ITALIAN TIMES THE
Published 11 times annually by the Italian Community Center 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202 www.ICCMilwaukee.com
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JULY/AUGUST 2018 • VOL. 40, NO. 2 SECTION A
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Celebrating 41 years of family, food, great entertainment, fireworks and tradition, Festa Italiana is ready to roll July 20-22 on Summerfest grounds Times photos by Paul Inzeo and John Ferraro
Welcome to the 41st Festa Italiana!
It is with great pleasure that we publish the July/August 2018 Festa Italiana edition of The Italian Times. We have attempted to provide our readers with information on nearly all aspects of the 41st 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 of 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 to attend Festa Italiana. The festival opens Friday, July 20 and runs through Sunday, July 22 at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (the Summerfest grounds) along Milwau-
kee’s beautiful lakefront. The staff of The Italian Times is looking forward to covering the festival. Our reports on Festa Italiana will appear in the September 2018 issue. That issue will be published in late August. I wish to thank Barbara Collignon, Paul Salsini, Pam Pietravalle, Susan DeSanctis Christiansen, Christina Ziino, Gina Jorgensen, Valorie Schleicher and George Koleas, who volunteered to write Festa stories for this issue. My thanks also to those who volunteer to contribute articles to every issue. These individuals include Blaise DiPronio, Donato DiPronio, Laura Duronio and Barbara Collignon. My sincerest thanks to Anna Pitzo and Danita Wendorf for doing the proofreading. I want to acknowledge sales representative Faye Ann Kessler, who did a great Please turn to page 44A
Cosa c’è dentro? What’s inside?
Have that Festa feeling yet? asks ICC President/ Festa Chair Dean Cannestra page 3A
Festa’s Grand Parade marches on page 4A Festa admission deals
page 6A
Italian flag-throwers ready to thrill pages 8A-9A
Everything you wanted to know about Festa’s entertainers pages 10A-28A Italian Idol rocks on
“WOW” describes Festa’s fireworks Special acts on Children’s Stage
page 29A page 30A page 32A
Free carnival rides return once again page 33A Cruise the lagoon on a gondola
page 34A
Fast-paced futsal tournament
page 35A
Learn to play bocce
page 37A
Eat to your heart’s delight at Festa page 36A
41st Bocce Tournament set for July 22 page 37A
Fr. John Baumgardner to lead Festa Mass page 38A Donate to Hunger Task Force at Festa page 39A Meet the MPD K9
What’s cooking at La Cucina?
page 39A
page 40A
Next Cannoli-Eating champ could be you page 40A Kids Pizza-Making Contest July 22 page 41A
Looking ahead: Italian Heritage Exhibit page 42A Discover Le Marche page 43A
PAGE 2 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
THE ITALIAN TIMES
ICC President/Festa General Chair Dean Cannestra asks if you have that special Festa feeling yet?
Are you feeling it yet? It’s that undeniable feeling of excitement and pride that all of us of Italian heritage get at this time of the year. It’s the feeling that everyone who loves Italian culture, music and food gets when something so special as our Festa Italiana comes up on the calendar. The 41st annual Festa is about to be celebrated on Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront. Are you ready to join in the celebration? The dates are Friday, July 20 through Sunday, July 22 on the Summerfest Grounds. As the President of the Italian Community Center and the General Chairman of Festa 2018, I invite everyone – whether your Italian roots run deep or you just love things Italian – to come and celebrate with us! The late pop singer, Prince, who, by the way, had some Italian on his father’s side, once sang, “We’re going to party like it’s 1999.” While we can’t go back in time, it’s not a bad idea sometimes, when you planning a festival like ours, to look back to determine what you were doing in the years when you had the most success and the most fun and memorable moments. We did that this year and decided our most rewarding times were when you could hear Italian music and enjoy everything Italian from one end of the grounds to the other. We decided to bring back a big chunk of that retro feel to Festa this year, from the music on the stages to activities on the grounds Remember when Festa had performers who sang the best of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Louis Prima, Julius La Rosa, Tony Bennett and took us back to the glory days of The Rat Pack? This year, Festa has several acts that will do just that. Among them are actor/singer Louis Vanaria, Ray Massa’s Eurorhythms, Rick D’Amore and a trio called The Rat Pack Reprise. While we can’t bring back the
legendary late Dick Contino, who played at 34 of our Festas, we do have his highly regarded protégé in the extraordinary accordionist Cory Pesaturo. Remember when Festa had vocalists who could move from singing opera, Broadway favorites, pop standards to Italian numbers? We have some of them, too, in the Tony Award-winning and Milwaukee native Anthony Crivello, Aaron Caruso, The Sicilian Tenors and Èvero featuring R. Mitchell Stuart. We also have two fantastic singers who were born in Italy and who know what Festa crowds like. I’m talking about Moreno Fruzzetti and Enzo Scarano. Who doesn’t like an Italian girl group? Festa has a trio that will have everyone singing along and falling in love with their sense of
humor. This group is Tre Bella, which translates in English to Three Beauties. Speaking of humor, a lot us Italians (including me) and non-Italians, too, like funny people. This year, thanks to Joe Sanfelippo, operator of Bonkerz Comedy Clubs franchise, Festa has two comedians – Carmen Vallone and Vince Carrone – who will be relating their humorous stories about growing up Italian. For fans of classic rock and Italian rock, Festa is bringing in the northern Italian rock band, FLEMT, which has seen its career soar since opening for Bon Jovi in Udine, Italy, a few years ago. Remember when Festa had that one band that was guaranteed to bring people to their feet, have Please turn to page 41A
THE ITALIAN TIMES
631 E. Chicago St. Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916 (414) 223-2180 Published 11 times annually
Publisher . . . Italian Community Center ICC President . . . . . . . Dean Cannestra Newspaper Committee Chairman . . . . . . . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors, Reporters and Columnists . . . . . .Blaise Di Pronio, Paul Salsini,Barbara Collignon, Pam Pietravalle, Gina Jorgensen, Susie Christiansen, Christina Ziino, Ted Catalano, Laura Duronio Val Schleicher and Donato Di Pronio For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@iccmilwaukee.com. Copyright 2018 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. The Italian Community Center is a member of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, Visit Milwaukee and the Historic Third Ward Association.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 3 SECTION A
Don’t miss this beloved Festa Italiana tradition!
The Grand Parade of Festa Italiana 2018 marches on
by Gina Jorgensen Beginning on the north end of the grounds, Festa Italiana’s enchanting parade will wind its way through the festival Saturday and Sunday evening at 5 p.m. Led by Pinocchio, Geppetto, the Blue Fairy and Topo Gigio, the beloved parade celebrates the music, culture and spirit of Italy – plus many surprises along the way! Look for the bigger-than-
life gondolier puppet and a giant Papa Luigi puppet walking the parade path. The Milwaukee Police Department K-9 dogs will join us this year as well. You will see our Court, Tradizione Carnevale Vivente, I Bei Bambini, the flagthrowing Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani, North Division Drumline, Wedgewood IB Middle School Band, The Festa Hoopers, floats, vintage cars carrying our ICC Pres-
ident Dean Cannestra and Vice President Joe Emanuele and much more. We will be tossing out treats and trinkets to the children in the crowd.
Calling all children Not only do we invite all children to march in the Grand Parade wearing either an Italian costume or a clown costume, but we also will continue a fun opportunity for children to participate by wearing a mask. You provide the children, we’ll provide masks for them to wear when they march with us. Donations welcomed and appreciated If you are interested in donating to the parade to help cover the costs
of rental equipment, entertainment costs, candy or trinkets for the children, please contact Gina Jorgensen or see the Festa Parade Wish List on Amazon: http://a.co/30jFHuy. Donations of any amount are needed and appreciated. Some donations have been made in time for this article. Thank you to Jackie Capurro from the Italian Folk Art Federation of America and Italian Community Center members Dave Doern and John and Arlene Jorgensen. If you are interested in participating in this year’s parade in any capacity, please contact Gina Jorgensen at 414-380-0808 or gina.jorgensen@yahoo.com. Grazie mille!
“Papa Luigi meet Papa Luigi.” Sal Purpora, owner of Papa Luigi’s Pizza restaurant, met the “Papa Luigi, pizza chef puppet who is among the giant puppets that marches in the Grand Parade of Festa Italiana. (Photo provided by Gina Jorgensen)
Saluti Festa Italiana! from
Catalano’s
Fruit & Lemonade
The Grand Parade of Festa Italiana will have puppets so tall that they will make pro basketball players look short. Among the puppets is this huge gondolier who requires a minimum of three people to operate. (Photo provided by Gina Jorgensen)
Look for our Fruit Bowls & Fresh Squeezed Lemonade at Festa, July 20-22, 2018! Serving Southeastern Wisconsin since 1884. (414) 476-8962
PAGE 4 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
THE ITALIAN TIMES
VENETIAN BELL TOWER: SPONSORED BY C.W. PURPERO, INC. IN LOVING MEMORY OF SAM PURPERO 1935 – 2017
Salvatore (Sam) Purpero, who did much to shape the Italian Community Center through decades of Volunteer leadership, will always be remembered by those of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
Sam became known for his accessible personality and his genial unflappability. He served the ICC as President, Vice President, and member of the Board of Directors and as its longest serving Treasurer. He directed the construction of the new ICC Building in 1989-1990, along with his brother, Phil. His patience, wise counsel, and understated humor will never be forgotten.
He grew up in the Third Ward of Milwaukee. In his early 20s he embarked on a very successful career at C.W. Purpero, Inc., following in the footsteps of his father and older brother, Phil. He became the Company CEO. In describing the Company, Sam would simply say, “We move dirt.”
A loving husband, father, brother and friend, all who knew him were graced with a life of laughter and a very generous heart. He quietly contributed to many causes. From its beginnings, Sam demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the Italian Community Center, with his time, skills, leadership and financial assistance. He shunned notoriety or praise. He was a kind soul who loved to engage with family and friends and always found something to make them laugh.
Sam was predeceased by his wife, Lucille, the love of his life, in 2014. He was the center of a large family and he is survived by six children and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and other relatives and friends. When asked what his greatest achievement in life was, he would say, “My kids’ —-Cathy, Susie, Margie, Philip, Mary and Chris.”
The grace with which he navigated his life and his quiet generosity are deeply missed by his friends at the ICC and his dear family.
We may never see his like again!
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 5 SECTION A
Festa admission deals
Persons attending the 41st Festa Italiana will have several opportunities to attend the festival for free. Please read the details in this article carefully. Festa will take place from Friday, July 20 through Sunday, July 22 at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (the Summerfest grounds). Festival hours are: 3 p.m. to midnight, July 20 and 11:30 a.m. to midnight, July 21 and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.. July 22.
Pre-Festa deal By ordering advance tickets, you can save $3 per ticket. These tickets can be purchased online at http://festaitaliana.com. Please note: Advance tickets are available only online and not by mail or at the Italian Community Center. During the three days of the festival, gate admission will be $13. Everyday children’s deal: Children, 12 and younger, are
ICC members: Get your free Festa tickets
As a benefit of membership in the Italian Community Center, each member is entitled to four free Festa Italiana tickets, which are good for admission to the festival any one of the three days. Those with a family membership are entitled to eight free tickets. There are two ways for members to obtain these member-only 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 9 a.m. and 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 Monday, July 9 to allow sufficient time for processing and delivery to your residence. Anyone with questions can call 414-223-2180.
admitted for free all three days when accompanied by an adult.
Opening day special There will be free admission for everyone on opening day – Friday, July 20 from 3 to 5 p.m.
Saturday deals Please read carefully these opportunities for Saturday, July 21. Festa Italiana is once again having its VIP Day program from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During this time frame, Festa offers free admission for persons with disabilities with one care-giver. However, the free admission voucher must be obtained on or before Friday, July 13 at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., a block west of the Summerfest grounds. Those individuals who have not secured these free admission voucher (valid during the 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. time frame) will need to purchase a regular admission ticket ($13) unless they take advantage of one of the other Saturday promotions during the time frames listed below. The first free admission opportunity on Saturday, July 21 runs from noon to 2 p.m. After watching the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds dazzling performing along Milwaukee’s lake-
front, come to Festa for free from 4 to 5 p.m. Make it a completely enjoyable day with the fabulous Thunderbirds, then Italian food, music and fireworks!
Sunday deals Festa Italiana invites everyone to attend its Mass and procession on Sunday, July 22 in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. There will be free admission from the South Gate or Gate 11 from 10:15 a.m. to the start of the Mass at 11 a.m. Admission into the amphitheater and the amphitheater forecourt is free whether persons attend the celebration of the Catholic Mass or not. Those individuals who wait outside the amphitheater will be admitted to the Festa grounds for free at 1 p.m. Sunday is Festa’s day of service recognition. Anyone who is a firefighter, law enforcement member or in the military will be able to enter Festa for free with one guest all day. To receive free entry, present a valid employee identification as the cashier window at the Mid Gate. In the case of active and former military members, to receive free admission, present a valid military identification or a DD-214 card along with a valid ID at the Mid Gate cashier’s window. Festa Italiana thanks you for your service. Like Saturday, Festa will offer free admission for Air Show fans from 4 to 5 p.m. on Sunday. After watching the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, come to Festa and enjoy the rest of the day Italian style.
Festa is having 50/50 raffle but better!
PAGE 6 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
While the usual 50/50 raffle results in one ticket buyer splitting the pot with the raffle’s organizing body, Festa Italiana organizers are making your chances of winning even better. This will result in not only one winner taking 50% of the cash from ticket sales, but two others winning smaller cash prizes! Here’s the deal – from the thousands of people who buy Festa’s 50/50 raffle tickets – available for $5 each or 3 for $10 – the first prize winner will receive exactly 50% of all of the dollars collected. The “even better” part comes next: Festa officials will draw another ticket for second prize. The buyer of this ticket will win $500! Then, one more ticket will be drawn, resulting in a third-prize winner getting a $100 cash prize! The drawing will be held live at Festa at 10 p.m. on Sunday night, July 22 on the Miller Lite Stage. Winners need not be present. The first-prize winning sum is likely to be quite hefty. Last year’s winner, Jacqueline Houlihan of Chicago, IL, won $3,130. With the two additional cash prizes, Festa Raffle Manager Liz Ceraso said she expects the first-prize winner’s share to be even larger this year. People who want to buy raffle tickets before Festa starts can come to the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee. The tickets will be sold at the reception desk during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Festa Raffle Committee will also have the tickets available on Please turn to page 47A
THE ITALIAN TIMES
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 7 SECTION A
Witness the spectacle of Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani coming to Festa for the first time
by Pam Pietravalle The drums, the horns, the colors and the pageantry will draw crowds to the Coliseum Stage at 8:30 pm Friday through Sunday, July 20-22 at Festa Italiana. No doubt, those who witness the precision, athleticism and theatrical embodiment of the show will be captivated by what they see and hear. They will be transported back in time to a celebrated Medieval tradition. The speed and complexity of 14 men of the Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani throwing flags up in the air, around their bodies and to each other in synchronized perfection is a sight not to be missed. Italian flag throwers have always been a crowd favorite at Festa Italiana and this year will be no different. This year, the troupe is from Sermoneta, Italy, a town north of
Rome in the Lazio region. The flag throwers’ show is stylized folklore depicting the return of Onorato IV Caetani, the Duke of Sermoneta and Captain of the Pontifician troops on September 30, 1571 from the fight of Lepanto who liberated the Christian world from the risk of Turkish Muslims. Revering the Caetani family, the art of the flags represents the scenes of the battle and the transition from the war to peace with the deposition of weapons and the elevation of winner flags. The movements are choreographed into formations with one or two flags representing the military schemes of the phalanx, the circle or the wedge. There may be solo performances or performances with two, four and six flaghurlers. This particular group includes students of the Cori Flag
launching school which emphasizes launching the flags very high in the air in the tradition of the wooden staff. The flags that you will see in the show represent the coat of arms and the colors of the noble Caetani family who once ruled the southern part of Lazio, a region of Italy with Rome as its capital. The Caetani family garnered political power and financial success when Benedetto Caetani (c. 1235-1303) became Pope Boniface VIII (c 1294-1303). Augmenting the family power by Boniface at the expense of other noble families, the Caetanis predominated the political scene by the end of the 15th century. The family was prominent in politics and scholarship into the 19th and 20th centuries. The colors epitomize the strongest colors of her-
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aldry tradition: gold, vermilion and blue. The Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani represent the ancient tradition of hurling flags to remind us of the fights where the Caetani Dukes were captains. In Medieval times, flags characterized the warring factions. The flag bearers were not only responsible for carrying the ensign but were expected to be soldiers who were skilled in weaponry and their craft in order to ensure the flags did not touch the ground nor fall into the enemies’ hands. During battle it was paramount that the flag bearer protect the flag with his life. If he was in mortal danger, the flag thrower’s responsibility was to hurl the flag to one of his countrymen to safety. This is how flag throwing came into being. The flags were used in peacetime, too, as victory symbols and continue to be used throughout Italy during celebrations. Citing Assyrian, Babylonian and Roman military traditions as possible origins of the art of flag throwing, a cultural association of flag bearers, the Federazione Italiana Sbandieratori ,was formed 50 years ago to promote this important craft. Flag throwing is an essential part of all celebrations in Italy even today. Over the years, it has become more elaborate with acrobatics and theatrics putting even more pressure on the performers to excel. They have developed ever more spectacular throws and jumps. To further appreciate the skill required to master this martial art, one must realize that the staff they use is 12.5 feet long and counter balanced at one end with a lead weight in the handle which weighs about 3 lbs. Therefore, it requires strength and dexterity to manipulate this heavy rod both in the procession and throwing it. The pennant of silk that flaps and furls as it is carried, measures 5 feet by 4.5 feet. Imagine when the wind catches it how much skill is required to keep it in control. The sbandieratori, with one hand resting on their hip while hurling this weighted, huge flag make it look so effortless. Acrobats leap, tumble and turn their practiced routines, dressed in medieval outfits reminiscent of drawings created by Leonardo da Vinci and Piero della Francesca. Silk colors flying in the air, the flags flying higher and lower while the drums beat and the horns blow make a majestic scene. The audience feels like it is in a practiced military dance. Today, many young people are proud to carry on this exceptional tradition by joining the Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani. They want to perpetuate the traditions and values of this historic folklore that is an integral part of their history. Promoting this very unique and important tradition of Italy, they take part in international folklore festivals. There are 25 members in the group consisting of bearers, trumpeters, drummers and flag throwers, with 14 of them coming to Festa Italiana, July 20-22. It takes real skill and determination to become proficient at this medieval tradition. Festa officials ask that attendees give them a warm welcome and appreciate their talents on the court at the Colosseum Stage and at any impromptu performance that might give.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Photos provided by Sbandierator Ducato Caetani, Sermonetta, Italy
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 9 SECTION A
Enjoy a diverse Italian entertainment lineup all three days
When you attend an ethnic festival, like Festa Italiana, you should expect to see entertainment that appropriately reflects the ethnic group presenting the event. Festa will not ldisappoint if you come for Italian entertainment. Virtually every act booked this year features musicians, vocalists and/or performers of Italian heritage. Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani, a flag-throwing group from Sermonetta, Italy, will be making its debut at Festa. Moreno Fruzzetti, who is
returning to Festa after several years absence, hails from Pisa, Italy. Enzo Scarano was born in Salerno, Italy. An Italian rock band named FLEMT will play each night. George Busateri’s Spider George & The Web is returning to Festa after a 12-year absence. Several of the acts perform the music made famous by famous Italian Americans crooners. These include a newcomer who’s the actor and singer Louis Vanaria, a trio known as the Rat Pack Reprise,
Rick D’Amore, Ray Massa’s Eurorhythms and others Festa has a Dick Contino protègè in Cory Pesaturo. Festa has something of the best Broadway, pop standard, operatic and Italian vocalists. These include Tony Award-winning Anthony Crivello, Aaron Caruso, The Sicilian Tenors, Enzo Scarano and Èvero featuring R. Stuart Mitchell. The festival also has a fabulous Italian girl group, Tre Bella. Comedy is back in the Festa lineup courtesy of Joe Sanfelippo of
Bonkerz Comedy Club franchise. These comedians, Carmen Vallone and Vince Carone, will keep the comedy fit for family enjoyment. Of course, one acts that is a crowd favorite every year, the Festa fireworks, will return every night at 10:15 p.m. The Children’s Stage also has plenty of solid entertainment for children of all ages. Italian Idol, an amateur singing contest, is back in the lineup at 8:30 p.m. each night with the finals on Sunday.
