: The Music of Cab Calloway (2009).

Recently they have collaborated with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and Atlanta Symphony on various pops programs across the nation.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 29, SECTION A

Classic rockers, The Ides of March, coming to Festa for first time

By Thomas Hemman Times Editor The Ides of March, a band that started in the basement of a Berwyn, Ill. home in October 1964 and rose to international fame with the hit single, “Vehicle,” is coming to Festa Italiana in Milwaukee for the first time.

The band will perform Friday and Saturday, July 20 and 21, at 8:30 p.m. on the Calypso Spiked Island Stage.

From their humble beginning, the Ides of March, led by Jim Peterik, scored a Top 40 hit in 1966 with “You Wouldn’t Listen.” The group remained very popular in Chicagoland and the Midwest throughout the ‘60s, but failed to achieve national recognition until 1970 when the single “Vehicle” was released and rose to #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

That single became the fastest selling single in Warner Bros.

Records history. “Vehicle” went on to sell over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc in November 1972. The following album, also entitled “Vehicle,” reached #55 nationally.

A follow-up album, “Common Bond,” featured the single “L.A. Goodbye,” which was a #1 regional hit.

In the late 1970s, Peterik formed the band Survivor and cowrote all of their platinum hits including “Eye of the Tiger,” which reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, “The Search is Over,” “High on You,” and “I Can’t Hold Back.”

Classic rock band, The Ides of March, coming to Festa for nightly shows, July 20 and July 21 at 8:30 p.m.

Peterik also began a career of writing collaborations which resulted in many platinum hits for other artists, most notably “Hold on Loosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,” “Fantasy Girl” and “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys” for .38 Special and “Heavy Metal” for Sammy Hager.

Since the 1990s, with Peterik back in the fold, The Ides of March have been performing not only their own hits but many of the songs that Peterik performed or wrote for other groups.

According to the group’s website

(theidesofmarch.com), “This isn’t a sedate “oldies” act; much the opposite actually. In concert, the Ides of March remains a vital, powerhouse rock and roll band whose typical 90-minute concert usually last two hours, and the encores are always the strongest songs of the night.

The secret of the band’s longevity might rest in the fact that they all have remained best friends throughout the years, with not a hint of ego-trip to be found.”

Chicagoans are familiar with the group performing the National Anthem for the Chicago Cubs, Bears, Bulls, Fire and White Sox. The band was honored by their hometown of Berwyn by declaring the street running in front of their high school “Ides of March Way.” A close relationship with the pastor of Chicago’s Holy Name Cathedral

has instituted a tradition of featuring the Ides of March singing at the Christmas Eve Mass.

Congratulations Festa Italiana from

Koepsell's Festival Popcorn Wagons Jim Kocovsky Mary Lynn Kocovsky Visit our popcorn wagons at Festa 2012!

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PAGE 30, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Arrival: The ABBA Tribute Band back at Festa by popular demand One of the world’s most popular and best selling ABBA show bands, Arrival from Sweden, is coming back to Festa Italiana for the second straight year for performances on Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22 on the Miller Lite Stage at 9 p.m.

Founded in 1995, Arrival has toured in more than 35 nations, appearing on television and radio shows and playing sold out arenas and other venues.

The group, which has been described as “the best and most

authentic ABBA show band,” performs all of the legendary ABBA hits: “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Does Your Mother Know,” “Take a Chance,” “SOS,” “The Winner Takes It All,” “Super Trouper,” “Money, Money, Money,” “Waterloo,” “Honey, Honey,” “Fernando,” “I Do, I Do, I Do,” “Chiquita,” “Knowing Me, Knowing You,” “Summer Night City,” “Thank You for the Music,” “Lay All Your Love on Me,” “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme” and many more.

Arrival works with designer Owe Sandström, who designed and

also owns all of the original ABBA staging clothes. Arrival is the only band worldwide with the exclusive rights to make exact copies of the design-protected staging clothes.

Arrival is also the only group

that has been given an unreleased ABBA song directly from Bjöurn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of ABBA. The song, “Just a Notion,” is soon to be released worldwide.

THE WISCONSIN CHAPTER OF THE JUSTINIAN SOCIETY OF LAWYERS an affiliate of the National Italian American Bar Association

Congratulates

FESTA ITALIANA on 35 great years!

For membership information contact: Attorney Christine Davies D’Angelo - President D’Angelo & Jones, LLP N14 W23755 Stone Ridge Drive, Waukesha, WI 53188 (262) 523-4321 • www.dangelojones.com

Saluti Festa Italiana from

We are pleased to be a part of Festa Italiana. Look for us in Booth #29 in the Harley-Davidson Area.

Arrival: The ABBA Tribute Band seen here in a photo taken at Festa Italiana 2011. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)

Mario Manzini – Houdini tribute act – coming to Festa for first time

By Colleen Jurkiewicz Escape artist Mario Manzini will bring his internationallyrenowned “Tribute to Houdini” act to Festa Italiana this year, performing at 7:30 p.m. at the Briggs & Strattion Big Back Yard Stage on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, July 20-22.

Missouri-based Manzini is known as “The Guinness World Champion Escapologist,” a title he has proudly held for more than 25 years. His family friendly show is embellished with plenty of illusions, magic, levitation tricks, and dramatic escapes. Assisted often by his wife, Victoria, as well as members of the audience, Manzini’s show will feature a “metamorphosis escape,” as well as escapes from shackles, straightjackets, chains, various wooden crates and knots, and more.

He often invites local police officers onto the stage during his act and wows the crowd with his ability to break out of their handcuffs.

He also performs the famous Houdini Water Torture Cell trick,

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Mario Manzini

THE ITALIAN TIMES

where he escapes from an airtight, rope-secured sack after having his wrists, ankles, and feet bound by audience members using handcuffs and tire chains. The Houdini Tribute act is Manzini’s most popular show.

Manzini considers himself to be one of very few authentic escapologists left in the United States. He says it is a dying art.

“There really are not that many real escape artists – maybe two or three in the whole country,” he says. “The ones that claim to be are usually magicians who use trick handcuffs. I use the real thing.”

Even the law can’t restrain him – as part of his performances, Manzini has escaped from 26 locked jail cells under police supervision.

The Houdini Tribute act is only one of the shows in Manzini’s repertoire. He is also known for his comedy, Elvis impersonations, and firebreathing. Called one of the “top Fire Eaters and Breathers” in the world today, Manzini has performed with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

“It’s not so much about being the best escape artist,” he says. “It’s about making the show as interesting as possible. You have to be able to relate to the audience and get them involved. They have to be on my side and want me to get out.”

Manzini is encouraged by the prevalence of the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee.

He says he admires the ICC’s efforts to keep the Italian culture alive.

“It’s important to keep those traditions,” he says. “Where I come from, in New York City, Little Italy is fading away. It’s sort of sad. So it’s great to see traditions being preserved.”

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 31, SECTION A

These acts are making their Festa debut Michèal Castaldo Michèal Castaldo, who released his fourth album, a CD titled “Olive You – Classic Italian Songs to Feed the Heart and Soul” on Jan. 31, is booked for his first Festa appearance.

Born in the Calabria region of Italy, Castaldo was raised since he was three years old in Toronto, Canada and now resides in New York City. Trained in opera, Castaldo performs as a classical crossover pop artist, whose music is along the lines of Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban and Il Divo. Besides being a singer, he is an award-winning songwriter, producer and arranger. He has served as a pro-

ducer/mixer and songwriter for sixtime Grammy award winner Jose Feliciano and has recorded with trumpeter Chris Botti.

Samples of Castaldo’s music can be heard through his website, www.michealCASTALDO.com or www.Amazon.com and www.iTunes.com. One of his latest videos, “Il Mondo,” can be viewed on YouTube.

From May 22 to June 3, Castaldo toured in Italy and Poland. After his Festa shows, July 20-22, he is scheduled to perform at an Italian festival in Rockford, Ill. on Saturday, Aug. 3.

