ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com VOL. 36, NO. 11 MAY 2015
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Italian flag throwers coming to Festa
By Times Editor Tom Hemman A group of Italian flag throwers will perform at Festa Italiana 2015. Coming to Milwaukee for the July 17-19 festival will be Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini, a troupe from districts and villages in and around Florence (Tuscany). Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini is one of the most acclaimed units in Italy. The all-male troupe preserves the chivalry and spirit of the flag throwing units that originated in the 11th century. Adding in the elements of charm and athleticism to military attention, its Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini has captured wide acclaim throughout Europe and in previous visits to the United States.
The troupe’s movements are described as “precise” and demonstrate “pride and respect,” symbolic of the uniforms that they wear and the flag that it carries. Their name refers to the bond with the city of Florence and the surrounding area. Their costumes recall the two factions of the city that made up the army: the blue represents the noble families while the red is associated with the peasant population. The typical formation of the group during a show includes flag throwers, the captain accompanying the labarum, and the musicians who include drummers and trumpeters. All movements of the grid and of the various exercises are guided by the rhythm of the drum, while the trumpets highlight variPlease turn to page 11
Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini, a flag throwing troupe from districts and villages in and around Florentine, Italy, will perform at Festa Italiana, July 17-19. on the Summerfest grounds.
Festa Italiana is pleased to announce its headline entertainers for the 2015 festival to be staged Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19 at Maier Festival Park. The acts cover a wide range of entertainment expected to please fans of
Frank Sinatra, Louis Prima, ‘50s‘60s rock-and-roll, the disco-era Bee Gees, Italian superstar Eros Ramazzotti, Italian swing and traditional, and the international rock band U2. The acts include:
• Direct from Italy, Dove c’è Musica – The World’s #1 Eros Ramazzotti Tribute Band. • Stayin’ Alive – The World’s #1 Tribute to the Bee Gees • Louis Prima, Jr. & The Witnesses
Festa’s headliners cover the full gamut of popular music with crowd pleasing appeal St. Joseph’s Day celebrated at ICC well attended luncheon
• The Bronx Wanderers • Henry Prego – Saluting Sinatra. • Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms. • U2Zoo. “These are some of the world’s most highly acclaimed tribute acts,” said Tim Kezman, Festa Entertainment Director. “Every one of our headliners presents highenergy shows that result in the kind of experience that today’s concert-goers crave.” This year, Festa is offering its guests opportunities to see different headliners each night. “Having different headliners in the primetime spots each night gives everyone opportunities to experience more of the outstanding entertainment we have this year,.” Kezman said. Please turn to page 10
Did you get your ‘Taste of Italy’ at ICC?
The Italian Community Center hosted its annual St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon on Mar. 19. The event, which is celebration of the stepfather of Jesus Christ, was well attended. Here, Fr. Mike Hammer is seen blessing the St. Joseph’s Day Altar with Holy Water. Fr. Mike is the director of
the Milwaukee Archdiocese AIDS Ministry and a longtime friend of the ICC. More photos and a thank you letter from the St. Joseph’s Day Luncheon Chairperson Mary Winard can be found inside this issue. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
By the time you look at this edition of The Italian Times, the Italian Community Center’s 20th annual “A Taste of Italy” fund-raiser will have come and gone. Hopefully, you and your family were there and indulged in this Italian food-tasting extravaganza on Apr. 19. The timing of the event presented a conflict with our scheduled printing time for this issue, requiring the editor to email it to the printer on Apr. 17. Therefore, it was impossible to provide a report or any photos from “A Taste of Italy.” However, we can assure you that there will be a complete report with many photos in our next issue, available on May 21.