FESTA ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
PAGE 10 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Anthony Crivello remembers happy times growing up in local Italian family
By Paul Salsini Award-winning actor and singer Anthony Crivello can look back on dozens of powerful roles on stage, in films, on television and in concert halls. He has many memories. But ask him about growing up in an Italian American family in Milwaukee, and he becomes very wistful. The grandson of immigrants from Sicily, Crivello lived with his parents, Josephine (née Mussomeli) and Vincent Crivello, and his grandparents in a modest house on Holton Street. It was a mixed neighborhood then, Italians, Germans and Polish, overlooking what years later would become the gentrified Commerce Street area. What does he remember? Family gatherings on Sundays. “My grandmother would be cooking and my mother would be helping her and we’d start eating at 11 o’clock and we wouldn’t finish until 7 o’clock, just in time for the Ed Sullivan Show,” he said in a phone call from his home in Los Angeles. “Lasagna, different kinds of pasta, fried eggplant. So much. I miss those meals. When I was doing a show on Broadway or Chicago or someplace, and I had to work on Sundays, my friends couldn’t believe that I would rather be with my family.” The garden in back. “Tomatoes, asparagus, beans, onions, raspberry bushes, other berries. Everything.” The drinks they had before dinner. “My grandfather made wine in the basement.” Going to Mass at Our Lady of Pompeii Church. “It was an abomination that it was torn down. I’ll repeat. An abomination.” Coming home from school. “My mother would have bean soup ready.” But always the sense of family. “It was incredible. Such a feeling. I’ll never forget it.” When he won the Tony Award in 1993 for his role in Broadway’s “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” he thanked his parents and said, “I’m bringing this home to you.” His parents have died, but there will be plenty of family members present when Crivello performs at this year’s Festa Italiana. Crivello will appear each night at 7:30 p.m. on the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage. “There will be lots of cousins and friends from Chicago, Madison, Green Bay,” he said. “It will be just like a family. We have a very tight
support system. I’m very grateful.” Crivello said his performance will include songs made famous by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Louis Prima. “It will be fun and romantic.” Crivello has obviously come a long way from the years when he acted in productions at St. Rita Catholic School, at Thomas More High School, at Marquette University and at the Sunset Playhouse in Elm Grove. He began his professional career in Chicago, appearing in the fun musical “Do Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?” in 1978, and was then cast as Che in a national touring company of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Evita.” In 1981, he made his Broadway debut replacing Mandy Patinkin in the role. Roles in other New York productions quickly followed, including the original production of “Les Misérables” in which he first played Grantaire and then the leading role of Javert. Then came “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” the dark, fantasy-like musical by Kander and Ebb. Crivello played the challenging role of Valentin, the Marxist firebrand in a jail cell with a gay window dresser, Molina. The New York Times said Crivello gave a “blazing performance,” and when he sang “The Day After That,” a stirring anthem about freedom, “the clarity of his voice and the purity of his conviction are breathtaking.” Asked about the role, Crivello modestly said, “Molina had all the lines. I was just reacting to him.” He credited famed director Hal Prince for casting him in the role, just as he had for “Evita.” “Prince is brilliant. You have to be at the top of your game to be cast by him.” Crivello’s Tony award was for Best Featured Actor in a Musical. Other roles followed in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago: Michael John LaChiusa’s “Marie Christine,” the Richard RodgersStephen Sondheim musical “Do I Hear a Waltz?,” Steve Martin’s “The Underpants,” Paul Gordon’s “Jane Eyre.” And more. Then Hal Prince cast him as one of two actors rotating in the title role in the Las Vegas production of “The Phantom of the Opera.” Eventually, he was cast as the sole actor and appeared in more than 2,400 performances before the show closed in September 2012. “That’s seven-and-a-half years!” he said. “But it’s a great role.” Asked how he could keep fresh
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Anthony Crivello
for each performance, he said, “You have to leave the character on stage and not take it home. You prepare for one hour before each performance, and the makeup, which is very specific, helps. Also, other actors change and you react differently to each of them.” One of his most recent roles was as Louis Prima in the musical “Louis and Keely Live at the Sahara” in Chicago and Los Angeles. Playing “Las Vegas Lounge Legend” Louis Prima, Crivello received his third Joseph Jefferson Award nomination in Chicago. Somehow, Crivello has also found the time for roles in films and televisions. His films include “Crocodile Dundee II,” “Shakedown,” “Spellbinder,” and “Slaves of New York,” and he has been on the small screen in “Behind the Candelabra,”
“Feud” and as the mobster Johnny Dee Hesser in the daytime series “One Life to Live.” Milwaukee audiences most recently have seen Crivello in the Milwaukee Rep’s “McGuire,” a play about the legendary Marquette University basketball coach Al McGuire. The play broke all box office records in the spring of 2017 and then returned for encore performances in June. Crivello, who was a Marquette cheerleader when McGuire was coach, won the 2017 Wisconsin Footlights Award for Outstanding Performance by a Leading Actor in a Play. The Journal Sentinel critic said Crivello “channels something of the existential McGuire behind the courtside jester, who knew that much of what the world saw was an act – and who simultaneously wondered who he was and why he’d been so lucky.” Crivello returned to Milwaukee in May to direct the play “Hear What’s in the Heart” at Next Act Theater. Subtitled “An Italian Shoemaker’s Tale,” it is a warm portrait of the life of author Steve Scionti’s beloved grandfather. Crivello will return to direct an encore production at Next Act Oct. 22-26. But before that, he’ll be at Festa Italiana. He is performing nightly at 7:30 p.m. on the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage. This will be his third time there, having performed in 2009 and in one of the first Festas, when he was still a teenager. “I had a four-piece combo then,” he said. “This time I’ll have a sixpiece combo.” * * * Editor’s note: Paul Salsini is the author of the award-winning, sixvolume “A Tuscan Series.”
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JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 11 SECTION A
Spider George & The Web ready to bring the party to Festa crowds all three nights
by Pam Pietravalle A great treat – after a 12-year absence from Festa Italiana – George Busateri along with his group, Spider George & the Web, will be highlighting the entertainment at Festa 2018. As many of you know from enjoying George’s music in and around Milwaukee, you will be rollicking in the aisles and dancing up a storm when George and his band begin their nightly shows on the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage at 9 p.m. George, also Festa’s Entertainment Director, says he wanted to put the “Italian” back in the festival this year by booking all extremely talented Italian/Italian American acts. Doing just that, George, along with his wife and business partner of more than 35 years, Catherine (Catherine Balistrieri Busateri, a.k.a. “cootie”) added “We want to put the fun and family back into Festa. By booking all Italian/Italian-American professional entertainers, we hope to accomplish supplying Festa goers with a variety of performances with something for everyone, from 8 to 80 and beyond.” Combining their lifetimes of experience in the entertainment industry, George and cootie possess the expertise necessary to accommodate the many facets of music and stage production. “Most folks think of the entertainment industry as all fun and games, when it actually involves a myriad of duties and like all businesses it’s a lot of hard work,” says George. Because of their backgrounds, most of the people they will be required to work
with this Festa are long time personal friends who have a history of working together. “We’ve always had the best crew on the grounds and we all enjoy working together,” both are happy to proclaim. Cootie attributes her knowledge of the live entertainment industry from being exposed to and later working for her dad from age 14. Her Dad, the late Frank P. Balistrieri was an entertainment promoter (including boxing), owning and operating numerous nightclubs, a dinner theatre and larger venues when needed. George’s background includes the rare ability to put top-notch, professional musicians together as accompaniment to well know singers, often given only a few hours to ensure that the singer/group appears to have been performing together for years. This is one of the many reasons performers personally request his services for their local gigs. The latest being Johnny Mathis in May. As you’ve read in previous articles about George, he is an amazing musician, arranger and promoter of talent. He has used that talent to bring a mélange of music that will appeal to everyone. One of the many great things about George’s band is the versatility they offer the Festa goers. With his classical background and his group of 12 Milwaukee bred, professionally trained musicians, George’s band will be performing a wide variety of musical genres, from Motown, reggae, R&B to everything George feels his audience will love. It will be one of the more commanding sounds you are
Congratulations to Festa Italiana on 41 wonderful years!
George Busateri, leader of Spider George & The Web
bound to hear. The band consists of the following artists: George Busateri (keyboards/vocals), Deirdre Fellner, Tracy Hannemann and Bob Hirschi (vocalists), Tom Newburg (baritone sax), John Kirchberger (tenor sax), Tom Meredith (lead trumpet), Scott Baker (trumpet), John Zaffiro (guitar/vocals), Larry Tresp (bassist), Carl Storniolo (percussions) and Scott Wenzel (drums). Throughout the years, George and his band have performed as back-up to some of the biggest names in the industry such as,
Aretha Franklin, Frank Sinatra, Jr., Don Rickles, Joan Rivers, Frankie Valli, The Four Tops, Little Anthony and The Imperials, Smokey Robinson, The Funk Brothers, Frankie Avalon and in so many other venues such as Potawatomi Casino, Riverside Theater, Pabst Theater and others in and around Wisconsin. Come see the shows at 9 p.m. on the Harley Stage nightly. You will find yourself singing along and dancing with muti-generational families, see old friends, make new friends and party all night long.
Enjoy all the great entertainment, 2ireworks and family-fun activities that Festa has to offer. Congratulations to ICC President/Festa Co-General Chair Dean Cannestra and Festa Co General Chair Joe Vella and Festa managers and volunteers.
Major Goolsby’s, 340 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203 • (414) 271-3414 Visit us on Facebook: www.Facebook.com/pages/Major-Goolsbys
PAGE 12 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
THE ITALIAN TIMES
From ‘A Bronx Tale’ to Festa Italiana, Louis Vanaria to sing on Miller Lite Stage
By Paul Salsini He’s played the memorable character Crazy Mario in Robert De Niro’s “A Bronx Tale,” considered one of the greatest gangster films ever made. He was “Eddie Balducci,” Kirk Cameron’s best friend, in the long-running WB Network series “Kirk.” He’s been on numerous television shows, has two CDs, has opened for Connie Francis and Jay Leno and is now making a movie with Melissa McCarthy. And this summer he’s coming to Festa Italiana. Louis Vanaria will perform at 3:30 p.m. daily at the Miller Lite Oasis Stage, singing songs and “telling stories and jokes.” As it happens, Vanaria’s girlfriend, JoAnn Robertozzi, is part of the Tre Bella group that will be performing on the Miller Lite Oasis Stage at 6:30 p.m. daily. The group is described as “a three-part harmony girl group with a flair towards Italian and Italian American pop music.” Vanaria took time to answer questions from the Italian Times. Italian Times: Can you tell us about your roots in Italy? Louis Vanaria: My mother is from Naples but she calls herself an “American.” My dad is Sicilian and his family is from Nicosia. It’s a very small town and my dad is very good at keeping the traditions of his family, especially when it comes to food and wine. He makes homemade wine! IT: Can you tell us about growing up in an Italian American family? LV: I grew up in the Bronx; Pelham Bay to be exact. It was predominantly Italian and Irish. My parents owned an ice cream parlor called “Scoops Café,” and rumor has it that is where I attained my name, “Louie Scoops from the Bronx.” The Café was the center of the entire neighborhood. All the Italian Americans would congregate there, talk, laugh and eat! Of course, Sunday was the day to go to my mom’s for pasta and sauce. I still try and make it there every Sunday for “macaroni and gravy.” IT: As a young man did you always want to be an actor and singer? Did your parents encourage you? LV: Yes! I was always a performer. At age 9 I began impersonating Elvis. Then I began to listen to Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Perry Como, Louie Prima; all the Italian greats. After “A Bronx Tale,” I began a real singing career. I’d be remiss not to mention Mr. Mike Ester who was my mentor and the man who helped shape my singing career. I was 17 years old and was singing professionally. IT: Describe how you got the part in “A Bronx Tale.” Any memories of working with Robert De Niro? LV: I saw an “open call” in the newspaper for Italian looking people to be extras in the film. I went down to try and be a singer and was not interested in background work. On the way out, a casting agent saw me and read me for the speaking role of Crazy Mario. I got a call back and went in to read for De Niro (who was directing the film). I read for him five times before they said they made a decision. De Niro was the first director I
Louis Vanaria
ever worked with; this was all new to me. In retrospect he was the best; very patient with me and always talked to the actors one on one. He’d pull us over to the side and explain what he wanted if we didn’t understand. He knew we were “green” and he was a great teacher/director. IT: And then you worked with Olympia Dukakis and with Sinatra. What was that like? LV: The film was “Young at starring Olympia Heart,” Dukakis and was produced by Tina Sinatra, Frank’s daughter. Frank Sinatra had a cameo role in the film. I got to meet my IDOL! Tina knew how much I loved him and she was kind enough to make a formal introduction the minute Sinatra walked on the set. It was a dream come true. He couldn’t have been nicer to me. I cannot, to this day, remember what I said to him. I was so excited; it’s all still a blur. IT: You’ve been in so many television programs, including series. What are some of your favorite roles? LV: Well I don’t want to use a cliché, but it’s almost always the latest role. I enjoyed the “Kirk” show very much. I loved the role of Eddie Balducci. It was steady work. I met lifelong friends on that show and it’s memorable. IT: Do you feel that you are typically cast as an Italian American actor and how do you feel about that? LV: I do not feel “type cast.” While I am extremely proud of my Italian heritage, it is true, however, that most times I play Italians. I also have played policemen, lawyers and working-class characters. I’m grateful for all the work I receive. IT: You’ve also had a career as a singer, performing in some highclass venues. Any particular memories? LV: My first love is music. If I had a choice, I’d just write music and sing. Luckily, my acting work gave me opportunities to perform in venues that I’d never have had a chance to work in. My favorite memory is performing at Foxwoods Resorts in Connecticut. One year prior to my performance, Sinatra opened the room I was about to sing in; it was so exciting to me to be in that same
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Please turn to page 15A
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 13 SECTION A
Rat Pack Reprise will take Festa crowds to the days of Sinatra, Davis and Martin
By Barbara Collignon Fans of the Rat Pack (Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr.) will be thrilled to learn that The Rat Pack Reprise impersonators – Joe Scalissi (as Dean Martin), David Hayes (as Sammy Davis, Jr.) and Jack D’Amico (as Frank Sinatra) will perform at the 41st Festa Italiana. The Rat Pack Reprise will perform all three days, July 20-22, on the Harley Davidson Stage at 4:30 p.m. They are one of the most sought after Tribute shows around. It was in 1996 in Wisconsin at an impersonator contest that Scalissi took top prize. He caught the attention of Neil Daniels, president of the Dean Martin Fan Center, and was asked to perform at the annual Dean Martin celebration in Ohio in 1998. Scalissi continued to headline the festival for several years. Since then, he has performed in Canada, Puerto Rico, of course, the USA and even in the
The Rat Pack Reprise – Joe Scalissi, David Haynes and Jack D’Amico
United Arab Emirates. He has per-
formed in Las Vegas, at the Dis-
neyland Theatre in Anaheim, California and at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno. He travels extensively throughout the U.S., performing regularly at various venues. His tribute to “The King of Cool” has gotten rave reviews wherever he has performed. Sammy Davis himself complimented David Hayes after seeing him perform in Atlantic City, stating, “That was the best singing impersonation of me that I’ve ever heard.” Hayes, an accomplished comedian, earned the title of “Best Performer in a Production Show” in Fun & Gaming Magazine. A multitalented performer, he appears regularly in various Rat Pack tribute shows. He physically resembles Sammy Davis and can sing and dance up a storm just like him. He has performed in major theatres across the U.S. and on some of the biggest cruise lines in the world. He recreates Sammy’s renditions of “Once In A Lifetime,” “Old Black Magic,” “What Kind Of Fool Am I,” “Candy Man,” “Birth Of The Blues” and many more of Sammy’s favorites. Hayes has received several glowing media reviews for his performances. The Atlantic City Weekly wrote, “David not only captures Davis’ look but he’s got virtually every stage mannerism of the late performer and measures up to Davis’ distinctive vocal style.” “David sounds closest to Sammy and puts across the sharp dance gestures of Davis impeccably,“ reported the New Haven Register. Jack D’Amico impersonates “Ol’ Blue Eyes” Frank Sinatra and is known for his portrayal of Sinatra in the play “The Pack Is Back.” performed at Piper’s Alley (which set the attendance record for a first run play in Chicago). He also performs in the stage show “The Chicago Rat Pack”, which continues to tour the U.S. and internationally. The News – Aruba gave him this impressive accolade: “Jack D’Amico, as Frank Sinatra, is probably the most impressive character in the show, wiggling his hips in a subdued but very Sinatra-ish way. It is his voice, however, which makes everybody sit up and pay attention: it is exactly the great master’s voice and intonation. Incredible!” A self- proclaimed “piano bar junkie,” D’Amico has entertained audiences in some of Chicago’s finest lounges and supper clubs. Dave Hoekstra of the Chicago Sun-Times once stated: “Jack D’Amico, Chicago’s favorite Sinatra stylist, is a brilliant saloon singer in his own right.” As a multi-talented performer, D’Amico’s credits include performances on stage and screen. He’s written and performed commercial voice-overs, radio, television and print media. He’s appeared in dinner theater and concerts and at numerous political functions, festivals and corporate events throughout North America. One of Jack’s passions is writing his own music. His CD “Notes To A Lover,” in which he wrote all 10 songs received rave reviews. Jack is currently working on his second CD of original tunes. His favorite kind of music is music that comes from the heart.