Alfio Australian native Alfio will perform on the T.J. Bartolotta Stage Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 4:30 p.m. This is the first Festa Italiana appearance for the singer, who has just released his album, Tutta Italiana, this March.

Having been described as “Josh Groban meets Andrea Bocelli,” Alfio studied in Parma, Italy. His first album, Tranquilità, was met with resounding success internationally. His second album was released in 2009. Named Classic Rewinds, the album paid tribute to artists who have influenced him and other Italians all over the world. The playlist featured such classics as “Papa Loves Mambo,” “Buona Sera” and “The Impossible Dream.” Tutta Ialiana, his third album, is an all-Italian-language CD including classic favorites as well as tunes composed by Alfio himself, including “Voce Pura,” a tribute to Luciano Pavarotti.

In 2010 he performed for Rudy Giuliani and Nancy Pelosi at the National Italian American Foundation’s gala to honor Martin Scorcese, Jack Valenti, and Ellen Pompeo.

Alfio

Iliana

Michèal Castaldo

See Us at Festa Italiana!

Iliana

Chicago-based singer Iliana Incandela, who simply goes by the first name “Iliana,” is making her debut at Festa Italiana. She’ll be performing Friday, July 20 through Sunday, July 22 at 3 p.m. on the Briggs & Stratton Big Back Yard Stage.

A singer, dancer, and actress, Iliana can often be seen performing with her father, singer Enzo Incandela. She wowed Milwaukee audiences in October of 2011 as the opening act for the ICC-sponsored performance of Il Volo.

Incandela was the 2010 Italo American National Union Foundation David Award winner for Achievement and Professional Promise in the Field of Entertainment. She had the honor of being named the 2010-2011 Columbus Day Queen by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans.

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THE ITALIAN TIMES

Louis Prima Jr. Band, direct from Las Vegas Louis Prima, Jr.(www.louisprimajr.com) is a Las Vegas-based entertainer best known for carrying on the legacy of his late father, Louis Prima, the original “King of Swing.” Born on Father’s Day in 1965, he is the youngest of Louis and Gia (Maione) Prima’s children and their only son. He is a trumpeter, singer and bandleader.

Here’s what one reviewer had to say about the Louis Prima, Jr. Band: “Louis Sr.’s legacy is in good hands...Louis Jr., with a swinging and rocking band, will “Jive” you crazy with the feel of the wildest show in Las Vegas.”

- Robin Leach, Vegas Delux.com.

The Louis Prima, Jr. Band, which is making its Festa debut, is performing across the nation with vocalist Sara Spiegel. Among the band’s engagements before Festa are ones at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort in Atlantic City, N.J. on June 20; the Sorrento Cheese Italian Heritage Festival in Buffalo, N.Y. on July 12; Lorenzo’s Restaurant & Cabaret in Staten Island, N.Y. on July 13; and the “Music Under the Stars” series in Lyndhurst, N.J. on July 14. At Milwaukee’s Festa Italiana, Prima and company will be performing Friday through Sunday, July 20-22 at 9 p.m. on the Briggs & Stratton Big Back Yard Stage.

Prima’s sister, Lena, has previously performed at Milwaukee’s Festa.

Charissa Mrowka Festa audiences will be able to see a rising country star this year as teen sensation Charissa Mrowka makes her debut at the festival.

The 16-year-old singer, songwriter, guitarist and recording artist has dreamt of becoming a country star since childhood and is well on her way to achieving that goal.

Mrowka released her EP recording with Guitar Girls Records and her single “Hold on and Breathe” has enjoyed popularity on many radio stations across the country.

Another single, “Miss Misery,” has enjoyed viral success on the internet.

She has performed at the House of Blues, Nashville Palace and Genesee Theatre.

Charissa Mrowka

Old Dominion Old Dominion is made up of four Virginians, one Michigander, and one bearded keyboard player whose place of origin remains a mystery.

The chemistry that occurs when Old Dominion takes the stage can only be achieved through years of cheap hotels, dirty clubs, and long van rides across the country forming a bond that somehow adds up to great music.

Based in Nashville, they have managed to carve out their own territory as well as play music and write songs for some of today’s top country recording artists, including

Steve Holy, Chris Young, Taylor Swift, Randy Houser and more!

Although they have been together many years, Old Dominion just finished putting the final touches on their debut EP full of heartbreaking rock and summertime party music.

This group will be serving as the opening act for Festa’s surprise country artist, who will be announced on Monday, July 9. Old Dominion will perform at 7:30 p.m. on the Calyspo Spiked Island Stage.

The Louis Prima, Jr. Band

Old Dominion

Watch for an announcement on a special country act performing at Festa Italiana on Monday, July 9. Visit www.FestaItaliana.com for details. This will be a free show with a regular paid admission.

Entertainment is subject to change.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 33, SECTION A

Many of your favorites are back for another Festa engagement Dick Contino Dick Contino, “legendary virtuoso of the accordion,” returns for his 33rd appearance in the 35 years of Festa Italiana in Milwaukee.

Famous for his musical stylings of such classics as “Lady of Spain” and “Tico Tico,” Contino, who turned 82 earlier this year, resides in Las Vegas with his wife, Tonia, and still performs regularly across the nation.

Festa Italiana is only one of several Italian festivals where he is scheduled to perform this year. His repertoire is eclectic, ranging from Italian songs such as “Come Back to Sorrento” and “Arrivederci Roma“ to standards like “Lady of Spain“ and “Swinging on a Star.”

He possesses a virtuosic technique (often incorporating extremely rapid fingering, glissandos, and

The Bronx Wanderers

bellows shakes) and is also a skilled jazz improvisor.

Back in the Festa Italiana lineup for the fourth consecutive year are the Bronx Wanderers, known as “The Ultimate Tribute Band.”

While the band leans heavily on their renditions of the rock and roll classics of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, Dion Meucci, Dion & The Belmonts, Tommy James & The Shondells, The Rascals, Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5 and other legends, the Bronx Wanderers also perform their remakes of some of today’s top hitmakers.

Prior to their Festa shows, July 19-22, the Bronx Wanderers have numerous engagements across New York and Massachusetts. One of the group’s biggest shows after Festa will be Sept. 27 and 28 at the South Point Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

The band includes Yo’ Vinnie, Vinnie “The Kid,” Nicky “Stix,” Jimmy Fracassi and Jon Tutino.

They have recorded two CDs. For more on this group, visit: www.thebronxwanderers.com.

Giada Valenti Giada Valenti will be appearing at the U.S. Cellular Stage at 9 p.m. all four nights of Festa this year.

The internationally-renowned singer was born and raised in Venice and got an early start on her impressive musical career.

Singing and playing the piano since the age of seven, Valenti has toured professionally since the age of 12 and studied jazz with American star Dawn Mitchell.

In 2005 she released a criticallyacclaimed album called Italian Signorina featuring her version of the legendary song “Caruso,” which has been named by iTunes as one of the 50 best songs in the Italian language. She has been featured on the red carpet at the New York City Columbus Day Parade every year since 2005, debuted her popular show Tribute to the European Divas to great acclaim in 2007, and in 2009 sold out the Hilton Casino & Resort in Atlantic City.

Valenti is currently touring the United States and Europe performing her show “Tribute to Love.” She has recently appeared on Italian

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television channel Rete4 in the show Sognando Italia (Dreaming of Italy). The episode chronicled Valenti’s life and success in the United States, as well as how she stays true to her Italian roots.

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PAGE 34, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

Nino’s Italian Bakery & Deli, N88 W16683 Main St., Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Vocalist Sandra Mandella and director Bobby Chirafisi are coming home for Festa

By Bob Ruggieri When vocalist Sandra Mandella performs at Festa Italiana, it’ll be a homecoming in more ways than one. Working with her as her musical director will be her longtime friend, Bobby Chirafisi.

Both are native Milwaukeeans and both are second-generation musicians with deep roots in Milwaukee’s Italian performing arts community. Sandra’s father, Tony Mancuso, who sang professionally under the name Nino Mancuso, was lead tenor with the Florentine Opera Company. Her mother, the former Mary Jennaro, sang in the Florentine chorus. She will be 94 years old in August.

Bobby’s mother, the former Frances Doria, was a featured lyric soprano with the Florentine and was often featured in duets with Nino Mancuso. Frances’ sisters, Josephine and Angeline, were dancers in the company.

Sandra’s first collaboration with Bobby was in 1971, when he wrote an arrangement for her while she was working with the Buddy Montgomery Trio. Over the years, the two have collaborated on a number of occasions.

Sandra, a Festa Italiana regular since 1994, honed her craft in the jazz clubs of Milwaukee and Detroit. She has appeared with some of the big names in show business, has performed with the Detroit Philharmonic, and has been a featured attraction at the Detroit Jazz Festival. She has performed

throughout the U.S. and abroad and is a seasoned veteran in the recording studio, having recorded more than 60 radio and TV commercials. Her latest CD, “One Breath Closer,” is widely available.

Bobby, a pianist and arranger, worked for many years with house bands of the major resorts in Las Vegas. He has performed at major venues in Europe, South Africa and the Far East. He earned his bachelor of music degree from the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music in 1973 and later that summer led his own band on the Miller Stage – when it was still a tent – at Milwaukee’s Summerfest.

Before her engagment at Festa, Mandella will be singing at the Italian Community Center in its Courtyard Music Series program on Monday, July 16. For that show, she will be accompanied by the Tom Sorce Band.

Right: Sandra Mandella and Bobby Chirafisi

Congratulations to Festa Italiana on 35 wonderful years!

Frank Tenaglia Born in South Philadelphia, tenor Frank Tenaglia trained in classical voice at The Philadelphia College of Performing Arts and at Temple University. Tenaglia went on to perform with the Greater Miami Opera Company in its productions of Madama Butterfly, Il Trovatore, The Barber of Seville, La Premiata Fedelta, Idomeneo and Beauty and the Beast, all under the direction of Maestro Joseph Illick.

Tenaglia has participated, been a finalist, and/or been awarded prizes in major competitions conducted by the prestigious Metropolitan Opera Council, The Luciano Pavarotti International Competition, The Puccini Foundation, The Opera Florham Company, N.A.T.S. – The National Association of Teachers’ Singing Artists Professional Division Awards and The Drexel Music Award. He is the first recipient of the Jay Spect Award, a three time Sergio Franchi Scholarship recipient and has won The Mario Lanza Institute Award also three times!

Tenaglia has been a frequent performer in Festa Italiana’s entertainment lineup since the 1990s.

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THE ITALIAN TIMES

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 35, SECTION A

Filippo Voltaggio Modern-day crooner Filippo Voltaggio’s last name means “voltage” in Italian, and he will be back to electrify the Briggs & Stratton Big Back Yard Stage at 6 p.m. every night of Festa. He last appeared at Festa two years ago.

The son of Italian immigrants, Voltaggio was raised in Southern California on the Italian language, food, and music – especially opera.

Always encouraged by his parents to perform for guests, Voltaggio was a singer from a young age.

Though he pursued and was successful in a career at IBM, he stayed true to his artistic roots by performing in Community Theater, operas, and his own concerts.

He left the world of business to emcee his own show as the National Radio Host of “Life Changes with Filippo.” He eventually became a singer and saw great success, received countless accolades, and sold out shows all over the country.

“He’s setting the world of music

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on fire,” wrote the Burbank Leader after his debut. “Filippo Voltaggio sizzles with high energy in his performances, personally, vocally, and musically.”

Voltaggio is a nine-time winner of the Sergio Franchi Vocal Competition, a three-time National Italian-American Foundation grant recipient, a Eugene O’Neill Cabaret Symposium Fellow, and a two-time nominee for Entertainer of the Year by the Southern California Motion Picture Council.

His CDs include Reel Italian – Love Songs From the Silver Screen and Love in Italiano. He has sung for several movies including Noise, A Walk in the Clouds, Europa, and Surge of Power and in 2010 appeared in his first feature film, Run While You Can.

New York City opera tenor Matt Morgan will make a grand return to Festa Italiana this year with performances on the Miller Lite Stage at 7:30 p.m. all four nights.

Morgan has performed with the American Symphony Orchestra, the National Chorale, and the Bard Music festival.

An accomplished actor, he has also appeared in several stage musicals across the nation. He has most recently performed with the Jacksonville Symphony orchestra in their production of The Pirates of Penzance as well as the Syracuse Opera in The Mikado, La Rondine, and The Judgment of Midas. He has also filmed his own television special for PBS at Avery Fisher Hall.

Known as a crossover artist, Morgan has brought his vocal stylings to Italian festivals all

Aaron Caruso Aaron Caruso, classicallytrained opera tenor, will be appearing at the Calypso Spiked Island Stage 6 p.m. all four days of Festa Italiana.

Caruso specializes in singing classical Italian arias with a twist.

Known as a combination of Pavarotti and the Rat Pack, he is sure to bring a fantastic energy to the stage. He has studied opera under the tutelage of Maestro Veccia in Rome and New York City.

Caruso’s romantic act focuses on presenting classic opera in a new, entertaining way, and he keeps the audience on their toes by switching from arias to Broadway classics to

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beloved pop tunes.

He has recently performed to a sold-out audience at Carnegie Hall in a tribute to Mario Lanza and has appeared at the New York City Columbus Day Parade, as well as in many casinos in Reno, Atlantic City, and Connecticut.

A veteran of Italian festivals, he has appeared all over the country at gatherings that celebrate Italian heritage.

John Ciotta John Ciotta has been enthralling audiences worldwide for years as an entertainer, singer and percussionist. From Atlantic City to Las Vegas, Hong Kong and Singapore to Europe and Scandinavia, Ciotta has managed to find his way into the hearts of every nationality and culture, no matter how diverse.

Whether he’s performing in English, Italian, Spanish or German, Ciotta’s emotion-charged deliveries and broad appeal move members of the his audiences right to the heart.

This year, Ciotta will be performing Friday through Sunday afternoons at Festa Italiana. His website is www.johnciotta.com.

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THE ITALIAN TIMES

Dominic Mantuano

Christopher Macchio

The tenor voice of Dominic Mantuano will once again be heard at Festa Italiana. The man who bills himself as “America’s Tenor” will be appearing at the Milwaukee festival for the fourth year in a row.

Mantuano, who says he has been singing in one form or another since the age of four, has released three albums – “Second Star to the Right,” “Opera to Broadway” and “The Arias.”

Once he was introduced to the voice of the late Mario Lanza, Mantuano began to fashion his own voice in that image. In his cabaret show, he presents the Lanza selections in their original keys.

A former firefighter and EMT, Mantuano competed in the 1999 World Championship of Performing Arts. After five days of competition involving 1,500 men and women

Tony Spavone Restaurateur and singer. That, in a nutshell, describes Tony Spavone, who will be performing at Festa Italiana at 6 p.m. daily on the Miller Lite Stage.

A native of Naples (Campania), Italy, Spavone emigrated to the United States in 1965 and worked at his father’s restaurant in Chicago. But singing was, and continues to be, one of his great loves.

He received classical training in voice at the Conservatory in Chicago and later returned to Italy for additional training to perfect his Neapolitan style of singing.

Examples of that style can be heard on the four albums he has produced: “Core N’ Grato,” “Canta Napoli,” “Neapolitan Classics” and “Smile.” The list of selections on each CD can be found at the singer’s website, www.tonyspavone.com.

On occasion, Spavone serves as both restaurateur and singer. He often entertains diners at Tony Spavone’s Restaurant in Bloomingdale, Ill.

from 30 countries, Mantuano was named the first Grand Champion Performer of the World.

For more information, visit http://theamericantenor.com.

Returning to Festa for the second straight year will be New Yorkbased opera tenor Chris Macchio, who recently released his new album entitled “Dolci Momenti” (Sweet Moments).

Born in Long Island, Macchio aspired to be a lawyer until his singing ability became apparent during high school. He studied at the Manhattan School of Music Conservatory under Metropolitan Opera coaches Bob Cowart and Elizabeth Roberts, as well as Munich State Opera legend John Kuhn.