Interested in advertising in our next issue? Get all of the details by calling 414223-2189 or sending an email to Tom Hemman at themman@iccmilwaukee.
PAGE 14 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
THE ITALIAN TIMES
The Sicilian Tenors look forward to performing again for Festa audiences
by Barbara Collignon The Sicilian Tenors will perform on the Miller Lite Oasis Stage at 5 p.m. every day of Festa. Spectators will enjoy an hour of lighthearted fun and the operatic tenor voices of Aaron Caruso, Sam Vitale and Vincent Ricciardi. You may have heard them in November of 2017 when they sang “God Bless America” at halftime during the “Salute to Service” when the Detroit Lions played the Cleveland Browns. They will be accompanied on stage by a sevenpiece combo band which includes their musical director, Vito Di Salvo. All three men have extensive voice training and impressive performance records. Caruso received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Vocal Performance and a minor in Italian from the University of Michigan. He began performing at age 6 and attended the Interlochen Arts Academy for high school. Caruso, who speaks four languages fluently and can sing in Russian, Latin and German, studied opera in Italy and in New York City with maestro Luigi Veccia. His specialty is classic Neapolitan music. Sam Vitale also studied at the
Actor/singer Louis Vanaria coming to Festa for first time from page 13A
The Sicilian Tenors are seen here in a past performance.
University of Michigan School of Music and with maestro Veccia. He has performed leading roles in various operas (Carmen, Rigoletto, La Traviata) as well as in Phantom of the Opera. While serving in the Air Force, he won first place in the World Wide Tops in Blue competition in the classical division. In a brief written interview, Caruso stated, “We will have Vincent Ricciardi performing with us, a wonderful Sicilian tenor from New York.” Opera Musica writes, “Entertainer Vincent Ricciardi is known for his rich, powerful vocals, and his vocal versatility. As a concert artist he has thrilled audiences throughout the Northeast in the clubs of
room. Then I recall that the crowd was so quiet waiting for me to come out that I thought there was no one in the audience while I was waiting behind the curtain. I asked my dad if there was anyone out there. His answer, “It’s packed, Bud!” Talk about nerves! I was opening for Connie Francis and there were 2,500 people in the audience. IT: If you had a choice, would you rather perform as a singer or as an actor? LV: I am always writing music and have two original CDs that were produced on Tangerine Records. I love acting, but I just think writing and singing is where my heart is. IT: What’s next on your schedule? LV: I’m in the middle of shooting a film starring Melissa McCarthy and Tiffany Haddish called “The Kitchen.” Editor’s note: Paul Salsini is the author of the award-winning, sixvolume “A Tuscan Series.”
New York and the theaters of New
Jersey and Pennsylvania, showcasing opera, Neapolitan music, jazz, Broadway and Opera/Pop crossover favorites.” He is also a songwriter who mixes pop/rock rhythms with operatic/pop vocals. Caruso also offered this about their future performance at Festa. “No worries. We will be performing a lot of Neapolitan songs for sure! Just some of the songs we will be singing are the Italian favorites, “O Sole Mio”, “Funiculi Funicula” and a special song written for us called “Mistero” which is a tribute to the late Luciano Pavarotti.” 0He concluded by saying, “We just love coming to Festa every year to sing for one of the greatest audiences in the entire U.S.” Caruso is also appearing at Festa with classical vocalist Agne at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22.
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THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 15 SECTION A
PAGE 16 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Grazie Mille a Tutti – Many Thanks to Our Festa Italiana 2018 Sponsors Italy
Milwaukee Brewers
M o l t e G r a z i e t o T h e F r i e n d s o f F e s ta
Advantage Media / Ferraro USA Nick and Joanne Anton Bathfitter Corvina Wines Harder Funeral Home
Harley-Davidson Motorcycles The Home Improvement Network Leaffilter Lo Duca Brothers
Pompeii Womenʼs Club
R&R Insurance Santinoʼs Little Italy Filippo Mazzei Greater Milwaukee Area Lodge #2763/Order Sons of Italy in America Uptown Motors
JULY 20, 21, 22, 2018 Henry W. Maier Festival Park – Summerfest Grounds www.FestaItaliana.com THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 17 SECTION A
Talented Tre Bella will delight Festa crowds with a variety of songs and light comedy
By Barbara Collignon Three beautiful and talented women make up Tre Bella, a threepart harmony group that sings in Italian and English. JoAnn Robertozzi, Lorraine Ferro and Rosie DeSanctis compose the trio whose vocal harmonies and stage chemistry brought them acclaim on “The Voice”. Tre Bella will perform at the Miller Lite Oasis Stage at 6:30 every evening of Festa. They have a large repertoire of rock and pop music and traditional styles, including Italian favorites. Capable of performing doo-wop, Broadway or rock and pop, they incorporate banter, comedy and choreography into their performances. They’ve graced the Jimmy Kimmel stage in Hollywood, sung for women’s rallies and empowerment seminars as well as in casinos in Reno and Atlantic City. JoAnn Robertozzi is the “architect” of Tre Bella. She also played a role in the creation of Ti Piace, Italian American Presentations, Inc. This is a nonprofit group based in Manhattan dedicated to promoting Italian heritage through art and culture. Robertozzi has appeared in a myriad of television commercials and co-starred in such independent films as “Let’s Talk About Sex.” She was awarded an Emmy in 2011 by the Academy of Television Arts and Science for composing the score of “5,000 Miles from Home”, a WWII documentary feature film. She also won a Bronze Telly Award for the score. She is currently working on “Labor of Love,” a play with music based on the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911. Robertozzi wrote the theme song, “Open the Doors.”
Tre Bella getting ready for a performance.
Upon the anniversary of the fire, Robertozzi was featured on WNBC’s News. One hundred fortysix immigrant workers, mostly women of Jewish or Italian descent, perished in the factory fire. This resulted in the passage of safety laws for the protection of future laborers. There was only one fire escape and the doors had been locked to prevent theft, hence the song, “Open the Doors.” Lorraine Ferro is a singer and songwriter. Her voice has been described as gutsy and aggressive. Critics compare her to such artists as Melissa Etheridge, Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morissette. Her vocal range has been described as emotional and introspective. Originally from Dix Hills, NY, she grew up in the suburbs of New York City. You may have heard her do television or radio jingles for Folgers Coffee, Nabisco, Pillsbury and many others. She has also provided background vocals for other stars and in
2001 recorded an album of her own, “Languishing in Turbulence.” Rosie De Sanctis has been acting and singing since being cast as the Blessed Virgin in her 8th grade Christmas production. Described as “soulful,” she is a singer and songwriter who hails from the suburbs of Philadelphia. Her love for music began at a young age as she sang around the piano with her family. Recently, she has been touring and performing as part of Tre Bella. Working with Robertozzi, De Sanctis can be seen in “Labor of Love,” the play mentioned above. Multitalented, she has appeared in films and on TV and recently wrote, produced and starred in the short film, Moses. This film features one of her original songs. Founder of Goddess Films, she is committed to “developing projects that embrace the voice and empowerment of women artists of all ages.” I recently interviewed Robertozzi to get more details on her and
Tre Bella. Here is part of that interview. Collignon: Would you like to tell me more about yourself? When did Tre Bella come into existence and how and why? Robertozzi: I became the first female president of Order Sons of Italy in America in New York City and since I was an artist, I attracted that type of crowd. I produced lots of musical events. In 2006, we all got to appear with Lady Gaga at The Cutting Room in New York. A year later I was asked to sing at an event and took my then band mates with me. Eventually, Tre Bella was born. Lorraine Ferro stayed on, another girl left and we acquired Rosie. It’s been almost 10 years now. Collignon: Do you know which songs you will be performing at Festa? Robertozzi: We will be doing some Italian songs, mostly upbeat dance music and some girl group tunes. It’s a high-energy show. We put our own spin on the traditional music so it’s a lot of fun. For an hour we get to take you on a musical journey that hopefully inspires you Collignon: I’d like to learn more about the play you wrote in honor of the victims of the Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire in 1911. Robertozzi: It has been a true labor of love. I was commissioned to do something for the Italians who perished because essentially it was a Jewish story. The Jewish women were the scribes. I tell the story through the eyes of Italian immigrants. I did a lot of research and am still writing the music and parts of the book. It’s a work in progress. I hope to complete it someday soon.
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Tuesday – Saturday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday, 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Please visit our booths at the 41st annual Festa Italiana, July 20 – 22, 2018.
PAGE 18 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Rock steady all night long with Italy’s FLEMT
by Pam Pietravalle Rock fans are encouraged to come to the Miller Lite Stage on Friday through Sunday, July 20-22 at 9:30 p.m. and at 10:45 p.m. on Friday and Saturday to hear the award-winning rock group FLEMT from Italy. The band will play classic rock and songs written by its members. FLEMT was founded by childhood friends from Senigallia Italy, Alessandro “Frank” Lapini (guitarist) and Michele Trillini, (bass player), who played music together with a band through their teen and adult years. In 2011, Lapini and Trillini
formed a new band to compete for the opportunity to open for Bon Jovi in Udine, Italy. Joining the band were Diego Romagnoli, a drummer from Ancona, Italy and Daniele Bianchelli as lead singer. The break they needed came when they won that contest and performed in a stadium of 40,000 Bon Jovi fans. As a result, in 2013 they released their first album called The Time Has Come. Patrik Pambianco, a singer, from Osimo, Italy, joined the group in 2017 when Daniele’s wife was diagnosed with cancer and had to leave the band. Since then, FLEMT has been performing in clubs and festivals in Italy and Europe. Their music, however, has become known all over the world. All band members are self taught musicians. Romagnoli has a music degree and gives lessons to students. Bianchelli competed on the equivalent of “American Idol” in Italy. Although he did not win, he was able to use the opportunity to promote the band. In 2017, FLEMT embarked on its first tour of the U.S. They received a tremendous response to their music when they performed at The Still (Gadsden, AL), The At-
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Find out what FLEMT is all about nightly at Festa.
lanta Room (Atlanta, GA), Water’n Hole (Waynesville, NC) and the Steeplechase Beer Garden (Coney Island, NY). The band is now kicking off Tour 2018 America consisting of shows in Milwaukee, Chicago, New York and Philadelphia. FLEMT is also working on its second album. This will be FLEMT’s first time
at Festa Italiana. Here’s a little secret about the band’s name that this reporter learned. Everyone asked what it means. It’s simple, the F stands for Frank, L stands for Lapini while the E is for the word “and” in Italian, the M is for Michele and the T is for Trillini. Now, FLEMT makes perfect sense.
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 19 SECTION A
Performing with female vocalists
Award-winning accordionist Cory Pesaturo ready to amaze Festa crowds
by Pam Pietravalle Come to the Harley-Davidson Stage on Saturday, July 21 at 1:30 p.m. or Sunday, July 22 to experience three-time world champion accordion player Cory Pesaturo. Cory’s fingers dance across the keyboard and bass buttons to produce music that you do not even recognize as coming from an accordion. The first person to ever graduate from the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in accordion, Cory’s accomplishments at such a young age would fill an entire page. He is the only person to win World Championships on Digital, Acoustic and Jazz Accordion. Further, Cory was the first American contestant to ever win the Primus Ikaalinen World Acoustic Accordion Championship in 2011. Prior to that he won the 2009 Coupe Mondiale World Accordion Championship and the 2010 World Jazz Accordion Championship. In the national arena, he has won three U.S. National Accordion Championships, 2009, 2004 and 2002, at the youngest age of anyone competing! However, not satisfied with world and national championships of which he felt the average person would not be aware, he decided to break the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous playing of the accordion in history.In fact, he did break the record with an amazing 32 hours straight of original and entertaining music. Cory’s introduction to the accordion harkens back to his Italian roots. As the accordion was very popular in the Italian community, his father played this instrument and introduced Cory to it when he
World Champion Accordionist Cory Pesaturo
was about 9 years old. As they say, the rest is history. An innate musicality he attributes to inheriting talent from his mom’s aunt and uncle, he has a unique ability to improvise in his music. Cory went on to play professionally at an early age with his first performance at the White House for President Clinton at age 12 and has performed for the Clintons many times since. In fact, he was the youngest person to ever perform at a State Dinner. His extensive curriculum vitae includes television appearances on the late show with David Letterman, CNBC with Maria Bartiromo, the televised Columbus Day Parade in New York City and on programs throughout the world.