His performances include I Puritani with New York City’s Opera Nova Company and West Side Story with Creative Ministries in Long Island. He has performed for such luminaries as the Vice President of the United States, Governor of Massachusetts, and Rudy Giuliani. He has been named the official National Tenor of UNICO. Macchio is now focusing on his solo performance and recording career. In 2010, he became a found-

ing member of the quartet Bell’Aria, a group that focuses on bringing the musical heritage of Italian-Americans to the mainstream musical audiences. The quartet was created by the same team that created the worldfamous Celtic Woman show.

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Buona Festa 2012 from

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The newspaper is published

by Emilio Augusto Publishing Company. Its editor and publisher is Cesarina Augusto Earl.

Joseph Catanese serves as cultural, political and senior editor.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Our Festa Italiana Menu Lasagna (Sticks) Marinara • Sicilian Steak Sandwich • Hot Italian Sub • Meatball Sandwich • Calzone • Italian Chicken Wings • Cappuccino Puffs • Potato Chips Romano • Soda Visit Our Booth #32 at Festa, July 19, 20, 21 and 22, 2012.

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 37, SECTION A

Peter Guerin Peter Guerin is a show business veteran, a native of Chicago who was dubbed “Chicago’s Midnight Idol” by the Chicago Tribune. His critically acclaimed and award-winning revue remained in Chicago’s “Top 10 Must See Shows” for years.

He is considered to be among a handful of artists who took part in the groundbreaking, original tribute concept. His tribute to Elvis Presley was one of the first. As the story goes, Presley – who had seen Guerin’s performance and was asked about it by the Las Vegas Sun – said, “He’s the only one who does me and does me justice.”

If you visit Graceland, you will find a plaque dedicated to Guerin for 20 years of continuing Presley’s legacy.

Sammy Llanas Milwaukee audiences are likely to be well-acquainted with Sammy Llanas, singer, songwriter, acoustic guitarist – and hometown boy. He is performing on Friday and Saturday, July 20 and 21, at 10:30 p.m. at the Briggs & Stratton Big Back Yard Stage.

Along with his high school friend, Kurt Neumann, Llanas cofounded the rock band The BoDeans in Waukesha in the 1980s. Legendary producer T-Bone Burnett took them under his wing and they released their first album, Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams in 1986. In 1987, Rolling Stone magazine voted them the Best New American Band. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s the band would have Top 40 hits and would release 10 albums altogether.

Llanas left the BoDeans in 2011 and released his album 4 a.m. last October. This summer he is touring the Midwest showcasing the distinctive voice audiences have loved for decades.

Doo-Wop Daddies The Doo-Wop Daddies, based in Milwaukee, capture the demanding vocal styles of doo-wop music with unsurpassed excellence. That’s only the beginning. The Daddies don’t merely recreate this classic genre, but have redefined it and made it their own 21st century doo-wop.

The group’s live shows attain that ideal unity of masterful performance and entertainment.

Combining elements of vintage and cutting edge musical technologies, the Daddies produce an exciting theatrical show that remains faith-

ful to the doo-wop style.

The Doo-Wop Daddies’ lineup includes Mike Sturino, Mike Welch, Ryan Clark, Mark Lansing, Tom Riepenhoff, Lee Stephens, Lee Wanek and Terry Casey.

The group performed at the ICC’s New Year’s Eve party and its Rock and Roll Blast this past January. Look for the Doo-Wop Daddies on the Calypso Spiked Island Stage each night of Festa Italiana, July 19-22 at 10:30 p.m. and afternoons, July 20-22, at 3 p.m.

But Guerin doesn’t limit his show to his Presley impression. He features a wide variety of music identified with some of the top recording stars of all time. For more, visit www.peterguerin.com.

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To obtain information on advertising in The Italian Times, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an email request to Editor Tom Hemman at themman@italiancc.org.

PAGE 38, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Jayne Taylor Singer/songwriter Jayne Taylor, who is making her fourth consecutive appearance at Festa Italiana, has been singing in major theaters throughout Wisconsin for the past four years. She has also been on numerous TV stations including Fox 6 Wake Up and Today’s TMJ 4, as well as radio stations throughout the state including, AM920 The Wolf and WMSE.

The Russo Brothers Performers at Festa Italiana since they were 4 and 8 years old, Dominic Russo, now 20, and his brother, Nick, now 24, are returning with a brand new show, Friday through Sunday at 3 p.m. on the Miller Lite Stage.

They will be performing with their talented band, The Paesans, and their own dance troupe, La Bella Ballerina Russo. These entertainers bring the party to Festa with a big band sound and non-stop action.

Doing shows that are tailormade for Italian festivals, the Russo Brothers have caught on at other Festas around the country.

Last September, Jayne was honored to be selected to sing the National Anthem for the Brewers game at Miller Park Stadium to a crowd of 35,000 people. She was also asked to sing the National Anthem for the annual Veterans Day Banquet at the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center for the second consecutive year.

They have appeared in St. Paul, Minn. as headliners at an Italian fest in September 2011. They continued on to sunny Florida this past April to perform at Tampa’s Festa in Historic Ybor district.

Locally, the boys have appeared on the “Jayne Taylor Show,” a community access cable show, and recently at Wauwatosa’s “Tosa Tonight” in Hart Park. All of these appearances happen while the boys are full-time students. Nick studies at Marquette University’s School of Dentistry while Dominic studies at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Carlson School of Management.

Last November, Jayne put on her own successful Christmas Show at the Sunset Playhouse, in Elm Grove, to a sold-out crowd.

Jayne, a 2012 WAMI nominee for “Female Vocalist of the Year”, is currently working on her second CD, which will include some of her favorite romance language songs, including Italian.

Her TV/cable show, “The Jayne Taylor Show”, which she tapes every month, is still very popular

with viewers and can be seen on Fridays at 6 p.m., 11 p.m., and Saturdays at 10 a.m. In addition to her busy schedule, Jayne is a fulltime college student and has recently made the Dean’s list.

Her website is jaynetaylormusic.com.

Mt. Olive Milwaukee’s favorite cover band, Mt. Olive, will rock the Calypso Spiked Island Stage at Festa on Thursday, July 19 at 8:30 p.m.

The group performs annually at Summerfest’s Miller Lite Oasis Stage, the Wisconsin State Fair, and a score of church festivals all

over the Milwaukee area. They composed the victory song for the Milwaukee Admirals hockey team.

They cover the hits of yesterday (the Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Earth Wind & Fire) as well as current hits by LMFAO, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5, Guns N’ Roses, Nickelback, and many more.

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THE ITALIAN TIMES

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 39, SECTION A

Oldies But Goodies Spectacular This multi-talented band was formed by vocalist Kim Marie about 15 years ago after she completed seven years in Las Vegas and a gig for Chevrolet at New York City’s Lincoln Center and in various cities around the country.

Kim Marie said her goal in forming the band was to gather the most talented Milwaukee area musicians from bands popular in the 1960s, and and regenerate the nostalgic feel of the ‘60s rock and roll era in Milwaukee.

Joining Kim Marie today are vocalists Tony Clementi and Chuck Travis, keyboardist Brian Lorde, drummer Bruce Cole, lead guitarist Tom Sorce, bass guitarist Bob Sanders, saxophonist Mike Miller, trombonist Jay Allison, and trum-

peter Mike Betts.

The Oldies But Goodies Spectacular will be performing nightly on the T.J. Bartolotta Stage at 8:45 p.m. and after the 10:15 p.m. fireworks show. There will be lots of room for dancing.

Grace McDonnell Returning to Festa this year will be Milwaukee’s own Grace McDonnell, already a Festa veteran at the age of 15. This will be her fifth appearance at the festival.

She will be singing at the Calypso Spiked Island Stage on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

The junior at Brookfield Central High School has previously performed with the Florentine Opera Company and has done recordings for Hal Leonard Productions. She sings in her high school choir and has appeared in her high school’s musicals as well as serving as class vice president this past year.

She still finds time for private performances and singing the national anthem for a variety of events.

“I’m very excited to be performing for my fifth year in a row at Festa,” she said. “I am thankful to be able to surround myself with the many professional and talented people I continue to learn and grow from.”

Have you purchased your tickets for Festa Italiana’s 50/50 raffle? It’s your chance to win a lot of money. Please see the story in this section or visit www.FestaItaliana.com for details.

PAGE 40, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Tom Anthony with the Tom Sorce Band One of the top drawing groups to perform in the Italian Community Center’s “Courtyard Music Series” in the summer and the “Cabin Fever Music Series” this past winter, Tom Anthony with the Tom Sorce Band, has an opening night engagement at Festa Italiana, Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. on the Briggs & Stratton Stage.

Vocalist Tom Anthony has long been a fixture on the Milwaukee area music scene. Backing him are Tom Sorce (guitar), Joel Freisinger (keyboards) and Brian Ford (drums), Anthony presents the best of the rock, pop and rhythm and blues era.

Anthony is famous for his Las Vegas-style show, singing the hits of Elvis, Buddy Holly, Bobby Darin, Everly Brothers, Frankie Valli, Roy Orbison and even some of today’s biggest hit makers such as Marc Anthony, Brooks & Dunn and Dwight Yoakam. The latest CD by

the Tom Anthony Group is “Just For You.” After Festa, Anthony and the

Hadley Have you had your Hadley today? You can have Hadley Friday through Sunday, July 20-22, at Festa on the Briggs & Stratton Big Back Yard Stage at 1:30 p.m.

Hadley, a three-piece funky rock band, is appearing at Festa for the seventh straight year.

According to the group’s press agent, Hadley is “putting the rock in rocky” with music that is “fun, loud, fast and sexy.”

Band members are Jeff Scanlon on guitar, JJ Slick on bass and Chris the Chemist on drums. JJ Slick is actually J.J. Zizzo, the

grandson of Festa Operations Manager Paul Iannelli and his wife, Rose.

Tom Sorce Band have a 10-day long engagement at the Wisconsin State Fair. They are also playing at sev-

eral area church festivals.

For more information on the group, visit www.tomanthony.net.

The Barbeez

The Noyz Boyz & Girlz

The Barbeez have been one of the Milwaukee area’s premiere dance rock bands for years, playing the music of the artists who helped to shape the music video era and beyond.

The Barbeez will be performing at Festa Italiana on Thursday, July 19 at 9 p.m. on the Miller Lite Stage. Prior to Festa, the group has an engagement at Summerfest on Thursday, July 5.

They’ll be playing at the Wisconsin State Fair and other local festivals throughout the summer.

This Milwaukee-based 10-piece horn band, known for its rockin’ rhythm and blues, is under the direction of Jerry Miller. The Noyz Boyz & Girlz will serve as the opening act on the Miller Lite Stage on Friday through Sunday, July 20-22.

Bartolotta’s Fireworks nightly at Festa Italiana. Look for a complete story in Secrtion B.

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THE ITALIAN TIMES

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 41, SECTION A

Tradizione Vivente: Keeping tradition alive through Italian folk dance

By Susan (DeSanctis) Christiansen Tradizione Vivente – The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, Inc. has been in existence for over 60 years.

The dance group was formed many years ago so that its members might spend time with those dear friends and family from the “old country.” The original members of the group have since departed, only to leave behind a treasured legacy.

Today, the dance group strives to keep alive the traditions that were passed on to them from their ancestors. Tradizione Vivente (or Living Tradition in English), currently consists of 35 to 40 members.

The group’s members range in age from 13 to 50+ years old. Through vibrant performances, they celebrate authentic folk dancing, costumes, culture and music of Italy.

It has been their honor to travel throughout the United States performing for various events, such as festivals, weddings, benefits, anniversaries, religious functions, Italian conferences, and all other types of events both near and far.

In Milwaukee, they are proud to participate in local events, such as the International Holiday Folk Fair, and, of course, Festa Italiana, where they have been pleased to perform since its inception 35 years ago.

2012 has provided some really

memorable experiences and some exciting upcoming opportunities.

One of their absolute favorite performances was at “A Taste of Italy” at the Italian Community Center, with the smells from the delicious food and the upbeat sound of their music.

Tradizione Vivente performed at international dinners for both UWParkside and Carthage College.

They genuinely enjoyed representing Italy and sharing their heritage with the students at both schools.

The student coordinating the Parkside event is from Calabria, and said that Tradizione Vivente’s performance “reminded her of Italy.” The ultimate compliment.

The dance group also supported two of its members, Rebecca and John Paul Carvalho, and represented the Italian culture by performing at the Greendale High School Traditional and Digital Arts Festival. The Greendale TADA Festival was a multi-cultural folk fair, offering various ethnic foods and cultural booths, as well as performances by different nationalities.

Recently, a small group of dancers performed for the WisItalia banquet held at O’Donoghue’s Pub in Elm Grove. They are especially proud that the dance group’s own president, Gina Jorgensen, is now the Milwaukee representative for WisItalia. Congratulazione, Gina!

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PAGE 42, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

Here’s Tradizione Vivente performing the ribbon dance at a previous Festa Italiana. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

In June, Tradizione Vivente proudly processed through the neighborhood streets on the east side, after mass at St. Hedwig, as part of the Three Holy Women’s parish festival!

To help get the Italian community excited about Festa Italiana’s 35th annual celebration, join Tradizione Vivente at Italian Heritage Day on July 1st at the Milwaukee Brewers game. As a preview of their spectacular show at Festa, Tradizione Vivente will be showcasing some of their dances to inspire the crowd and get them “in the Italian spirit”. Although they have excitedly performed at Italian Heritage Night for the Chicago White Sox, being here in our own hometown of Milwaukee will be even more rewarding.

And finally, it has been a pleasure to accept a request to travel and perform for the Yocona International Folk Fair this upcoming August in Mississippi. This is a nationally recognized event where groups from around the world are invited to perform. Tradizione Vivente will perform and teach at the Mississippi schools during the mornings, tour such unforgettable sights as the Delta Blues Museum, Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club, William Faulkner’s home and the Blues Archive during the day, and will perform during the evenings at the Clarksville EXPO Center, Tupelo Civic Auditorium and the stunning

Gertrude Ford Center.

They hope to continue to share their love of Italy through dance in the state of Wisconsin, and throughout the rest of the country!

The dance group has been vigorously practicing every week at the ICC, preparing for their most important performance of all, Festa Italiana.

They will perform approximately 10 dances, representing the many splendid regions of Italy – even involving the audience in the Tarantella at the end of the show. You won’t want to miss their spectacular show at the T.J. Bartolotta Stage each evening at 7:30 p.m.

Ferragosto celebrated Aug. 15 in Italy Just in time to give themselves a break from the summer heat, Italians will celebrate the ancient feast of Ferragosto on Aug. 15.

Since the seventh century, this national holiday has coincided with the Feast of the Assumption in the liturgical year of the Roman Catholic Church, but the celebrations date even further back than that.

In the era of the Roman Empire the festivities were known as Feriae Augusti and marked the end of the summer agricultural season. Ancient Romans celebrated by spending weeks indulging in feasting and revelry to honor the gods.

Women were encouraged to make sacrifices to Diana, goddess of the hunt.

The enthusiasm with which modern-day Italians commemorate Ferragosto would make their Roman forebears proud.

The day itself is a national holiday and celebrated nationwide, but for many the celebrations go further than that. Beginning on Aug. 15 scores of businesses all over the nation of Italy will close for several weeks as proprietors and employees alike flee the cities to relax with their families al mare or in campagna (by the beach or in the countryside).

For Italians it is a perfect opportunity to spend time with friends and loved ones, as well as to escape the August heat of the populated cities.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Festa Regional & Renaissance Dancers: Cultural performers and ambassadors for Festa Serving as both cultural per-

formers and ambassadors for Festa

Italiana are the members of the

Festa Regional & Renaissance Dancers. This all-female unit has been part of the festival since its early years.