PAGE 20 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
His versatility is one of the many things remarkable about Cory. Winning a classical concerto competition at the New England Conservatory of Music at age 16 allowed Pesaturo to solo with the Brockton Symphony Orchestra, making him the youngest accordionist to ever solo with a symphony orchestra in the U.S. On his jazz side, which clinched Cory’s love of the accordion, was his friendship with jazz and music legends Quincy Jones and Wynton Marsalis while he recorded two albums with George Garzone and his band, “The Fringe.” Going back to his natural talent, in all of his world championships his music was 90% improvised which is nearly unimaginable in the accordion world. It is very
possible on the accordion as it is just another instrument. However, NO ONE does this in accordion competitions. He accredits this ability to his great interest in statistics. In jazz, particularly, all the artistry and complexity of the instrument at 1,000 notes a minute becomes synthesized to a mathematical formula. Pesaturo openly admits he is on a crusade to restore the accordion to its rightful place of glory like back in the ‘50s when it was more popular than the guitar. Accompanying Pesaturo is another child prodigy, Graziana Lazzaro, who started singing when she was 8 years old. Her phenomenal voice was heard singing the National Anthem at Shea stadium twice, about which she feels were her most emotional and memorable performances. Graziana was born in the Puglia region of Italy and competed in many competitions in Italy. Audiences love her for the passion and authenticity she brings to all the music she performs, especially the Italian music. Cory confided that Agne Giedraityte, another very young talented singer, will be sharing the stage with him and Graziana at his shows. Agne is a Lithuanian born soprano who has performed across the United States and Europe, appearing on NBC TV as well as Carnegie Hall. Agne, only 17 years old, has won multiple awards all over the world. She was a contestant on America’s Got Talent at the age of 10 years old and sang impromptu on the stage with Carrie Underwood when she was only 11 years old.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Moreno Fruzzetti looks forward to Festa return
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Moreno Fruzzetti started performing at Festa Italiana in Milwaukee in the early 1990s. He told The Italian Times that over the course of his Festa appearances, “I felt lucky to have shared the stage with Dick Contino, Julius La Rosa, the Four Aces, Buddy Greco, Bobby Rydell, Frank Stallone and Nancy Sinatra, just to name a few.” Fruzzetti says he has many warm memories of the wonderful audiences that came out to enjoy his shows. He said he hopes all of his old friends will stop by to say hello and he looks forward to making new friends. Since his last appearance at Festa in 2014, Moreno has recorded a new album, “È Amore” which contains an original song, the title track, written by Maurizio Destri of Pisa, Italy. This album was produced in the Tuscany region of Italy where Moreno hails from by the San Remo Festival winning group, the Homo Sapiens Band. Over his career, Moreno’s tours have taken him as far as Australia, France and Canada. Some U.S.A. events where he has enjoyed sharing his Italian heritage through
Enzo Scarano back at Festa
Enzo Scarano, who made his first Festa appearance in 1992 as he embarked on a solo career and his first American tour, is returning to the festival for performances nightly at 7 p.m. on the Cucina Showcase Stage. Scarano, who was born in Salerno (Campania), Italy, has been performing professionally since he was a teenager when he sang in many piazzas (town squares) throughout Italy. In the late 1980s, he formed a production company and collaborated with Walt Disney Company in a traveling production of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Scarano collaborated and consulted for various Italian television programs and large-screen theatrical events. In 1993, he was awarded the “Telegatto” for music he wrote for the TV program “Sabato Al Circo.” The “Telegatto” is the equivalent of the “Emmy” Award. He embarked on a solo career. A tour for his first solo album, “L’Arca” brought him to the United States and Milwaukee’s Festa Italiana in 1992. His trip to Milwaukee was chronicled by Italian television and was later broadcast in Italy. The singer continues his musical career, working with several accomplished musicians. When not performing, he produces music for other artists and composes original music for documentaries. Scarano will be joined at Festa by his accompanying group Breezeway.
Moreno Fruzzetti
song include Reno, NV, Sands Casino, Bethlehem, PA, San Francisco, CA, Chicago, IL, Boston, MA, Youngstown, OH, Portland, OR and many other places. Moreno will be performing at Festa Italiana every day (July 2022) at 3 p.m. on the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage. He said he is looking forward to being accompanied by the Festa orchestra, “making for a very exciting show of Italian and American songs.” After Festa, Moreno will be appearing at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Festival in Youngstown, OH (July 28-29). For more information on Moreno and his CDs, visit: www.MorenoFruzzetti.com.
Still as good as gold, Rick D’Amore and his band, back in Festa lineup
Vocalist Rick D’Amore, who, at one time, held the Festa record for most consecutive annual appearances by an entertainer – 28 straight years starting with the first Festa Italiana in 1978 – is back in the lineup after a 13-year absence. Rick will be performing Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening from 6 to 7 p.m. on the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage. His show will include many favorites from those early years, spread across all three nights. Those favorites include songs from Frank Sinatra, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley, ‘50s and ‘60s, and, of course, a sprinkling of Italian tunes as well. You may even be asked to try to “Stump The Band.” Rick’s band includes his sons Philip on drums and Peter on guitar, plus Rob Chalifaux on bass, and Mike “Guido” Sturino on keyboards. In Festa’s early years, Rick and his band drew big crowds after the fireworks.
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THE ITALIAN TIMES
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JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 21 SECTION A
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THE ITALIAN TIMES
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JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 23 SECTION A
Tom Sorce Band performing with vocalists Sandra Mandella and Tom Anthony
The Tom Sorce Band has been performing for more than 40 years at numerous venues including Festa Italiana, the Italian Community Center, Wisconsin State Fair and many church festivals.
Look for the Tom Sorce Band performing with vocalist Sandra Mandella and special guest vocalist Tom Anthony on Friday, July 20 as the closing act on the HarleyDavidson Roadhouse Stage after
the fireworks. The band will be back at it with Sandra early Saturday, July 21 at noon as the opening act on the same stage. Sandra, a Milwaukee native, has had an extensive career as a recording artist who has toured both nationally and internationally. She will be back in town not only for Festa, but to help celebrate her mother’s 100th birthday. While she no longer lives in Milwaukee, her roots here run deep. She is a graduate of St. Joan Anita High School. The band includes Tom Sorce (guitar and vocals), Tom Sorce II
(drums and vocals), Mike Miller (sax and flute) and Jeff Stoll (keyboards and vocals). Joe Zarcone (congas) will play with the band on Friday night. Tom Anthony is a multi-talented vocalist who has long been part of the music scene in southeastern Wisconsin. His Tom Anthony Group has performed year-afteryear at the Wisconsin State Fair virtually on a daily basis. He has been a crowd-pleasing Las Vegasstyle entertainer at many church festivals, the ICC and Festa Italiana.
Sandra Mandella
Tom Anthony
Tom Sorce
Like what you see at Festa Italiana? Then you should experience what goes on at the Italian Community Center year-round. Consider becoming a member of the ICC. Membership information is available at the Information Booth across from the Mid-Gate during Festa. A registration form can be found in Section B of this issue.
PAGE 24 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Festa fans’ favorite Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms returns
Get ready for a literal feast of Italian and Italian American musical tributes from the swing sounds of Louie Prima, the smooth vocals of Dean Martin, and the harmonies of the Jersey Boys to today’s Italian rock when witnessing the performance of Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms. They promise to keep young and older Festa fans dancing in real Italian style. The group is comprised of six vocalists including Ray Massa, (parents from the Campania Region), Tony DiMelfi (grandparents from the Basilicata Region), Marco Capoccia, (born and raised in the region of Frosinone, Italy), Gaetano Nicolosi (born and raised in Catania, Sicily), Giovanni Caproni (grandparents from the Trentino Region) and Jay Miglia (grandparents from the Campania Region). They are credited with bridging the gap between American and Italian venues for festival entertainment by revitalizing the mystique and romantic excitement of Italian music. The EuroRhythms’ popularity is attributed to their unique arrangements of songs from Italy’s current Pop Charts like, “Vespa” and
“Femmina” by Paolo Belli, to great Italian hits of all styles from the 80’s to the 50’s like, “A Chi” or “Tu
The best way to think of what the band, Swing Explosion with Pete Sorce, does is to imagine what it would be like to be in Las Vegas in the ‘50s and early ‘60s at a
lounge show seeing Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. backed up by Count Basie and his 17-piece orchestra. Not only were they great singers, but great enter-
Vuo Fa L’Americano” and their own Italian version of “Hang On Sloopy.”
Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms will play at 8 p.m. nightly on the Miller Lite Stage.
Ray Massa’s Eurorhythms
Swing Explosion with Pete Sorce playing Saturday only tainers as well. Pete Sorce does a great job recreating that. And just like they did back in the Rat Pack heyday, Pete and the band make the audience feel like they are an
inside part of the show, Swing Explosion with Pete Sorce will take the Miller Lite Stage at noon on Saturday, July 21 in its only Festa appearance.
The member of Swing Explosion with vocalist Pete Sorce seems excited about their Saturday show at Festa.
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Èvero featuring R. Stuart Mitchell bringing opera and classical music to Festa
The opening performer each evening at 6 p.m. on the Cucina Showcase Stage will be Èvero featuring R. Stuart Mitchell, a opera act. Mitchell has performed previously at Festa Italiana and the Italian Community Center in the Courtyard Music Series in the past with area performing arts groups. Mitchell is a lyric tenor who has
performed as a soloist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Bel Canto Chorus, Wisconsin Philharmonic Orchestra, Bach Chamber Choir and Orchestra, MAMCCO (MKE), Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra, Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra, Racine Symphony Orchestra and other symphonic and artistic organizations.
As an opera performer, he has performed principle roles with the Florentine Opera, Milwaukee Opera Theatre, La Musica Lirica Opera, Windfall Theatre, Cornerstone University, Music By The Lake, Concord Chamber Orchestra and South Shore Chorale. In addition to opera and classical, his repertoire includes Celtic traditional and folk music.
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Anita’s Dance Center returns
Anita’s Dance Center has developed a national reputation over the past 18 years, performing before more than one million people. The group has met and/or performed at events featuring: Paula Abdul, Chubby Checker, Aaron Carter, Brett Favre, The Jonas Brothers, Cris Judd, Jay Leno, Nigel Lythgoe, Liza Minelli, Donald O’Connor, Anthony Robbins, Jordin Sparks, and Raven Symone. The group has regularly performed at Festa and other area events. This year, look for its performances nightly at 6:30 p.m. on the sports court at the Colosseum Stage.
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414.380.9678 europeangelato@msn.com PAGE 26 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian comedians booked at this year’s Festa
Festa Italiana Entertainment Director George Busateri added to comedy the offering at this year’s festival. Thanks to the efforts of Milwaukee native Joe Sanfelippo, two nationally known comedians will be performing nightly at Festa. Sanfelippo, founder and President of Bonkerz Comedy Productions, has been producing live and TV/cable performances since 1984. In addition to owning the 20 unit Bonkerz Comedy Chain, Sanfelippo has been personally involved in the careers of famous stand-ups and comic actors including Billy Gardell of “Mike and Molly” fame, former SNL cast member Darrell Hammond, Larry The Cable Guy, Carrot Top and even the legendary Sam Kinison. He consults with NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” where he has placed more than a dozen comics on the show. The comedians are Vince Carone and Carmen Vallone. Carone has been performing since 2001. Represented by Bonkerz Entertainment, Carone has become known for his fast-talking, quick-witted, over-the-top rants, combined with a dominating stage presence. His ability to rattle off more material in one show than most could do in a weekend is what keeps the crowds engaged during
his performances. Based in Chicago, Carone has described himself growing up as an outsider of the box, quasi-jock, class clown who never quite fit in. At 17, he knew his passion was stand-up comedy, a place where being unique would find success. For more information, visit: vincecarone.com. In his 12 years of comedy, Carmen Vallone has traveled to and performed on many stages throughout the United States and has been a contestant on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” CBS’s “Comedy Night School” and appeared in Jamie Kennedy’s film, “Heckler.” With his enthusiastic smile and happily twisted vision of everyday life, Vallone guides the audience through a night of entertainment as he talks about being from Upstate New York, living in Florida, and what life is like on the road. Never one to attack the audience, Vallone makes you feel right at home and you’ll never be scared to sit in the front row. Find more information on Vallone at carmenvallone.com. Since Festa celebrates everything Italian, these comedians should keep everyone laughing when they talk about growing up in Italian families.
Vince Carone
Carmen Vallone
See Us at Festa Italiana, July 20-22. 2018.
Buona Fortuna, Festa Italiana!
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THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 27 SECTION A
Tradizione Vivente to perform Italian folk and regional dances on Colosseum Court
Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, will be performing nightly at 7:30 p.m. on the Colosseum Stage. For more than 65 years, the members of Tradizione Vivente have been keeping alive the traditions of music, dance and costume brought here by their Italian ancestors. In addition to performing annually at local events such as Festa Italiana and the Holiday Folk Fair International, the group has earned acclaim for its appearances at ethnic festivals, folk dance conferences and other events across the United States. In April, the group performed at the Italian Community Center’s “A Taste of Italy.” Tradizione Vivente is planning a trip to Italy in 2019 to expand its learning experience and to perform with groups there.
Tradizione Vivente is seen here during a performance at Festa 2017. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
Look for the Festa Regional & Renaissance Dancers performing in the area around the Mid Gate and other open spaces on the grounds. The Festa Regional & Renaissance Dancers are a group of 12 girls who take pride in their Italian heritage. All of them are of Italian descent. The dancers’ costumes represent the various regions of their ancestors. They perform exclusively at Festa every year in an open area near the Mid Gate. Most of the girls have performed for more than five years now and are keeping the traditional dances alive and fun-spirited through various routines, tambourines and audience tarantella. “Everyone loves to participate,” the dancers told The Italian Times.
Most of the Festa Regional Dancers are seen here in a 2017 photo. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Festa Regional Dancers get together every year just for Festa
Watch for the Sicilian Serenaders
The Sicilian Serenaders – Peter Balistrieri and Tom and Ted Pappalardo – will play Italian and Sicilian music as they stroll across the festival grounds. While you are relaxing at a table or enjoying a meal from any of the Festa food vendors, you might find these gentlemen serenading you. If you attended the Italian Community Center’s “A Taste of Italy”
this past April, you probably had an opportunity to hear the Sicilian Serenaders play. The trio has been a regular in the lineup for both Festa and the Taste of Italy. Balistrieri (on guitar) and the Pappalardo brothers – Ted (mandolin) and Tom (accordion) – are carrying on the strolling musician tradition started by their fathers in the late 1940s.
The Sicilian Serenaders
PAGE 28 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
Classical music artist Agne to perform on Miller Lite Stage
Sixteen year old classical music artist Agne will perform each day of Festa at 5 p.m. on the Miller Lite Stage. A rising star from Chicago, Agne has performed across the United States and Europe. Agne has appeared on national television and at Carnegie Hall in New York City. She has participated in several competitions and
won multiple performance awards, including the Baltic Voice 2013, Audience Favorite award in The Sinfonietta Bel Canto, NBC’s “The Voice” competition and American Protégé International Music Competition. She will also be performing with tenor Aaron Caruso at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 21 and 22.
Classical singer Agne
THE ITALIAN TIMES
‘Italian Idol’ competition rocks on
Think you have the vocal chops to be this year’s Italian Idol? One of Festa Italiana’s most popular features – the Italian Idol competition – is back again this year. Co-Managers, Sandy Winard and Andrew Etier, are thrilled to announce the show is on the “big stage,” the Cucina Showcase Stage, sponsored by the Bartolotta Restaurants. Italian Idol is an amateur singing contest featuring all genres of music. Contestants must be at least 14 years of age and have some degree of vocal ability. Registration is on-site only, begins on Friday and Saturday at 6 p.m., and will continue until there are 16 registered contestants for that evening’s show. Friday and Saturday shows
are at 8:15 p.m. The finals on Sunday are also at 8:15 p.m. At the time of registration, competitors will select their songs to perform from the extensive karaoke repertoire of Kim Marie and will compete in random order. A panel of judges will select four finalists and an alternate from the Friday and Saturday shows. These finalists will receive return tickets to Festa Italiana to compete for the cash prizes at the Sunday evening show. The eight finalists will sing for a chance to win $1,000 in cash prizes on Sunday night. This year, the prizes are: $500 for first prize, $300 for second prize and $200 for third
prize. In the Sunday show, finalists will perform two songs. The first song will be of the contestant’s own choosing. The second song will be a portion of an Italian song selected by the managers of the competition. “Competitors are encouraged to bring friends and family to show their support. Audience reaction has an impact on the judges’ scoring,” said Andrew Etier, Italian Idol co-manager. Italian Idol has always provided fun, entertainment, and lots of excitement. Serving as the show’s emcee since its beginning, Sandy Winard looks forward to another great competition, “Every year, we have more people wanting to compete in Ital-
ian Idol, and many audience members from the Friday and Saturday shows return for the Sunday show to cheer on their favorite,” Winard added, “I’m always as excited as everyone else when I’m handed the list of winners to announce.” For more details, contact Sandy Winard at sdubya002@gmail.com or call 262-573-7222. Pas Italian Idol winners are known to attend the Sunday night finals and, are usually, given an opportunity to perform. The same courtesy has also been extended to Anthony T. Machi, the first president of the Italian Community Center (1978-1980) and the first Festa Italiana General Chairman.
Italian Heritage Exhibit
Peter Sciortino Bakery
Salvatore Purpora Papa Luigi’s Pizza
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 29 SECTION A
Italian-style fireworks will leave you saying ‘WOW’ nightly at Festa
by Gina Jorgensen Italian fireworks are well known worldwide mainly for their quality, intense colors and noise – make that heavy on the noise – rattling, vibrating and soul stirring booms and bangs. This year’s Festa Italiana fireworks are being orchestrated and set off by Jeff Bartolotta, the local representative for Wolverine Fireworks, on all nights of Festa. The shows start at 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, July 20-21 and 10:15 p.m., July 22. Wolverine Fireworks is one of the largest importer of fireworks. “It has the biggest selection of products I have ever had a chance to use, so I am like a kid in a candy store picking out new and better items that I have ever used before,” said Jeff Bartolotta “We have been doing Festa Fireworks from day one and we know that besides the nice colors, the crowd needs to feel the show and walk away saying WOW,” he said. Bartolotta really wants the crowd to feel the display as well as the visual effects not seen before. Some large caliber shells that have not been used in years, due to regulations, will be brought back as well. New to the show will be some segments of green, white and red shells and several more pattern shells, like stars, hearts, rings, shells. Bartolotta ghost emphasized, “Noise will be heard from miles away!” Festa officials are pleased that the Bartolotta family will continue
to be involved in the 2018 annual
Festa Italiana, continuing a 41-
year tradition.
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THE ITALIAN TIMES
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 31 SECTION A
Special lineup of entertainment on the Children’s Stage presented by Catholic Financial Life
by Susie Christiansen There is so much fun to be had at Festa Italiana’s Children’s Stage, presented by Catholic Financial Life, Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23. Every act that is booked will present a different kind of talent, according to Rick Allen, Children’s Stage Manager for the sixth straight year. Here’s the lineup. Friday, July 20 4 – 5 p.m.: I Bei Bambini – Children’s Italian Dance Group 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Anita’s Dance Group 7 – 8 p.m.: Rick Allen & Co. Presents “It’s Magic”
Saturday, July 21 2 – 3 p.m.: Michelle’s Magical Poodles 3 – 4 p.m.: I Bei Bambini – Children’s Italian Dance Group 4 – 5 p.m.: Anita’s Dance Group 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Michelle’s Magical Poodles 7 – 8 p.m.: Rick Allen & Co. Presents “It’s Magic”
Sunday, July 22 2 – 3 p.m.: Michelle’s Magical Poodles 3 – 4 p.m.: I Bei Bambini – Children’s Italian Dance Group 4 – 5 p.m.: Anita’s Dance Group 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.: Michelle’s Magical Poodles 7 – 8 p.m.: Rick Allen & Co. Presents “It’s Magic”
About each act Embracing Italian culture, the cherub-faced members of I Bei Bambini, the children’s Italian dance group, will delight the audience with their performance of Italian folk dances. Over 40 beautiful children between the ages of 2 and 12 participate in this children’s dance group, which exists solely to celebrate Italian folk dancing, costumes, culture and music. The children dance Italian, sing Italian and are beginning to speak Italian, and they love to perform. They will no doubt touch hearts with dances such as Bal de Truc, Montevirgine and Tarantella
Several of the members of I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian Dance Group, are seen here in one of the
Siciliana and with tender songs such as Carissimo Pinocchio & Brilla Brilla una Stellina. As the children progress into their teens, many of them continue performing with their parent group, Tradizione Vivente, which ensures the survival of the latter as an Italian folk dance group. The members of I Bei Bambini
Our best wishes to the Italian Community Center and Festa Italiana on 41 great years!
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group’s performances at the Children’s Stage at Festa 2017. (Times photo by Sr. Ann Catherine Veierstahler)
tricks with an educational twist, Michelle’s Magical Poodles Show is family friendly, audience interactive, and fun for all ages.
rehearse at the Italian Community Center on Monday nights at 6:30 p.m. under the direction of Ashley DeSanctis and Susan DeSanctis Christiansen. “As you watch them at Festa, take a close look at our future, in its purest form, our children,” Christiansen said. “We ensure the survival of our legacy and the Italian culture by passing on to them our most cherished traditions through music, dance and song. This has resulted in something beautiful.”
Dancing and children are the passion at Anita’s Dance Center. The costumes, the music, the dancing, and the genuine joy on their faces all combine to create a show the audience cannot help but love. The youngest members of Anita’s Dance Group will be performing on the Children’s Stage. Anita’s Dance Center of Muskego has been offering dance classes in southeastern Wisconsin for children, ages 2 to 18, in tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, ballet, drama, pointe, poms and ballroom for almost 60 years. At Anita’s, the friendly, experienced staff take a tremendous amount of pride in bringing out the best in their students, not only teaching them dance, but focusing on independence, creativity and motivation in the students – all traits that instill a sense of self-confidence, pride and self-satisfaction as these young dancers grow into adults. For more information: www.anitasdancecenter.com. For the first time at Festa Italiana, Michelle’s Magical Poodles is sure to bring smiles and laughter! Performing fun and quirky dog
“I have been performing in Wisconsin for many years and have such affection for the people of this state. The audience is always so warm, generous and sincere.” stated Michelle. Michelle began her performing career as a traveling busker, performing as a Living Statue, which she still performs to this day. She has travelled to Europe, including Italy, performing in Tuscany, Rome, Florence, and was fortunate enough to explore many other areas. Incorporating some traditional Italian music and references in their routine will give the audience a truly unique experience. Learn, be entertained and have a dog-gone good time! For more information: Michellesmagicalpoodles.com, Skyboundcanineentertainment.com.
Illusionist Rick Allen and Bruce Carroll are back for their second year with an all-new 2018 edition of “Its Magic.” Rick and Bruce have a long history of performing magic shows at various fairs and festivals. They met while they were both performing at Six Flags Great America. Rick & Bruce are a unique twoperson team. They are able to present illusions not often seen at fairs and festivals, and because they present large stage illusions, “It’s Magic” appeals to all ages. Imagine seeing two performers magically appearing, disappearing or changing places in a blink of an eye. Imagine someone from the audience floating in mid-air. This is a show you will want to watch with every member of your family. Come early – seating fills up fast. “Its Magic” can be enjoyed at the Children’s Stage every night at 7 p.m. The show lasts about 45 minutes and includes audience participation. This is one that is not to be missed. To get more information. visit: www.rickallenmagic.com.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Festa brings back free carnival rides courtesy of Cedar Crest Ice Cream
by Times Editor Tom Hemman Where else will you find free carnival rides, other than Festa Italiana? Festa officials are pleased to bring them back for the 2018 festival, Friday, July 20 through Sunday, July 22 on the Summerfest grounds. Helping Festa make this one-ofa-kind offer of free carnival rides with its sponsorship is Cedar Crest Ice Cream. Cedar Crest is also one of the returning vendors at Festa. The ride operator is the same as the last three years: Lake Enterprises, a family owned carnival with a home location in Eagle, Wisconsin. Mark Lake along with his two children, Beau and Lindsay, of Lake Enterprises operate the rides. The Lake family has been providing carnival rides throughout the United States since 1930 when Mark’s grandfather started the business. Mark and his family took over from Mark’s father who had carried on the family business. This year, Lake Enterprises will be bringing to Festa these rides: • Tilt-A-Whirl • Paratrooper • Round Up • Go-Gater Interested in advertising in our next issue? Get all of the details by calling 414-223-2189 or sending an email to Tom Hemman at themman@iccmilwaukee.com
• Helicopters • Rio Grande Train • Glasshouse There will also be an arcade set up for plenty of fun games to play. There will be a charge to play the arcade games. The rides can be found on the north end of the Festa grounds, north of Cucina Showcase. Your family will have as much fun as the Lake family has in bringing all of the rides to you.
All of the thrills of an amusement park are brought to Festa Italiana with one big exception:
Festa offered all of the carnival rides free of charge! The rides are provided by Lake Enterprises. This photo was taken at Festa 2017. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
Be sure to visit us at the 41st annual Festa Italiana!
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Proud sponsor of Festa Italiana! JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 33 SECTION A
Cruise the lagoon on a gondola
A major icon of Italy and Italian culture is the gondola steered by a handsome singing gondolier in his striped shirt and straw hat. Festa Italiana would not be Festa without the gondola rides in the lakefront “lagoon.” There is nothing more spectacular than witnessing the fireworks while cruising in the gondola. Peter Russo, the new Admiral of the fleet, promises that this year will be as awesome as past years. Festa attendees will be able to ride the gondolas on Friday, July 20 from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Saturday and Sunday, July 21-22 from noon to 10:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per individual and $30 per couple except during the fireworks each evening. During that time, the price is $40 per individual and $50 per couple. The gondolas are situated at the north end of the park and the ride lasts about 25 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from sellers at the ticket booth near the dock. You will probably see Adm. Russo there with his crew of gondoliers. The gondola rides at Festa have an interesting history. Originally, they were provided by the Treviso family, who manufactured and managed the gondolas. Patriarch of the Treviso family, Sicilian born Carlo Treviso, was so enamored with gondolas and his love of Festa Italiana that he and his sons, Gaetano and Anthony, made three gondolas available to the ICC and acted, with his sons, as the gondoliers. Much to the sadness of everyone, a number of years ago, they decided to retire and leave the area, which created a big void for the festival for many years. However, about five years ago, Festa’s Sponsorship Manager Betty Puccio happened to attend a festival in Kohler,
Gondolier Nino Emmiti gave his five passengers a relaxing ride across the lagoon on a beautiful sunny af-
where the organizers were offering gondola rides. Puccio re-introduced the idea to the Festa Steering Committee, whose members were fascinated, and the gondolas were brought back to the festival. Bill Jennaro was on the Steering and Festa Advisory committees and brokered the purchase of the 36foot gondola from a manufacturer in New Jersey for the Italian Community Center. Bill drove a hard bargain, making the New Jerseyite bring the gondola to Milwaukee and demonstrate that it actually would be seaworthy! Mike Novak, the seller, who arrived dressed as a gondolier, said, “You are talking like a lawyer” (which Bill is) but he complied, and the vessel worked just fine. In fact, with Bill’s bar-
ternoon at Festa Italiana 2017. Gondola rides are available day and night. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
gaining, Novak conceded to include the trailer on which he hauled the gondola from New Jersey! Additionally, Joe Vella, a past president of the Italian Community Center and among the family owners of Peter Sciortino Bakery, and his family purchased the other three for the ICC to use each year. The largest gondola seats six passengers while the other two smaller gondolas accommodate four passengers. The fourth gondola is used for display. Four gondoliers maneuver the gondolas. Russo became the Admiral this year when Jennaro stepped down. Russo, a member of the South Shore Yacht Club, is a sailor in his own right and will definitely
add his expertise and enthusiasm to this position. Come ride the gondola. It is an experience that you may not have outside of Italy! Not only are the gondola rides a romantic experience for couples, (there has been at least one marriage proposal we know of), but great fun for a whole family. A few years, a young man rented the entire large gondola so he could propose to his girlfriend under the dazzling fireworks at Festa. Although it was a secret, Jennaro and a group of about 100 people who had gathered cheered when they came back to the dock. For those braving it alone, it can be a great way to meet someone new.
Coming Tuesday, September 18, 2018
The Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO will have its General Mee(ng at 6 p.m. at the Italian Community Center. GUESTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! CONSIDER A MEMBERSHIP! COME CHECK US OUT. JOIN US FOR DINNER.
We offer friendship and opportunity for community involvement. Help us with fundraising event for our scholarship program. We have fun and entertaining meetings. We are Ladies with a sense of fun. Meetings are held at the Italian Community Center (easy access and free parking).
The Ladies of UNICO wish Buona Fortuna to
Winner of 2017 Sticky Fingers Award – Door County Cherry Pies
Congratulations and Best Wishes Festa Italiana 2018!
THE RADKE CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE 4353 S. Howell Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53207 414-483-3550
Dr. David A. Radke
PAGE 34 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Fast-paced futsal action returning to Festa
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Futsal, a variation of the game of soccer that is taking the world by storm, is back in the lineup for the fifth consecutive year at Festa Italiana. An eight-team tournament is scheduled for Saturday, July 21 starting at noon on the sports courts adjacent to the Colosseum Stage. Nomad World Pub, 1401 E. Brady St., Milwaukee, is serving again as the sponsor of the tournament. The pub is well known for its extensive beer list, live soccer, trivia, live music and happy hour. Festa’s Futsal Manager Mike Palmisano said, “The skill level of the players will be Reserve Division and higher with some professionals as well. What this means for people who might be watching the matches for the first time is that the action is fast-paced and the players are highly skilled athletes.” Eight area teams will compete for the “Copa Festa Italiana Futsal Championship” trophy. The reigning champion, FC Palermo, coached by Sal Carini and sponsored by Papa Luigi’s, plans to defend its title. Carini, who is a longtime member of the Italian Community Center, expects the seven other teams to be gunning for his FC Palermo team because it not only won last year’s championship, but has captured the title each of the four times the tournament has been played. This is a “5 v. 5” playoff, meaning there will be four players and a goalie on the court for each team during each match. There will be three officials for each match. The championship team will receive $250 cash prize in addition to the traveling trophy. The runnerup and the consolation division winner will receive $100. Palmisano anticipates that the champion will be crowned between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Teams that are interested in participating in the tournament are asked to visit the Festa website –
https://festaitaliana.com – go to “Activities” tab, click on “Futsal” and download the registration form. The form must be emailed to Palmisano at mpalmisano@dcmigroup.com. The same form also ac-
companies this article. In futsal, the field (or surface) is smaller than a regulation soccer field, and the goals are smaller. The rules create an emphasis on improvisation and techniques as well
FC Palermo, a team coached by Sal Carini and sponsored by Papa Luigi’s, captured its fourth consecutive futsal championship at last year’s Festa Italiana. In the title match, FC Palermo scored an 8-3 win over the Milwaukee Sporting Club. The matches throughout the playoff tournament were fierce and actionpacked. If you turned away for a second, you probably missed an incredible feat of athleticism. Several of the players on the eight teams that participated in the tourney have professional experience on both the na-
as ball control and passing in small spaces. “All of this makes for fastpaced action,” Palmisano said. “With the bleacher-style seating around the court, everyone can see everything that is going on.”
tional and international level, said Futsal Manager Mike Palmisano. This was actually the fifth overall Festa championship for FC Palermo. Before having a futsal tournament, six years ago Festa hosted a soccer tournament, which FC Palermo won! Sal Carini (kneeling in the black and white shirt on the far right) has coached all five champion teams and Sal Purpora of Papa Luigi’s (standing on the left in the dark blue shirt and jeans) has been the team sponsor. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
2018 COPPA FESTA ITALIANA TORNEO SIGN-UP & FUTSAL RELEASE AGREEMENT 1st Place: $250, 2nd Place: $100, 3rd Place: $50
TEAM NAME: ___________________________________________________________________ Participant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ______ Initial: _____________ Participant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ______ Initial: _____________ Participant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ______ Initial: _____________ Participant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ______ Initial: _____________ Participant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ______ Initial: _____________ Participant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ______ Initial: _____________ Participant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ______ Initial: _____________ Participant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ______ Initial: _____________ Participant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ______ Initial: _____________ Participant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ______ Initial: _____________
Times photos by John Ferraro and Tom Hemman
Participant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ______ Initial: _____________ Participant’s Name: ____________________________________________ Age: ______ Initial: _____________
RELEASE AGREEMENT. The person named on this release form (hereafter referred to as “I”) wishes to use the Summerfest facilities (the “Facility” or “Facilities”) of Festa Italiana, Inc. (hereafter Festa) at the Summerfest Grounds on Harbor Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Festa, the Facility and its employees wish to ensure the fullest extent possible that they are not sued or held liable for injuries sustained by users of the Facility. I make this release and agreement on my behalf and on behalf of anyone who would be able to sue if I were injured while using or attending the Facility.
In return for being allowed to use the Facility, I agree and acknowledge as follows: 1). Use of the Facility carries with it some risk of serious injury, including even in rare cases death. The risks include, but are not limited to those caused by equipment, the Facilities, staff mistakes and actions of other users, over exertion, and collision with other person(s), equipment, fixtures or other parts of the Facility; 2). I assume all risk of using the Facility; 3). I understand that the Facility and its employees are relying upon the agreements and representations I herein make. 4). I release Festa, the Facility and its employees from any and all claims, including negligence and claims relating to personal injury or property, arising out of my use or attendance at the Facility; and 5). I have carefully read this document and understand it.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
If you have any questions related to team sign-up or this agreement, please contact Festa Futsal Manager Mike Palmisano at 414-688-7547 or at mpalmisano@dcmigroup.com
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 35 SECTION A
Eat to your heart’s delight at Festa
by Susie Christiansen Food is good. Good food is great.Good Italian food is marvelous. Italian food is flavor, texture, comfort, soul, and joy. Italian food can be rustic and familiar, or it can be progressive and sophisticated, and one doesn’t have to choose between the two, because they are both incredible in their own right. There is as much enjoyment in the bowl of pasta carbonara and tender chicken parmesan as there is in meticulously made, high end brodetto di pesce. It doesn’t matter. It’s all just so delicious. Italian food unites family and friends. At a time when multi-tasking and reliance on electronics are prevalent, sitting down with family and friends to eat a big Italian meal can be an welcome escape from the demands of that busy world. Talking and laughing and just genuinely enjoying the company of those in front of you at that moment is a refreshing change. Simply put, Italian food tastes good, brings people together to the table and makes us feel content and happy. Add a little vino . . . paradiso in terra. Heaven on earth. Come to Festa Italiana and feast your way through the festival grounds. Festa officials are extremely pleased to see those returning from last year’s Festa: Alioto’s of Wauwatosa, Badger Corn, Cedar
Grilling Italian sausage at the Verdi Sport Club booth were John Rossetto (left) and Alan Smith at the time this picture was taken at Festa 2017. This year,
Ice Cream, Catalano Crest Fruit/Fruit Cup/Lemonade, Crocker Root Beer Barrels, Festa Sausage, Gelateria Italiana, Hawaiian Shave Ice of Milwaukee,
Sendik’s Festa sausage is the official sausage of Festa Italiana. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Koepsell’s Popcorn, Divino Wine & Dine, Bobalou Lemon Chill & Stuffed Pretzel Carts, Nuts for You, Papa Luigi’s, Pietro’s Pizza, Saz’s, Scrima’s Wood Fired Pizza, Peter Sciortino Bakery, Peter Sciortino Café, Sil’s Mini Donuts and Trattoria di Carlo.
Bartolotta Restaurants will return, but with a delectable Italian menu featuring such items as: fried polenta with mushroom ragu and a delicious porchetta sandwich.
Festa Italiana is also thrilled to welcome new restaurants, such as Dorsia, operated by the Cataldo family, Vino Cappuccino, Vivere, and Albanese’s Roadhouse.
Oh, the possibilities are endless. Try the Italian sausage sliders with Roman potato chips from Alioto’s, butter-dripping corn on the cob from Badger Corn, chicken pesto panini from Dorsia or calamari from Vivere.