All of the young women are 14 to 21 years of age and are from an Italian ancestry. They wear sashes representing the different regions of Italy and perform traditional Italian folk dances each day of the festival and serve as greeters at special events during Festa.

Here’s a photo of the Festa Regional & Renaissance Dancers taken last year during Festa Italiana. (Photo provided by Alyssa LaBarbera)

The group’s roster includes Alyssa LaBarbera, Gina LaBarbera, Valerierose Agnello, Sam Sardina, Ali Ciatti, Nora Olson, Anna Olson, Bianca Torres, Lilana Guillermo, Concetta Guillermo, Leah Alexander, Maggie Ray, Lucia DeLeo, Alyssa Frye, Bianca Gheller, Nina Caruso and Julia Bosari.

Alyssa LaBarbera, coordinator of the group, said “We are always looking for new participants and if any young woman would like to join, they should contact me.”

LaBarbera can reached at 414/339-7409 or alyssa.labarbera@Marquette.edu.

Strolling musicians are part of the Festa tradition

By Bob Ruggieri Music is a major component of Festa Italiana, with performers scheduled on six stages and in an opera tent. But if someone doesn’t want to go to the music, there’s a very good chance the music will come to them Three local groups – the Sicilian Serenaders II, the Italian Serenaders and the Elegant Gypsies – will be strolling the grounds sharing their music and often inviting their listeners to sing along. Information about the three groups appears below.

Sicilian Serenaders II Look for three men in red vests, carrying instruments and singing, and you’ll find yourself in the presence of the Sicilian Serenaders II. Those three men are Peter Balisterieri on guitar; Tom Pappalardo on accordion; and Ted Pappalardo on mandolin.

They represent the second generation of the group, which was founded in the early 1950s by their fathers, Frank Balistrieri and Joe Pappalardo, both of whom are deceased.

The current Sicilian Serenaders perform in the Milwaukee area throughout the year. You may have seen and heard them at the Italian Community Center’s “A Taste of Italy” this past April.

also play classical, jazz, ancient Celtic, Mediterranean and Klezmer music, along with American standards.

Waller plays finger-style guitar; Schuh is a violinist/fiddler.

While Waller and Schuh will spend quite a bit of time strolling and playing, they will not be doing so at noon Friday, July 20 through Sunday, July 22. At that time, they will be performing on the Calypso Spiked Island Stage.

The Italian Serenaders of Milwaukee

Italian Serenaders of Milwaukee This duo has a link to the original Sicilian Serenaders in the person of accordionist John Carini. He played for two decades alongside the late Frank Balistrieri, who played guitar and sang. When the Italian Serenaders play at Festa, Carini will be joined by guitarist Ron Erskine.

Carini, a native of Porticello in Italy’s Sicily region, has been playing accordion since he was 14 years old. During his career, he’s written big band arrangements and music for jingles. Erskine’s wife, the for-

mer Domenica DiSalvo, is also a native of Porticello.

Carini and Erskine started working together in the early 1980s.

Elegant Gypsies Classically trained musicians Jim Waller and Holly Trimborn Schuh have been performing together since 1997. The selection of the Elegant Gypsies name was prompted by their wide musical repertoire. While their focus at Festa will be Italian music, they

The Elegant Gypsies

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THE ITALIAN TIMES

ICC Member JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 43, SECTION A

Festa’s opera tent, in new location, to feature variety of programming

By Bob Ruggieri A variety of programming is scheduled this year in the Dominic H. Frinzi Memorial Opera tent. It ranges from live performances by some of the area’s talented professionals and young students with a strong interest in opera to concerts by one of the nation’s oldest orchestras to lectures about an Italian composer whose operas are among the most frequently performed.

All this will happen in a new location. The Opera Tent will be set up in the cultural area on the north end of the grounds. It will be near the art and cinema tent.

Kay Sparling, a dramatic soprano who has performed internationally, is the coordinator of the programming for the opera tent.

Sparling said that, in addition to the activities already mentioned, visitors to the tent can expect to find listening posts; displays of opera memorabilia from several decades; opera playing on monitors; and hosts on hand to answer questions about Italian opera and the great Italian opera stars.

Following is the schedule of events: Thursday, July 19 • 6:30 p.m. — Sparling Theatrical Productions. This is a branch of Sparling Conservatory, Jefferson, Wis., that presents opera and musical theatre concerts, Broadway revues, pop concerts, plays, operas and lectures.

Students enrolled in Sparling Conservatory have the opportunity to audition for company productions.

For this performance, there will be 10 singers.

Friday, July 20 • 1:30 p.m. — Lecture — Sparling will present a lecture on the life of Giacomo Puccini, composer of such frequently-performed operas as La Bohème, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot.

• 3:30 p.m. Young Opera Apprentices – These are six regional singers between the ages of 17 and 21 who are training to be professional opera and classical performers.

• 5:30 p.m. – Kerry Hart & Friends – Mezzo-soprano Kerry Hart received two awards at the Wisconsin District Metropolitan Opera Auditions and also received a Downbeat Award for her work as a jazz singer. Joining her will be soprano Melissa Kelly Cardamone, who has vocal performance degrees

from Lawrence University and the Eastman School of Music; baritone Doug Clemons, who has appeared in Skylight Music Theater and Milwaukee Opera Theatre productions; and tenor Ian Toohill, who in 2010 won a first place award in the Wisconsin National Teachers of Singing competition..

tone Doug Clemons, who has performed with the Skylight Theater, Milwaukee Opera Theatre and the Door County Opera Festival.

The singers will be accompanied

by Anne Van Deusen, a freelance pianist and music director in the Milwaukee area.

Saturday, July 21 • 3:30 p.m. —- Lecture.

• 5:30 p.m. Dramatic soprano Kay Sparling – Sparling has performed opera and sacred works on numerous opera, concert and recital stages in the U.S. and Europe. Recent performances include two Verdi and Puccini galas in Verona and Modena, Italy. She was the soprano soloist for a New York City diocese Sept. 11 memorial service.

Jillian Hansen Bruss

Sunday, July 22 • 3 p.m. – Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra – The Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra is the oldest fretted instrument music organization in the United States.

It was organized in Milwaukee in 1900 and has been in continuous operation in this city ever since.

The MMO is led by Music Director Linda Binder. For Festa, the orchestra will play several

Italian tunes and will be joined by vocalist Rick Kieffer.

The MMO appeared twice on Garrison Keillor’s internatioinally broadcast radio show, “A Prairie home Companion.”

For the unitiated, fretted instruments have ridges set on the fingerboard that determine the pitch of the note. For exmple, mandolins are fretted; violins are not.

• 5 p.m. – Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra.

• 6:30 p.m. – South Shore Youth Opera Ensemble. This ensemble was formed in 2002 by Julie Maurer, who is its director.

Initially, the group was meant to provide Maurer’s voice students with increased opportunities to use their training and showcase their talent. While that still remains true, South Shore’s primary purpose today is to educate and inspire young singers, musicians and audiences through the art of opera.

In the beginning, most SSYOE members were from south shore communities. Today, members are joining from throughout the metro Milwaukee area. Performers are between the ages of 14 and 30.

Maurer, a mezzo-soprano, is a graduate of St. Norbert College, where she received a bachelor’s degree in music education with a vocal/choral emphasis.

The opera tent is named in honor of the late Dominic H. Frinzi, an opera devotee. He served on the boaad of directors of the Florentine Opera Company. He served several terms as president of the Italian Community Center of Milwaukee.

Kay Sparling

• 7 p.m. – Vivace – This is a group of classically-trained local singers. They will be singing Italian favorites from opera to Italian street songs.

Performing will be soprano Sarah Lewis Jones, who was a studio artist with the Florentine Opera Company during the season in which Elmer Gantry was presented and in which she was the featured soprano in the Keely family; mezzo soprano Jillian Hansen Bruss, who has performed here and abroad, including Norway and Denmark, in opera, oratorio and the concert stage and teaches private voice at UW-Parkside; tenor Joseph Graziano, who has performed with the Florentine Opera Company for several seasons, singing in their outreach programs and who has been a featured soloist throughout the Midwest; and bari-

Kerry Hart

PAGE 44, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

Vocalists Benjamin James and Rebecca Carvalho are seen here during a performance by the South Shore Youth Opera Ensemble in last year’s Wednesday night Courtyard Music Series at the Italian Community Center.

The Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Jeff Thiel and R&R Insurance Services: Partners in Festa and the ICC

By Ginny Balistreri As Chef Mario Batali says during the introduction to his show, The Chew, “There are people who are Italian, and there are people who want to be Italian.” Jeff Thiel isn’t Italian by birth, nor does he aspire to be Italian. He just is Italian … by way of his longtime association and friendship with the Italian Community Center and Festa Italiana.

Jeff, an Account Executive for R&R Insurance, Waukesha, has been part of the ICC and Festa family since the ICC moved to its current location and he became the Center’s property and casualty insurance broker. According to Betty Puccio, Festa Sponsor Coordinator, it didn’t take long for everyone to adopt the good-natured Thiel as one of their own. Then R&R Insurance, independently owned by Ken Riesch, president, turned the tables and adopted Festa Italiana, not just as a client, but as a prominent sponsor of the annual festival. It has been a mutual admiration society ever since.

“We are very pleased to announce that R&R Insurance Services (The Knowledge Brokers) is returning this year as one of the sponsors of the 35th annual Festa Italiana,” said Puccio. “We have a unique and special relationship with Jeff Thiel and all the folks at R&R. They understand our mission and our business. And they are always there to help us design solutions to our most pressing insurance needs.

“Festa Italiana is a community partnership,” she added, “and R&R is a key partner in our ability to bring entertainment, food and family fun to the festival. We couldn’t do it without their continued support.”

R&R Insurance Services has been serving Southeastern Wisconsin since 1975 and is now one of the largest independently

Jeff Thiel

owned insurance agencies in the Midwest. It offers its clients an array of products and services to meet their unique business, personal or health insurance needs. The company’s stellar reputation in the insurance industry gives it elite access to top-rated national and regional insurance carriers and the flexibility to match each client with the best carriers.

This has been especially key to Festa Italiana. There are few companies that will insure festivals.

With his connections in the industry, Jeff Thiel found a carrier that only insures festivals. Festa has been insured through them ever since.

Headquartered in Waukesha, R&R Insurance Services has offices in Beaver Dam, Menomonee Falls and West Bend. The company was named Small Business of the Year in 2002 by Small Business Times and is listed as one of the Insurance Journal’s Top 100 Independent Agencies in the nation.

Thiel is an example of the high level of professionalism that R&R

Insurance demands of its representatives. Jeff has been a Charter Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) since 1991, a designation he likens to being a CPA. He has been a member of the Wisconsin Independent Insurance Agents Association since 1989 and has held numerous officer and board positions over the years, including president in 2004. He’s currently working toward another certification as a Workers Compensation Advisor.

But despite his busy schedule, he always seems to make time for his paisani at the Italian Community Center and Festa Italiana.

“Phil Purpero failed to attend a board meeting one year and, by default, I had to take care of the ICC’s insurance programs,” Jeff laughed. “He knew me and asked me to meet to discuss their property and casualty insurance needs.

We’ve been business partners ever since.”

Jeff said that things were different then. The ICC and Festa Italiana were growing and all of their needs for coverage were changing fast. Those conditions presented unusual insurance challenges.

Jeff recalls tracking down individual Festa vendors at their places of business or on the festival grounds to make certain they were appropriately covered for liability.

He laughed while remembering the first year Festa brought in gondolas. “I had to track the owners down on the Milwaukee River to get their certificates of insurance,”

he explained. “That particular business was from Florida, and its owners were under the impression they were fully covered. I contacted their insurance agent in Florida who verified they were only covered in Florida. From that moment on, I had to work with the agent and owners to make sure we got the proper certificates of insurance in time for the start of Festa. We took it down to the wire.”

Jeff added that things have changed over the years with a wide range of business policies and procedures now in place. Plus he doesn’t have to chase down vendors to get their certificates of insurance any longer. “I just pick up my cell phone or email them,” he explained. “But occasionally we still run into something unique that we never encountered before.

That’s because Festa is always changing and growing to attract new audiences.”

He recalled one recent year Please turn to page 46A

If YOU want to see Italy…

See it through the eyes of an Italian!

Special ‘Anniversary Tour’ being offered by local tour agency In celebration of the 35th anniversary of Festa Italiana, Giovanni Santagati, president of Santagati Travel, is offering a special “Anniversary Tour” that will take you to Italy’s beautiful Lake Country.

Other special tours will also be offered. The Santagiti Travel Tent will be located on the north end of the Festa grounds. Giovanni will be on hand to introduce you to the “Anniversary Tour” and answer all your questions on Italy, as well as worldwide tours.

Giovanni was raised in Milan, Italy, and knows all the intricate details of all the regions of his beloved country. Giovanni says he loves Milwaukee and all the wonderful people he as met through Festa and the Italian Community Center. After his marriage to Gina Zambito this past June 15, Giovanni and Gina

THE ITALIAN TIMES

will reside in Milwaukee.

The “Anniversary Tour” will be hosted by Giovanni and Gina.

Gina is the daughter of Joe and Ann Zambito, and all have been ICC members and Festa volunteers for many years.

Santagati Travel offers an array of tours throughout Italy.

You can sign up for a special drawing of some wonderful prizes by stopping by the Santagati Travel tent to meet Giovanni and Gina.

Wish them “Buona Fortuna” on their recent marriage.

On meeting Giovanni last year and hearing about the “Anniversary Tour,” Betty Puccio, past president of the ICC said, “I was ready to sign on the dotted line. Giovanni has a real passion for all that is Italian and he wants to take you on his journey.”

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 45, SECTION A

Jerry Cohen and Major Goolsby’s bringing Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to Festa

By Colleen Jurkiewicz Any Festa attendee who has visited one of the fairground’s many bars has probably been impressed by the prompt and friendly service of the staff there.

They may not know it, but they have Jerry Cohen to thank for that.

Cohen has owned Major Goolsby’s at 340 W. Kilbourn Ave. in downtown Milwaukee for 45 years. For more than a decade Cohen and Major Goolsby’s have provided Festa with bartenders and bar supplies and management.

“The goal is to have all the bartenders be part of the Italian family,” said Cohen.

And this year, due entirely to the sponsorship of Major Goolsby’s, the band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will be appearing at 9 p.m. on

Friday night at the Miller Lite Stage.

Booking this nationally-known band is a big feat for Festa and is sure to draw a large and diverse crowd to the fairgrounds.

Thiel and R&R Insurance: Partners with Festa and ICC from page 45A when somebody shot a cannonball into the air. “My first thought was, do we have coverage for that,” he said with a chuckle. “That’s what makes working with the ICC and Festa always interesting.”

What else makes the ICC and Festa so special to Jeff and the staff of R&R Insurance Services that they have been coming back as a corporate sponsor for the past 10 years? “It’s the people,” he said.

“My biggest thrill is in the people I’ve come to know. We’re friends as

well as business partners.”

Jeff, his wife Cindy, and their kids, Natalie, 22, Haley, 20, and Connor, 17, who live in Merton, plan to be at Festa, just like every year. “I’m there on opening day, and the family comes down with me on Saturday,” he said.

“We love Festa. The people, the food, the entertainment and the fireworks are just outstanding,” he added. “I’m proud of our partnership. And now I am just as proud to learn that I’ve been adopted as an honorary Italian.”

“Because of Jerry we were able to get them,” said Betty Puccio, Festa Sponsorship Manager.

“Without his sponsorship we couldn’t have done it. They’ll absolutely bring a large crowd; they’re a very well-known group.”

Jerry Cohen has been a longtime supporter of Festa Italiana.

“We enjoy Festa; we enjoy the people and the fun, we love doing that,” he said. “We meet so many different people. It’s a great pleasure to be down there. These festivals are such an important part of our Milwaukee culture and we love to support that. We’re very lucky to be able to be involved in this important part of our city’s traditions.”