The gentlemen seen here enjoyed being Italian for a day. Thein and Son Thai came to Festa Italiana 2017 as guests of Sister Ann Catherine Veierstahler, a member
of the Pompeii Women’s Club. Partaking of the Italian cuisine was part of their experience. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Perhaps, the melt in your mouth beef spiedini from Papa Luigi’s, braised pulled pork sandwich at Saz’s, or meatball bomber at Trattoria di Carlo will satisfy your hunger. Feed your soul with Divino’s meat or cheese-filled ravioli and arancini (rice balls) and Vino Cappuccino’s veal Parmesan and
Tuscan fries. So you say you are a pizza connoisseur? Dive into a slice of cheesy goodness at Pietro’s Pizza or a little wood-fired hot pizza at Scrima’s. And you can’t go wrong with a juicy Italian beef sandwich from Albanese’s Roadhouse, who will proudly step in for Glorioso’s Italian Market, Festa’s long-time friends, who are unable to serve due to an overwhelming year of expansion for the Glorioso family. Festa sincerely thanks Albanese’s and send its love to the Glorioso family and staff.
You can’t go wrong with the Italian sausage sandwiches at Festa. This Sendik’s Market is the sponsor of the official Festa Italiana sausage. The sausage is also sold exclusively at all Milwaukee area Sendik’s stores.
Maybe you need a snack while traveling from stage to stage to enjoy the outstanding entertainment at Festa . . . just a little something to nosh on. So many great choices along the way, such as the freshest of melon, cherries and grapes from Catalano’s, or something salty or sweet like cinnamon roasted almonds from Nuts for You, buttered popcorn from Koepsell’s, warm mini donuts from Sil’s, or Vittoria Colonna’s sweet fried bread dough.
Parched? How about a thirstquenching root beer float from Crocker Root Beer Barrels, a shaved ice from Hawaiian Shave Ice or a Lemon Chill to cool you down? Again, have I mentioned the wine? Lo Duca Bros. and Corvina Wines will be supplying wine for Festa guests to enjoy.
No day is complete without dessert, and Festa Italiana does not disappoint. Delicious ice cream and sundaes are waiting for you at Cedar Crest, and the cold, creamy gelato at Gelateria Italiana – I recommend that you do a swan dive into it and just eat your way up to the surface. And the bakery – oh my dear friend, the bakery – the sfogliatella and Italian cookies at Peter Sciortino Bakery...to die for. At Festa Italiana, all are invited to sit at our table. Mangiate con noi, amici. Come and eat with us, friends.
PAGE 36 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Play bocce during your visit to Festa
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Whether you are 9 or 90, in shape or out of shape, an athlete or non-athletic, you can play the Italian lawn bowling game of bocce and enjoy it. During your visit to Festa Italiana, July 20-22, you can test your playing skills on regulation size courts. Those courts will be set up on the lawn east of the Flags of Festa and south of Cucina/Johnson Controls Stage. “As a game that can be played by people of all ages and physical abilities, bocce makes a great family activity or a fun challenge among friends,” said John Alioto, bocce manager. Best of all, the cost to participate is inexpensive. The price to play remains the same as it has been for the last several years, just $2 per person per 12-point game. Open courts Open bocce courts for Festa attendees’ enjoyment will be available for a good share of the festival hours. On opening day, Friday, July 20, courts are open from the 3 p.m. opening until 8:30 p.m.
On Saturday, July 21, some of the courts will be occupied by the Special Olympics bocce tournament from 11:30 to approximately 2 p.m. Afterward, all of the courts will be available until 8:30 p.m. On Sunday, attendees can play from 11:30 a.m. to approximately 1:30 p.m., then after the 41st annual Festa Italiana bocce tournais completed. (The ment tournament starts at 2 p.m. and is usually finished by 6 p.m., leaving the courts open from that time through 8:30 p.m.) You might be interested in knowing that the Saturday tournament is a State of Wisconsin Special Olympics qualifying tournament. While the tourney always proves to be a lot of fun, some of the Special Olympians have a real incentive to win to advance to the state finals. Volunteers needed Alioto is looking for people who are willing to serve as volunteers at the bocce courts. Among these positions that need filling are games officials, cashiers and keepers of the game equipment. If you can volun-
teer or need more information about the available positions,
please contact John Alioto at pastaman31@aol.com.
Meghan Roehm (left) and Diana Weinblatt played a game of bocce during their visit to Festa Italiana in 2017. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
41st Bocce Tourney set for July 22 Since the late Joe Puccio’s team, the Old Timers, won the first Festa Italiana bocce tournament in 1978, the Sunday afternoon event has been a staple in the festival lineup.
through third place will receive cash prizes. The first place team will win $250. The second team will get $150 and the third place finisher will receive $100.
A registration form appears with this article and on the Festa website, festaitaliana.com. The teams that finish in first
Anyone with questions can contact Alioto via email at pastaman31@aol.com. Last year, Da Stugots captured tournament championship, eliminating Sons of Sicily in the title match.
The 41st annual tournament will take place Sunday, July 22 starting at 2 p.m. The tournament coordinator John Alioto has put out a call for teams to register to play. The entrance fee is $50 per fourplayer team. This is a single elimination tournament with a consolation round.
FESTA ITALIANA 2018 BOCCE TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION FORM
Da Stugots won the 2017 Festa Italiana bocce tournament championship. Thirty-two teams participated in the single elimination tournament. In the title match, Da Stugots defeated the Sons of Sicily, 12-1. The champs are seen here. (l-r): Michael McGuire, David Quadrucchi, Mario Quadrucci and Joe LaDien. The young man in front of David Quadrucchi is his son, Enzo. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
41st Annual Tournament – Sunday, July 22 at 2 p.m. • Entrance Fee: $50 per four player team. • Single Elimination with Consolation Round. • First Place – $250, Second Prize: $150, Third Prize: $100.
Festa Patrol looking for volunteers
Ralph Busalacchi, manager of the Festa Patrol, is seeking volunteers to serve on his crew during Festa Italiana, July 20-22. Volunteers on the Festa Patrol serve as first responders to a variety of situations on the festival grounds, ranging from security and first aid to lost children. They strive to keep order along parade and procession routes and work to ensure that Festa’s guests experience a pleasant and safe family event. Those interested in volunteering should contact Busalacchi at 414-534-6455 or email him at abodanza1@sbcglobal.net.
Get your message across to our readers with an ad in our next issue. For details call 414-2232189 or send an email to: themman@iccmilwaukee.com.
All players will receive complimentary admission to Festa the day of the event. Admission tickets will be mailed to the team captains upon receipt of “pre-paid” registration forms by July 12.
TEAM NAME: ______________________________________________________________
TEAM SPONSOR: __________________________________________________________
TEAM CAPTAIN: ___________________________________________________________
THE ITALIAN TIMES
ONLY ONE CHECK PER TEAM, PLEASE! MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER AND MAIL TO BOCCE TOURNAMENT, C/O ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER, 631 E. CHICAGO ST., MILWAUKEE, WI 53202. For more information, email: pastaman31@aol.com. FEE INCLUDES COMPLIMENTARY SUNDAY FESTA ADMISSION TICKETS, WHICH WILL BE MAILED TO THE TEAM CAPTAIN UPON RECEIPT OF TEAM “PRE-PAID” REGISTRATION AND COMPLETION OF THIS FORM BY JULY 12. TOURNAMENT IS PLAYED RAIN OR SHINE.
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 37 SECTION A
Fr. John Baumgardner to be Principal Celebrant of Festa Mass on July 22
Festa Italiana welcomes all Christian believers to celebrate the 41st annual Festa Mass and procession on Sunday, July 22. Serving as the Principal Celebrant will be Father John Baumgardner. The Mass will at 11 a.m. in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater on the Summerfest Grounds. The gate to the amphitheater will open at 10:15 a.m. Fr. Baumgardner became an Associate Pastor at Old St. Mary Catholic Church, Saints Peter & Paul, Our Lady of Divine Providence and Three Holy Women Parish – St. Hedwig, St. Rita and Holy Rosary – on July 1. He is part of the pastoral team that is led by the Very Rev. Timothy Kitzke, the longtime Chaplain of the Italian Community Center (ICC). The ICC is, of course, the nonprofit Italian organization that hosts Festa Italiana. July 22 has special meaning for Fr. Baumgardner. Not only is it the date that he presides over the Festa Mass, but it also marks the one year anniversary of his ordination into the priesthood. “We’re very excited to have him as the Principal Celebrant of our 41st Festa Mass,” said Sister Mary Louise Balistreri and Salvatore Lo Coco, managers of the Mass and Procession Committee. “He is an outstanding young man. We are pleased that he accepted our invitation to join us to celebrate the essence of Festa Italiana, the Mass and procession.” To learn more about Fr. Baumgardner, please read the following article that appeared in the Catholic Herald on Aug. 4, 2017. Editor’s note: Our thanks to the Catholic Herald and Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman for allowing us to reprint this article. Colleen, incidentally, served several years ago as an intern with The Italian Times. * * *
Fr. John Baumgardner answers different calling
by Colleen Jurkiewicz Dorman As a kid growing up playing baseball, Fr. John Baumgardner used to jokingly tell his family that when he was older and married, he would have nine sons so he could form his own team. “Then when he got into football, he’d say, I’m going to have 12 boys so I can have a football team,” recalled younger brother Nick Baumgardner. The family may have figured he was kidding in this particular instance - but between his athletic inclinations and his desire to pursue a career in business, Baumgardner did seem to have his future pretty well mapped out when he graduated from Pius XI High School in 2008 and headed to the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. But a life-changing spiritual retreat in the middle of his freshman year in college compelled him to reexamine the priorities in his life. He was a churchgoing Catholic from a devout family, but “my faith was never something that was my own - something really important to me,” said Fr. Baumgardner. While on retreat, he spent time meditating on the Gospel of Matthew, where Christ implores his followers to let their light “shine before others, so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” “In a very particular way, I felt
that was directed toward me,” he recalled. “I began experiencing His love in a very personal, profound way that I never experienced before up to that point.” Over the next eight years, that newfound love would lead Baumgardner on a journey that took him to a major seminary, to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, to places like Fatima and Lourdes - and finally, on July 22, to the altar at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, where he was ordained a priest. “As my spiritual director would say, you’re finished, but now you’re ready to begin,” he said. “There’s a lot to learn, especially starting off as a ‘baby priest.’ But I think at the same time, one of the graces of seminary is that you continually see God’ s providence in hand. You see how He continually provides for all of us in our vocations, whether that’s marriage, religious life or priesthood.” Fr. Baumgardner was born in Illinois, but the family relocated to Greendale in his early years. The fifth of seven children, he attended St. Alphonsus Grade School and was a “quiet, reflective person,” according to his mother, Mary Baumgardner. When Fr. Baumgardner was four years old, his youngest brother Andy was born with trisomy 8, a genetic disorder that leads to physical and mental disabilities. Fr. Baumgardner’s pastoral nature was foreshadowed in his care and attention to Andy over the years, said Mary Baumgardner. “I think there were a lot of times when Andy was very sick that was very stressful for him, worrying about him and things like that,” she said. “There was a time when Andy had a major back surgery; he had to be put into a neck-to-hip cast every day before he could get out of bed, and because of my own back problems I couldn’t help him. I ended up asking John and his other brother to help quite a bit with that. He just is always so calming. Andy has a lot of breathing problems, and for people that have breathing problems, they can panic very easily, and John was always able to keep him very calm. More than that, he was always able to keep me calm.” “He’s an incredible gift to our family,” said Fr. Baumgardner of his youngest brother. “His path to Heaven is a lot shorter than mine. He’s really an angel.” He added that it was being able to minister to Andy in moments of crisis that gave him a desire to “help people and help them at their deepest level. I never really knew (that would lead to the priesthood), but I think that kind of comes from Andy. With kids with disabilities, you have to kind of go, okay, what’s really going on inside, because they’re not always able to talk about it or express themselves.” The family’s faith, said older sister Jean Hallberg, was part of what helped them through the difficult times, like when Andy had to spend the first 14 months of his life in Children’s Hospital. “It was always part of our family culture,” she said. “The faith wasn’t just taking us kids to church on Sunday - it was much more than that,” said Nick Baumgardner, who is currently a third-year seminarian for the archdiocese. “It was something we talked about on a regular basis. From an early age, my parents encouraged us guys to be open to the priesthood - they never pushed it, which I was always really appreciative of, but they always pre-
PAGE 38 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
Fr. John Baumgardner
sented it to us as a legitimate option. It was like, marriage, priesthood, religious life - these are all excellent options, and whatever God calls you to, respond.” But thoughts of the seminary or a serious vocation to the priesthood “was not on my radar whatsoever,” said Fr. Baumgardner. Instead, he focused on sports. At Pius XI, he played baseball, ran track and was even the quarterback of the school’s varsity football team. It was the opportunity to play on the University of St. Thomas football team, in addition to the school’s strong business program, that lured him to the Twin Cities after high school graduation. “I think he had a lot of hopes and dreams for some of his sporting activities,” said Mary Baumgardner. But after that spiritual retreat during his freshman year, his family noticed a change in him. He began praying more and soon his Thursday nights were spent in faith-sharing and fellowship at a men’s group for Catholic athletes on campus. “I remember one of the nights we were talking about vocation, and that was really the first time I’d considered a vocation in the larger sense of the word,” he said. “It was the first time I’d honestly asked God that question - all right, what do you want me to do with my life? It was the first time I was really open to His will in my life. And I remember hearing back...priesthood. My initial response was like, okay, that’s funny. What do you actually want me to do with my life?” But no matter how many times he asked, the answer was the same. Since that time, “it just always felt like God slowly, softly called me to the priesthood.” At Fr. Baumgardner’s ordination on the Feast of Mary Magdalene, Archbishop Listecki noted how it was not until Christ pronounced the name of his friend and
disciple outside the empty tomb that she realized she had encountered the risen Lord. “John, I know in the deep recesses of your spirit, the same voice called your name,” he said. “It was a call framed in love.” Hallberg said she was initially shocked to hear that her brother was considering a priestly vocation, but could tell that his instincts were “genuine.” “When he first brought up the idea, I could tell that it was something that had been sitting with him for a while because he was very nervous about it - but just sounded also really excited,” she said. “Like so many things, when you’re kind of scared about something, it can often be what you’re really looking for. You feel this nervous excitement. Sharing the reality of what you’re called to be in the faith can be really scary, but you know it’s right.” Fr. Baumgardner entered the university’s St. John Vianney College Seminary in the fall of 2011, graduating in 2012. That fall, he began pre-theology studies at St. Francis de Sales Seminary. For the past four years he has lived in Rome, studying at the Pontifical North American College, specializing in Mariology. During summers home he has assisted at St. Francis de Sales Parish in Lake Geneva. During his older brother’s time in the seminary, said Nick Baumgardner, he has observed Fr. Baumgardner grow to be “more and more a man for others.” He names his brother’s humility, authenticity and sense of generosity as traits that will serve him well in his priestly ministry. “My brother is very genuine with people,” he said. “People are attracted to that. They’re not necessarily looking for someone who’s perfect but for someone who’s genuine and authentically themselves.” After spending his first summer as a temporary associate pastor at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist and liturgical assistant at the East Side parishes, Fr. Baumgardner will return to the PNAC in September to complete his licentiate in Sacred Theology (STL). Whatever he will be asked to do following his return to Milwaukee next year, his family knows that he will respond with happy obedience. “This is John. This is what he’s meant to do,” said Hallberg. “Seeing how happy he is and how comfortable he is in that position confirms to me that it’s right. At the end of the day, he’s always going to be my brother that I can goof off with and go for a run with. But this feels like an extension of the best of who he is.”
Festa Committee seeks ordained religious, lay members, First Communicants to take part in Mass
The Festa Italiana Mass Committee is well underway with Mass preparations for this year’s 41st annual Festa Mass on Sunday, July 22 at 11 a.m. The committee invites priests, deacons, brothers, eucharistic ministersand first communicants to participate. The Mass will take place at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. Fr. John Baumgardner will be the Principal
Celebrant. “We invite you to help us in this wonderful tradition,” said Sr. Marie Louise Balistreri and Salvatore Lo Coco, Mass and Procession Committee Co-Managers. “Feel free to pass this message on to parishioners.” Please contact Therese Ciofani at 414-303-9772 or e-mail her at rezmel@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in participating in the Festa Mass and procession.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Help the Hunger Task Force feed local struggling residents by donating nonperishable food at Festa on July 22
Festa Italiana officials are urging everyone who comes to the Mass and procession on Sunday, July 22 to bring along a minimum of three nonperishable food items for donation to the Hunger Task Force. This marks the fifth straight year that Festa and each of Mil-
waukee’s lakefront festivals that are part of United Ethnic Festivals (UEF) have joined Summerfest in “The Fests Feed Milwaukee” campaign. Over the course of the festival season, the goal of UEF and Summerfest is to keep the shelves of the Hunger Task Force filled with food that thousands in our
by Denise Cifaldi Festa Mass & Procession Committee We welcome and invite singers to join their voices to this year’s Festa Choir which will provide the music for the Mass on Sunday, July 22. The choir will be rehearsing at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 5400 W. Washington Blvd., Milwaukee. Rehearsals will last two hours and music will be provided. Some hymns will be sung in Italian and Latin, but no previous knowledge of either language is necessary as language coaching is provided. The mixed choir is open to all voice parts – soprano, alto, tenor and bass. No auditions are necessary. However, previous choral experience is recommended. Maestro Michael Kamenski requests that singers participate in at least four rehearsals including a mandatory dress rehearsal. Rehearsal dates are as follows: Thursday, July 12, 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 14, 9:30 a.m.; Monday, July 16, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, July 17, 6:30 p.m.; and a dress rehearsal on Wednesday, July 18, 6:30 p,m. The Mass will be held on July 22 at 11 a.m. in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. Additional instruments will augment the choir to add to the festivity To register to sing with the Festa Choir, please contact director
Michael Kamenski by e-mail at mkamenski@saintsebs.org (please use “FESTA CHOIR” in the subject line) or by phone at 414-453-1928.
Seeking singers for Festa Italiana Choir
MPD K9 Foundation returning to Festa
Festa Italiana is pleased to have the Milwaukee Police Department K9 Foundation returning for another year. MPD Foundation representatives will be joined by Milwaukee police officers and their K9 companions on both Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22 from approximately 2 to 6 p.m. in the area just south of the Cucina (Johnson Controls Pavilion). Guests are welcome to meet and greet the crime-fighting German Shepherds and their police officer handlers. The foundation will have a place where guests can purchase merchandise such as shirts and stuffed miniature German Shepherds and make donations. The Milwaukee Police K9 Unit has been serving the citizens of Milwaukee since 2007. The unit currently has nine K9 teams. Public donations go a long way in supporting the unit and the acquisition and training of more German Shepherds and the daily needs of the dogs. For more information, visit: mpdk9foundation.org.
Call put out for Festa Mass ushers
Ted Catalano, Mass and Procession Committee member and manager of the ushers, 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 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 or email him at this address tedcatalano@yahoo.com. At least 55 ushers are needed every year for the Mass, which has drawn up to 10,000 people. Catalano said he has about 40 dedicated ushers who show up automatically each year.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
community can’t afford to buy. The Hunger Task Force will collect nonperishable food as well as cash donations near the entrance to the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, just outside the South Gate and inside on the pathway to the amphitheater forecourt. Last year, Festa attended donated more than 3,100 pounds of food and made cash donations totaling $1,316.51, according to Sal Lo Coco, Festa Mass Co-Chair. “We want to encourage all of our ICC members and all of our Festa volunteers to join the public in making these donations to help us to do our part,” Lo Coco said. “We are asking people to bring at least three nonperishable food items to help us surpass last year’s total.”
Fests Feed Milwaukee The “Fests Feed Milwaukee” campaign has been in existence each summer since 2014.
“When people come together, like the United Ethnic Festivals and Summerfest have done to support this campaign, it makes a positive statement about our city. It is great for the Hunger Task Force and for the hungry people we serve,” said Sherrie Tussler, Executive Director of the Hunger Task Force. The Hunger Task Force’s aim is to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and promoting social policies to achieve a hunger free community tomorrow.
Donations welcome to offset costs associated with the Festa Mass
The Festa Italiana Mass and Procession Committee is seeking your donations to help to offset the costs associated with producing the celebration of our Mass and procession on Sunday, July 22. “We’re extremely grateful and appreciative of all the support we have received from the sponsors of the Mass and procession over the last several years,” said committee co-chairs Sister Marie Louise Balestrieri and Sal Lo Coco. “It is a very costly undertaking to convert the American Family Insurance Amphitheater from a concert venue into a place of worship.” “For the last several years, a number of people have stepped forward with individual donations to help defray those costs, and we hope that people will be similarly moved this year,” the co-chairs said. Every year, the overnight transformation of the Amphitheater is accomplished successfully
by the Mass Committee, as evidenced by comments received on a regular basis from people – including visiting clergy – who attend the Mass for the first time. The Mass and the traditional procession that follows have, since the beginning, been an essential component of Festa Italiana. Festa itself is an outgrowth of the street festivals held at Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church to honor patron saints. Persons interested in making donations for the Mass and procession are advised to send checks made out to the Italian Community Center with “Festa Mass” written on the memo line. Mail those checks to the ICC at 631 E. Chicago St.,. Milwaukee 532025916. Donations by credit card can be made by calling Constance Palmer at 414-223-2808. Persons with questions are invited to call Lo Coco at 414-9619823 or 262-617-8727.
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 39 SECTION A
Here’s what’s cooking at La Cucina
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor The Cucina Showcase, one of the most popular spots at Festa Italiana, is back for another three days under the pavilion at the Johnson Controls Stage. This year, La Cucina is sponsored by The Bartolotta Restaurant Group, Advantage Media/Ferraro USA and Corvina Wines Manager Marie Andaloro-Lieber promises another year of great food demonstrations, challenging contests and great entertainment.
Friday cooking presentations The festivities will start on Friday, July 20 tentatively at 3:30 p.m. with a cooking demonstration. The name of the presenter had not been finalized as of this publication deadline. At 4:30 p.m., Friday, Brittany Greene, the new executive chef at the Ambassador Hotel, 2308 W. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee, will be the presenter. Greene brings her family’s entrepreneurial spirit and Italian heritage to her new role at the Ambassador. The Cucina stage will be taken over by vocal and musical performers the rest of Friday as well as Saturday and Sunday night starting at 6 p.m.
Saturday Cucina activities Activities at the Cucina Showcase kick off Saturday at 12:30 p.m. with a cooking presentation by David Magnasco, the executive chef
2018 Cucina Showcase Schedule
Friday, July 20
3:30pm: TBA
4:30pm: Chef Brittany Greene, Ambassador Hotel, Milwaukee 6:00pm: Èvero featuring E. Stuart Mitchell
7:00pm: Enzio Scarano & Breezeway 8:15pm: Italian Idol
Saturday, July 21
Sunday, July 22
12:30pm: Chef David Magnasco. The Chef’s Table, Milwaukee
1:00pm: Chef Tony Evans, Heritage Senior Living
2:00pm: Drawing of names for Kids Pizza-Making Contest
1:15pm: Drawing of names for CannoliEating Contest
2:15pm: Kids, 5-9, compete in Pizza-Making Contest
1:30pm: Cannoli-Eating Contest
2:45pm: Kids, 10-17 compete in Pizza-Making Contest
3:00pm: Chef Miles Borghgraef, Birch + Butcher, Milwaukee
4:00pm: Chef Tom Peschong, Divino’s Wine & Dine, Milwaukee
4:15pm: Chef/Co-Owner Andrew Schneider, LeReve Patisserie and Cafè, Wauwatosa
5:00pm: Chef Peter Ignatiev. Johnny Manhattan’s, Hubertus
6:00pm: Èvero featuring E. Stuart Mitchell
6:00pm: Èvero featuring E. Stuart Mitchell
7:00pm: Enzio Scarano & Breezeway
7:00pm: Enzio Scarano & Breezeway
8:15pm: Italian Idol
8:15pm: Italian Idol Finale
and owner of The Chef’s Table, 500 S. 3rd St., Milwaukee. Magnasco is graduate of the Italian Culinary Institute of Costigliobe D’Asti’s Master Program in Piedmont. There he received in depth training on regional Italian cuisine and culture, followed by extensive wine training
on pairing foods and a vast variety of Italian wines. He opened The Chef’s Table in April 2014. After Magnasco’s demonstration, the cucina goes into contest mode. At 1:15 p.m., the names of the 10 individuals who will compete in the 2018 Festa Italiana Cannoli-
1:15 p.m. to participate in the contest, get ready to chow down as many cannoli as you can in four minutes. The contest officially begins at 1:30 p.m.
well as the official Festa cannolieating champion T-shirt and his/her picture in The Italian Times and on the Festa website, festaitaliana.com. All of the cannoli is provided by the Vella family, which owns Peter Sciortino Bakery, the popular bakery on Brady Street in Milwaukee. Festa provides cups of water to help contestants down those gooey, but scrumptious Italian pastry treats. The record for most cannoli
Could you become the 2018 Festa Italiana CannoliEating Contest champion?
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor No matter your size or cannolieating history, everyone 18 years or older is welcome to register for a chance to compete in the 2018 Festa Italiana Cannoli-Eating Contest. Simply visit The Cucina Showcase on Saturday, July 21 before 1 p.m. to enter your name into the drawing. Contestants must be present when his/her name is called. If your name is one of the 10 drawn at
The contest will officially begin after the contestants are chosen and the silver trays filled with cannoli are delivered in a grand parade led by Julius Caesar (yes, he’s alive and kicking at Festa and protected by Roman soldiers). Aside from bragging rights, the winner will receive prize money as
So, who do you think is having more fun? The two volunteers who are counting how many cannoli each contestant downed or the three contestants seen here? The volunteer with a big smile on his face is none other than Filippo Voltaggio, who performed on the
PAGE 40 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
Continued on page 41A
Cucina Showcase. The other volunteer (wearing the cap) is Lloyd James, who tabulated the cannoli devouring of the 2017 contest winner, Evan Jacob Garcia, who is on the far right. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
Eating Contest will be drawn. Read the contest article for more details. The contest will officially begin at 1:30 p.m. Attention returns to a cooking presentation at 3 p.m. This one will be given by Miles Borghgraef, the owner and executive chef of Birch + Butcher, 459 E. Pleasant St., Milwaukee. Formally with The Bartolotta Restaurant Group, Borghgraef ventured into his own project in December 2015. Another cooking demonstration will be presented at 4:15 p.m. by Andrew Schneider, the co-owner of the LeReve Patisserie and Cafè in Wauwatosa. The Greenfield resident studied firefighting before turning to pastries. Sunday Cucina activities The opening cooking demonstration of Festa’s closing day, Sunday, July 22, will be given by Tony Evans, the executive chef for Heritage Senior Living. Evans formerly operated Moxie in Whitefish Bay and Bravo! Cucina Italiana in Brookfield. Young wannabe chefs get the spotlight at the Cucina starting at 2 p.m. when the names of the contestants in the annual Festa Italiana Pizza-Making Contest are drawn. The 5 to 9 year participants will compete at 2:15 p.m., followed by the 10 to 17 year old contestants at 2:45 p.m. Look for details on this event in a separate story. Taking the Cucina stage at 4 p.m. will be executive chef Tom Peschong of Divino Wine & Dine, 2315 N, Murray Ave., Milwaukee. Peschong is a longtime chef having worked at some of the finest eating establishment in the area. He is also a venture to doing cooking demonstrations at Festa. The last cooking demonstration of the weekend will be presented at 5 p.m. by Peter Ignatiev, head chef at Johnny Manhattan’s, a highly rated steakhouse at 3718 Hubertis Rd., Hubertis. Tidbits to digust To eveyone’s delight, all of the fine chefs will be providing samples to their attending guests. Recipe cards will be made available for the taking so you can try the wonderful dishes in your own kitchen. So whether you are young or old, a baby boomer or a millennial, there will be something for all to enjoy at Festa Italiana Cucina 2018.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Kids Pizza-Making Contest set for Festa’s Sunday
Festa Italiana invites all children in the age groups of 5 to 9 and 10 to 17 to participate in the eighth annual “Kids Pizza Making Contest.” The contest is a fun way for children to create fresh, madefrom-scratch pizzas in front of a live crowd at the Cucina Stage. Marie Lieber, who manages the
cucina, said that the Kids PizzaMaking will take place on Sunday, July 22. The pizza-making event will be sponsored, for the third consecutive year, by Divino Wine & Dine, the Italian restaurant at 2315 N. Murray Ave., Milwaukee. Children must register to partic-
Have that Festa feeling yet? ICC President/ Festa General Chair Dean Cannestra asks
from page 3A them dancing on picnic tables, forming conga lines and singing along to every song? Of course, I’m talking about the one-and-only Spider George & The Web. This multitalented band is back in the Festa lineup for the first time in 12 years, and I know, personally, I can’t wait to hear them each night at 9 p.m. on the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage. For dramatic presentation and Italian tradition and pageantry, we have the flag-throwing troupe – Sbandieratori Ducato Caetani from Sermoneta, Italy – coming to Festa for the first time. Can’t wait to see the group. From the video that the group gave us, they look pretty remarkable. Another remarkable presentation that makes Festa stand out is our nightly fireworks show. This year, Jeff Bartolotta and his crew are coming back to present the booming, ground-shaking fireworks Italian-style fireworks that everybody expects when they come to our festival. Of course, there is a lot more to Festa, from the Cucina Showcase, where area chefs will be giving free Italian cooking demonstrations, to our exhibit saluting the Italian region of Molise and our Italian Heritage Exhibit, where everything from our church to our families are celebrated in displays, photos and statues. This year, the Heritage Exhibit is going to have a special display showing photos from our past 40 years of Festa. There will be an area in the Italian Region tent where you will be able to explore your Italian genealogy. The Italian artists and authors tent is also returning this year. You will be able to play bocce all three days, go on a gondola ride, watch our fantastic parade on Saturday and Sunday, go on our FREE carnival rides, view our replicas of Italian landmarks, meet and greet the special-trained dogs in the Milwaukee Police Department’s K-9 Unit, enjoy wholesome entertainment on the Children’s Stage and much more! If you like cannoli and think you can eat a lot of them in four minutes, register to enter in our Cannoli-Eating Contest on Saturday. If you have children between the ages of 5-9 and 10-17 enter their names to take part in our Kids Pizza-Making Contest on Sunday. If you’re an amateur singer, I suggest you signup to compete in our Italian Idol contest. Have you ever seen a futsal game? A tournament of this extremely fast-paced soccer-style game will be played on Saturday afternoon on the sports court next to the Colosseum Stage. Eight area teams will be competing. On Sunday, we have our 41st annual Festa Bocce Tournament. Register your team and see if your team can become the 2018 champion. Details are in this issue.
The primary reason we have Festa Italiana every year is the same reason why our ancestors held festas each summer in Milwaukee’s old Third Ward more than 100 years ago. That reason is to celebrate our faith and to honor the patron saints of our ancestral hometowns and our Italian societies. Our Festa Mass and Procession will be celebrated on Sunday, July 22. The Mass, in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater at 11 a.m., will be led by Fr. John Baumgardner, the young priest who is now serving as an Associate Pastor for several of the East Side Milwaukee parishes. Come and celebrate the essence of Festa! Being one of the many food and beverage vendors on the Festa grounds, I couldn’t go without saying something about the wide variety of delicious Italian delicacies we will have for you to enjoy. Come hungry. I have no doubt you will find plenty of your favorite food and beverages to enjoy. If you love Italian food – and who doesn’t? – you will want to eat your way across the festival grounds. I also want to express our fullest gratitude to all of our sponsors who generously support Festa. Without your support, we couldn’t even think about putting on a festival of this magnitude. I ask everyone who is reading this to support our sponsors and thank them for supporting Festa. Last, but not least, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to all of our volunteers including the dozens of you who have been working on the 2018 festival for months now. Our volunteers continue to be the backbone of Festa. Many thanks and God bless all of you. – Dean Cannestra ICC President Festa General Chairman
Seeking photographers for Festa
Tom Hemman, editor of The Italian Times, is looking for individuals to volunteer to take pictures at Festa Italiana, Friday, July 20 through Sunday, July 22. Photographers must have their own camera and feel secure with taking photos in varied lighting conditions. These positions also require that the photographers have notebooks to take names of people appearing in their photos and can provide a brief description of the photos they submit to the editor. These volunteer photographers can be assured that some of their photos will appear in the September issue of The Italian Times or on the Festa Italiana
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Please turn to page 44A
ipate before 2 p.m. on Sunday because that is when the names of the contestants will be drawn. All participants must be present at the time of the drawing. At 2:15 p.m., children, ages 5 to 9, will compete. Then, at approximately 2:45 p.m., the 10 to 17 year old participants will go at it. Festa Italiana supplies everything the kids need to design the best pizzas they possibly can. That includes fresh dough, the sauce and various toppings. A panel of judges will choose a winner in each division. Every participant will receive a commemorative T-shirt. The winners in each bracket will receive the T-shirt and their picture in the September
issue of The Italian Times. The 2017 winners were eight year-old Madilyn Polzin in the 5-9 year-old division and 10 year-old Kailee Laurence in the 10-17 yearold category.
Cannoli-Eating contest
from page 40A eaten in the Festa contest is 10-1/4, downed by seven-time champion Tony Paulis of Milwaukee. He accomplished that feat in 2011. Last year, Jacob Garcia of Grand Rapids, Mich. won the contest, devouring nine cannoli in the four-minute time frame.
Father Dom’s “Mission in a Mission”
Bring Father Dom Roscioli to your church for a unique mission! Father Dom brings an enlightening approach to being a Catholic priest through story telling of his unique experience in life, and relating them to the challenges faced by people in their everyday lives. Available September through April for missions.