“A lot of us at Festa have always embraced Jerry Cohen as one of our own even though he’s not of Italian

Pompeii Men’s Club selling sportswear for 35 years at Festa from page 22A presents. “We hear all the time that someone ‘needs to buy’ a shirt for their grandfather in another state, a red, white and green apron for their next barbecue, or Italia baby clothes for the new babies in the family. These customers make our service lots of fun.”

The Pompeii Men’s Club booths will market affordable t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, visors, aprons, tote bags, and infant, toddler and children’s clothes with Festa, Italia, Roma, Sicilia, and other

Harder Funeral Home JAMES T. GUARDALABENE ASSOCIATE 18700 W. Capitol Drive “Three generations of my family serving yours.” www.Guardalabene.com Phone: (262) 781-8350 Cell: (414) 588-0836 “As dictated by the laws of the State of Wisconsin, all pre-paid funeral trusts are allowed to be transferred to another funeral home at any time. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss transferring your trust to me from Schmidt & Bartelt or any other funeral home. I would, of course, honor all the terms and wishes as originally agreed upon. It is a very simple process that only requires your signature on a transfer form which I would provide. In addition, there likely could be a savings to you because of Harder’s more reasonable charges.”

PAGE 46, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

heritage,” said Puccio. “We have adopted him and brought him into our circle as one of our close friends.”

And Cohen has proved to be a faithful friend to the Italian community.

“He believes in promoting our heritage,” said Puccio. “He’ll always be a good friend of Festa.”

Pat Murphy, vice-president of Major Goolsby’s, said the feeling is mutual.

“We really like and enjoy working with everyone at Festa. We feel like part of the Festa family.”

For the staff of Major Goolsby’s, operating as a family is imperative, said Murphy.

“When you’re part of the Goolsby family you work as a team. We like what we do.”

• NO LONGER ASSOCIATED WITH SCHMIDT & BARTELT/ GUARDALABENE & AMATO. • Personally providing the services you have come to expect at your church, chapel or at the Harder Funeral Home.

• Funeral planning & pre-planning at your residence or at the funeral home.

• Pre-planning and Title 19 expertise with a cost guarantee.

• Longtime member of the Italian Community Center.

• Proud sponsor of the Festa Italiana Mass since 2002.

regional or culturally appropriate logos and humorous sayings.

Shirts and most other apparel items come in both men’s and women’s sizes and many carry the traditional colors – green, white and red – of the Italian flag. This year the club is also featuring the very popular Italia blue soccer jerseys.

“We hope everyone who comes to Festa will visit our booths at the Mid Gate and the Piazza di Pompeii,” said Lazzaro. “The proceeds support wonderful causes and you’ll fit right in to the spirit of Festa when you’re wearing one of our shirts or hats.”

Festa del Redentore 2012 in Venice Residents and visitors to the city of Venice in the northern Veneto region of Italy will enjoy the annual Festa del Redentore this year on July 14 and 15.

Like most summertime festivals in Italy, this celebration is a tribute to the unique culture and history of religious devotion in the region.

In accordance with tradition, at dusk on July 14, boats filled with thousands of sightseers and festival-goers enjoying traditional Venetian cuisine will begin to populate the famous St. Mark’s Basin in Venice. At 11:30 p.m., a magnificent fireworks display will begin and the skyline of Venice will be illuminated until well past midnight. After the fireworks display, it is tradition for the youth of the city to await dawn on the Lido di Venezia (home of the annual Venice Film Festival).

The next day religious ceremonies take place at the Chiesa del Santissimo Redentore (more commonly called Il Redentore), a beautiful example of early Palladian architecture along the Canale della Giudecca. The church was built in thanksgiving for the end of Venice’s 16thcentury bout of the Plague, an event which the Festa del Redentore is also meant to celebrate. The celebratory weekend ends in a uniquely Venetian way – with a sequence of gondola races.

THE ITALIAN TIMES

Play bocce during your visit to Festa One of the pleasant diversions at Festa Italiana is a game or two of bocce, the Italian version of bowling on the green.

The game continues to grow in popularity because people of all ages and physical abilities can play; bocce sets – 8 balls and a pallino (target ball) – are widely available; and the game can be played virtually anywhere there’s open space.

At Festa, grass bocce courts of regulation size are set up. This year, the bocce courts are returning to the area behind the Flags of Festa, just south of the Cucina Showcase.

Catholic Financial Life is serving as the presenting sponsor of bocce at Festa this year.

Supporting sponsors are Palermo’s Pizza, U.S. Foods, General Casualty Insurance and New York Pizza Delivery (NYPD).

The price to play bocce remains the same as it has been for the last several years: $2 per person per 12point game.

Open bocce courts for Festa attendees’ enjoyment will be available from 5 to 9 p.m. on the festival’s opening day, Thursday, July 19; from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July 20; from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, July 21; and from

approximately 6 to 9 p.m. on Sunday, July 22.

The courts will be used for a Special Olympics bocce tournament on July 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Sunday, Festa’s 35th annual bocce tournament will be held starting at 2 p.m. Assuming the entire tournament field is filled with 32 teams, the event could go on until 6 p.m. or a little later.

Bocce manager Dan Conley said he is looking for volunteers all four days during the open bocce periods.

Volunteers would collect player fees, serve as referees and provide general supervision of game activities.

Persons who would be interested in volunteering can contact Conley at 414-272-8249. Volunteers receive free admission and free parking.

Here are the members of the Miller High Life team, which won the 2011 Festa Italiana Bocce Tournament. From l to r: Eric Dale, Anthony Catalano, Mike Lang, Don Devine. In front of the scoreboard is Sal Catalano. Miller High Life is expected to defend its title in this year’s tournament on Sunday, July 22. Look for a tournament registration form on the back page of this section. (Times photo by Colleen Jurkiewicz)

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JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 47, SECTION A

The Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum presents

Villa Italiana Notte di Famiglia Sunday, Aug. 26 5:30 - 8:30 pm Festa’s Location: Summerfest Grounds Bocce Court Location: Straight back from the Mid-Gate (Chicago St. entrance) between the fountain & Flags of Festa area and the lakefront. Next to the Children’s Area.

Wanted...

• 32 Bocce teams consisting of 4 players each.

• Entry fee of $50.00 per team.

• The first 32 pre-paid teams will make up our tournament roster.

• This is a single elimination tournament with a consolation round (guaranteeing all teams will play at least two games).

• Trophies & Prize Money will be awarded to the 1st & 2nd place teams from the winners’ bracket. 3rd place will go to the winner of the consolation bracket and includes a cash prize.

• 1st place - $500, 2nd place - $200, 3rd place - $100.

• Other prizes and drawings throughout the event.

Please complete the form below and send a check or money order to: Dan Conley, Tournament Coordinator, at 1676 N. Cass St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 Make checks payable to Italian Community Center.

ONLY ONE CHECK PER TEAM PLEASE. COMPLIMENTARY SUNDAY FESTA ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BE MAILED TO THE TEAM CAPTAINS UPON RECEIPT OF THE TEAM “PRE-PAID” REGISTRATION FORM. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS $52 THIRTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL. For questions or more information, call 414-272-8249 or 414-759-5991.

Come join us & help celebrate our 35th anniversary. Thank you!

Alfresco Dining Joey Buona’s Italian Cuisine Word Games • Art Ac vity

Proceeds benefit Museum Preserva on & Programming Reserva ons required by Aug. 20 @ RSVP@cavtmuseums.org or call Ann @ 414/278-8295 $25/museum members, $35/non-members, $10/children Villa Terrace Decora ve Arts Museum, 2220 N. Terrace Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202

REGISTRATION FORM Team Name: _____________________________________________ Team Sponsor: ___________________________________________ Team Captain: ___________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ Phone # _______________ Email address: ____________________ Player #2 _______________________________________________ Player #3 _______________________________________________ Player #4 _______________________________________________

www.cavtmuseums.org PAGE 48, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

THE ITALIAN TIMES