Contact Father Domenic Roscioli at domenicjose@hotmail.com or 262-751-7036 or Jan at jan.becker@holyspiritswine.com or 262-224-3145 Consider have a Holy Spirits Wine Sale, prior to the Thanksgiving & Christmas Holidays. This is a great opportunity for a fundraiser and it is easy to do. JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 41 SECTION A
Capri Senior Communities to sponsor exhibit
Festa’s Heritage Exhibit to project cherished story of Milwaukee’s Italians with a nod to an exciting future by Christine Conley Exhibit Chair If you are of Italian ancestry and living in the Milwaukee area, it’s likely that your family story, like most, is rooted in the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii Church. Affectionately known as the “Little Pink Church,” it was the heart of the Italian community in Milwaukee’s Third Ward in the first half of the 20th century. As the population expanded into the city’s First Ward, the church established the Saint Rita Mission with the intent of building another church and a parochial school for Italian children. Between 1936 and 1939, through difficult economic times, these two congregations realized their dream of both church and school in St. Rita of Cascia, on the corner of Cass and Pleasant Sts. Shortly after the completion of St. Rita’s, another Italian church was forming in West Allis. Our Lady of Mount Carmel parish was established, and the first Mass was celebrated in September of 1939. All three of these communities were served by the Scalabrini Fathers of Saint Charles Borromeo and the Sisters of Charity of Saint Joan Antida. Since the earliest Festas, the story of Milwaukee’s Italian immigrant has been told through religious artifacts and historic photographs. The Italian Heritage Exhibit, a two-part exhibit, will continue to feature the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii Exhibit with statuary and art from our Italian societies and our Italian churches, including St. Rita and Mt. Carmel. The second part of the Italian Heritage Exhibit contains our Historic Photo Collection. From the thousands of photos donated to the Italian Community Center collection emerges a window into the past. Visitors get an appreciation of the courage it took those determined individuals who left Italy and Sicily in order to make better lives for themselves and their children.
These photos capture their devotion to faith, family, and the citizenship that helped them achieve the “American Dream.” Change is a constant in our American cities as migration and urban development transform the landscape and the neighborhoods. This renewal in Milwaukee has impacted our Italian churches. In 1967, the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii Church was razed for the freeway expansion; St. Rita School had its last graduation in 1987 before merging with Catholic East Elementary; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church closed its doors in 1998; and currently the St. Rita property is in development. Many of these changes have created devastating losses to Milwaukee’s Italian Americans.
Capri Senior Communities sponsorship Festa Italiana is proud to announce Capri Senior Communities as the sponsor of this year’s Italian Heritage Exhibit. Tarantino & Company, part of the Tarantino Family of Companies along with Capri Senior Communities, is developing the current St. Rita properties into St. Rita Square, a senior living community with independent living apartments, assisted living apartments, and a memory care unit. A new St. Rita Church, which includes a walkway to the residential buildings, is a highlight of the development. James Tarantino, founder and principal of Tarantino & Company and Capri Senior Communities, was drawn to this project because of his strong family connections to St. Rita and the Blessed Virgin of Pompeii. Fr. Tim Kitzke, Pastor of Three Holy Women Parish which includes the East Side churches of St. Rita, St. Hedwig, and Holy Rosary, found an enthusiastic collaborator in Tarantino, sharing a vision for the future of the St Rita properties. Previous partners have described Jim as a developer with a
heart, drawing on his deep sense of faith, his devotion to family, and his commitment to creating community. “We are both proud and grateful for the faith on which these churches were built, and we believe in creating something for future generations that honors the history of this community,” said Fr. Tim. The new church that Tarantino’s team is designing, incorporates design elements from the former
Blessed Virgin of Pompeii Church and stained-glass windows from the current St. Rita Church building. The new church will integrate the art and sacred objects from both churches. More than a year ago when the project was announced, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett commented on the perfect partnership between Fr. Tim and Jim Tarantino. “This is a Please turn to page ??A
Here are Fr. Tim Kitzke and Jim Tarantino in a photo that was taken inside the Italian Heritage Exhibit at Festa Italiana 2017.
This is a view of the St. Rita Square Project looking west on Cass Street and showing the St. Rita Church, looking quite similar to the “Little Pink Church” (Our Lady of Pompeii Church). The Pompeii Church was built by Milwaukee’s Italian immigrants from 1905 until its demolition in 1967.
Here is a view of the St. Rita Square project looking from the northwest from Cass and Pleasant Streets.
PAGE 42 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
Seen here are Milwaukee Alderman Nic Kovac, Jim Tarantino, Mayor Tom Barrett and Fr. Tim Kitzke in a photo taken at the news conference announcing the St. Rita Square project.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Discover the beautiful and historic Italian region of Le Marche while visiting Festa
by Christina Ziino Exhibit Co-Manager The Regional Exhibit at Festa Italiana is ready to transport guests to another great Italian destination. This year, it’s the region of Le Marche on the beautiful Adriatic side of Italy. Beaches, mountains, National Parks and beautiful architecture are just some of the attractions awaiting travelers willing to explore one of Italy’s little-known treasures. Summers at the beach, winters on the slopes, spring and fall hikes in the wilderness, there is something to do no matter the season. The first thing one notices about this region is its name. It is the only region referred to in the plural. Originally, the area was known as Marka, which referred to a frontier unit so called by invading German forces. So multiple units became Le Marche. The town of Urbino, a walled city and home of artist Raphael, offers a plethora of Renaissance art and history including the house where he lived. It is also home to
the 15th century Palazzo Ducale that houses the Galleria Nazionale delle Marche. In the 16th century Urbino was the largest producer of majolica style pottery in the country. It is an UNESCO site and is considered the best surviving example of a Renaissance city. For the classical music lover, Le Marche has a great history of producing some big names. The town of Pesaro is a must visit. As the home of opera composer Giachino Rossini, it holds a music festival each August in his honor. Pesaro has been honored as “The City of Music.” The famous opera tenor, Beniamino Gigli hails from the town of Recanati in Macerata. Opera lovers will want to visit his museum. Another music trivia fact is that the town of Castelfidardo in the Province of Ancona is the international capital of accordion makers. Le Marche is also home to a pioneer in education, Maria Montessori. She was born in 1870 in Chiaravalle and changed modern education. The Lazzaretto of Ancona, also
Province of Pesaro and Urbino
Province of Ancona Province of Macerata
Province of Fermo
of nc e no i v Pro li Pice o Asc called the Mole Vanvitelliana, is an 18th-century building constructed on an artificial island for the purpose of serving as quarantine station and Leprosarium for the port town of Ancona, Italy. Ancona is also the home of a Roman amphitheatre that was built in the 1st century, B.C. by Octavia Augustus. Following World War II, Le Marche has been known for its designer shoe production. The Provinces of Ancona, Macerarta and Ascoli Piceno form what is known as “Shoe Valley” with hundreds of small shoe design and production factories. Some larger names like Tods and Santoni also produce their high-end shoes here.
If you love shoes, this is a real mecca.
Of course, we can’t forget the food. Olives, grapes for wine and truffles are among just some of the agricultural products produced here. The olive oil of Pesaro is considered one of the best in Italy. Alhough they have great fishing along the Adriatic, the Marchigiani also love their meat. It is believed that porchetta (roast pig) originated in Macerata.
So, once again Festa Italiana invites you to explore a new area of beautiful Italy. Come along for the journey. No bags to pack. No passport needed. Just your curiosity.
Arc de Trajan. (Photo credit: Yves Jalabert)
Camerano. (Photo credit: Enrico Matteucci)
Lazzaretto. (Photo credit: Claudio Stanco)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 43 SECTION A
Marche region genealogy to be displayed with Sicilian/Italian family research at Festa exhibit
by George Koleas This year’s Regional Exhibit at Festa Italiana features a presentation on genealogy in the region of Marche and in other parts of Italy, including Sicily. It will be presented by Pursuing Our Italian Names Together (POINT), Chapter 22, the Italian Community Center’s Italian Family History Club. The club will be joined by members of the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society, (MCGS). POINT is the MCGS’s Italian Area Interest Group.
Volunteers from both groups will help you to “trova i tuoi antenati” (find your ancestors). Using resources available online and private databases, our volunteers will help you learn how to find information about your family. If you want our help, we ask you to fill in these two forms the best as you can with information you know and bring it with you. One is a family group sheet, which is available at https://www.archives.gov/files/research/genealogy/charts-forms/familygroup-sheet.pdf and the other is an ancestral chart, which is available at https://www.archives.gov/files/research/genealogy/charts-forms/ancestralchart.pdf. If you want to view the source material about Marche genealogy from our display, all but the family trees, family pictures, genealogical records and maps can be found at the websites listed in this article.
Records of births, marriages and deaths can be found at the Diocese and in individual Catholic churches. A list of Catholic Diocese (Diocesi) in Marche can be found at: http://www.chiesacattolica.it/dbcei/diocesi-eparrocchie/regione/?id=23. • Ancona – Osimo Arcidiocesi Sede metropolitana, Piazza del Senato, 7 - 60121 Ancona AN. Telephone: 071 9943500, fax: 071 9943521, curia@diocesi.ancona.it Ascoli Piceno Diocesi Sede vescovile suffraganea di Fermo, Piazza Arringo, 10 - 63100 Ascoli Piceno AP, Tel. 0736 259901. fax: 0736 245504, curia@ap.chiesacattolica.it. • Camerino - San Severino Marche Arcidiocesi, Sede arcivescovile suffraganea di Fermo Piazza Cavour, 7 - 62032 Camerino MC. Telephone: 0737 630400, fax: 0737 631420, curia@arcidiocesicamerino.it. • Fabriano – Matelica Diocesi Sede vescovile suffraganea di Ancona Osimo, Piazza Papa Giovanni Paolo II, 2 - 60044 Fabriano AN. Telephone: 0732 3049, fax: 0732 22142, curiafabriano@libero.it • Fano - Fossombrone - Cagli – Pergola Diocesi Sede vescovile suffraganea di Pesaro, Via Roma, 118 - 61032 Fano PU. Telephone: 0721 803737, fax: 0721 825595, info@fanodiocesi.it • Fermo - Arcidiocesi Sede metropolitana, Via Sisto V, 11 - 63900 Fermo FM, Telephone: 0734 229005, fax: 0734 229981, comunicazionisociali@fermo.chiesacattolica.it. • Jesi Diocesi Sede vescovile suffraganea di Ancona – Osimo, Piazza Federico II, 6 - 60035 Jesi AN. Telephone: 0731 56813, fax: 0731 226747, cancelleria@jesi.chiesacattolica.it. • Loreto Prelatura territoriale, Prelatura territoriale suffraganea di Ancona - Osimo, Piazza della Madonna, 1 - 60025 Loreto AN, Telephone: 071 9747173, fax: 071 9747174, prelato@prelaturaloreto.it. • Macerata - Tolentino - Recanati - Cingoli – Treia Diocesi Sede vescovile suffraganea di Fermo, Piazza San Vincenzo Maria Strambi, 3 - 62100 Macerata MC, Telephone: 0733 291114, fax: 0733 263386, segreteria@diocesimacerata.it. • Pesaro Arcidiocesi Sede metropolitana, Via Rossini, 62 - 61121 Pesaro PU, Telephone: 0721 30043, fax: 0721 32422, info@arcidiocesipesaro.it. • San Benedetto del Tronto - Ripatransone – Montalto Diocesi Sede vescovile suffraganea di Fermo, Piazza Sacconi, 1 - 63074 San Benedetto del Tronto AP, Telephone: 0735 581855, fax 0735 579473, curia@diocesisbt.it. • Senigallia Diocesi Sede vescovile suffraganea di Ancona – Osimo, Piazza Garibaldi, 3 - 60019 Senigallia AN, Telephone: 071 659245, fax: 071 60094, diocesi@senigallia.chiesacattolica.i. • Urbino - Urbania - Sant’Angelo in Vado Arcidiocesi Sede arcivescovile suffraganea di Pesaro, Piazza Pascoli, 2 - 61029 Urbino PU, Telephone: 0722 2850, segreteria@arcidiocesiurbino.it Not all family history records are at the Diocese or the church. Records of births, marriages and deaths can also be recorded in archives. The archives with family history information in Liguria are found at: http://www.daddezio.com/genealogy/italian/records/REGI-MAR.html. https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Marche,_Italy_Genealogy or http://www.antenati.san.beniculturali.it/en/regions-and-sources. These archives include: Ancona: http://www.archivisias.it/consulta_archivi_albero.asp?ComplessiRootNode=131400000 Mailto: as-ap@beniculturali.it Ascoli Piceno: http://www.archivi-sias.it/consulta_archivi_albero.asp?ComplessiRootNode=141200000 Mailto:as-ap@beniculturali.it Fermo: mailto:as-fe@beniculturali.it Macerato: http://www.archiviodistatomacerata.beniculturali.it/ http://www.archivi-sias.it/consulta_archivi_albero.asp?ComplessiRootNode=530460000 Mailto: as-mc@beniculturali.it Pesaro: http://www.archivi-sias.it/consulta_archivi_albero.asp?ComplessiRootNode=670360000 mailto: as-ps@beniculturali.it A significant number of Milwaukee and Chicago Italians have roots in Sicily. If you aren’t familiar with the specific towns your ancestors are from, here are some of the names from Palermo and Bagheria peninsula. Some of those towns would include Aspra, Bagheria, Sant’ Elia, Santa
PAGE 44 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
Flavia, Solanto, and Porticello. Hundreds of those families came to Milwaukee and most continued to remarry into the same family lines. A sampling of just some of those names include Alioto/Galioto, Balistreri (and all its variants), Bellanti/e, Busalacchi, Carini, Colla, Corrao, Deluca SanFilippo, Machi, Pizzo, Scardina, Sardina, Tarantino and many others. If you know or are related to any of these families, please visit our display and talk to one of our volunteers. To learn more about Italian genealogy, go to https://familysearch.org/wiki/en/Italy. You will be taken to a page with many topics. The Mormon Church, the parent of this website, has been working in cooperation with Italian archives and is in the process of digitizing the considerable store of records that it has microfilmed throughout Italy. For more information about this collaboration, go to: http://www.antenati.san.beniculturali.it/en; https://familysearch.org/italian-ancestors/ or https://www.lds.org/church/news/familysearch-unites-with-italianarchive-organization-to-digitize-civil-registration-records?lang=eng&_r=1 To learn more about researching your Italian family, we welcome you to visit our website at http://www.orgsites.com/wi/point22/. You will find our meeting dates, our last meeting minutes, and the list of surnames our members are researching. Taking advantage of many of the resources listed in this article requires you to have access to a computer and an internet connection. We recognize that many people do not have this. While you can use a computer and get internet access at many public libraries, we understand that many people have no interest in doing this, but are interested in researching their family history. Computers facilitate this research, but you can research your family without a computer. Like many of us, I started researching my family this way. We hope that you can come to our display and talk to us about researching your family. If you cannot visit us at Festa Italiana, we invite you to come to one of our meetings. There is no cost or obligation. At our meetings, we discuss new developments in researching our family history; members report on the progress they are making in their research; members describe the obstacles preventing them from finding the information they need and other members offer suggestions on how to overcome those obstacles. When we have new visitors and members, we answer their questions and get them on the right path to discovering more about their families. If you or your families are from the Milwaukee area, you may even meet a new cousin. You are welcome to attend our next meeting which will be on Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, starting at 10 a.m. and concluding at noon. Please mark your calendar for our last meeting of 2018 on Saturday, Nov. 3, at the same time and place. Please feel free to bring guests. Whether you are just starting or have been researching your family for many years, anyone with an interest in Italian family history is welcome. Many of our members are also researching families from other nationalities. If you have any questions or need additional information, please feel free to contact me, George Koleas by e-mail at GeorgeJK676@wi.rr.com or by calling 262-251-7216 after 7 p.m.
Festa photographers needed from page 41A
website, http://festaitaliana.com. Some will be used for the marketing of future Festa Italiana celebrations. Hemman will supply interested individuals with free admission and free parking. Each photogra-
pher will be given a badge to wear to ensure the access needed to get the pictures they desire. Interested individuals should contact Hemman at : themman@iccmilwaukee.com or call 414-2232189.
from page 42A project created out of faith and love,” reflected Barrett. “We have an individual with strong Milwaukee roots who is not only investing and creating economic development in the neighborhood where he grew up, but he’s also honoring his heritage and the church he loves. Proj-
ects like this make Milwaukee a better place.” A display from Capri Senior Communities will be a part of the Italian Heritage Exhibit. Representatives will provide information and updates on the St. Rita Square Development and the new St Rita Church.
from page 1A job doing the advertising sales for this issue. 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, www.ICCMilwaukee.com. You can also follow Festa Italiana on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/fes-
tamke/ or go to https://mobile.twitter.com/FestaMKE to talk it up. Become a fan of Festa on Facebook at www.facebook.com/festaitalianamilwaukee to join the conversation. Use the hashtags #MyItalian or #FestaMKE to share your thoughts. See you at Festa! – Thomas Hemman Times Editor
Heritage Exhibit showcasing past, present and future
Welcome to 41st Festa . . .
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Festa allows you to pretend you’re in Italy through its replicas of famous tourist attractions
Several of Italy’s most famous tourist attractions can be seen at Festa Italiana, July 20-22, in replica form. These replicas include the Rome Colosseum, the St. Mark’s Bell Tower, the David statue, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and a Sicilian-style arched gateway.
The Roman Coliseum Festa’s large tarp-painted replica of the famous Roman Coliseum wraps itself around the back of the bleacher sides at the Colosseum Court. For Festa visitors, it makes an excellent backdrop for photo opportunities, especially at night when lights bounce off of it. The Coliseum is one of the greatest works of architecture and engineering in the world. Famous for its ancient gladiatorial shows, epic animal hunts and displays of family power and prestige, the Coliseum in Rome is the largest amphitheater in the world. Completed in 80 AD, the Coliseum is the iconic symbol of imperial Rome – and a Festa landmark.
The actual bell tower is located in Venice’s Piazza and is a welcoming beacon in Venice’s principal public square, which is the social,
St. Mark’s Bell Tower A famous Venetian site at Festa is the 43-foot tall replica of the Campanile di San Marco, the bell tower of St. Mark’s Basilica. C.W. Purpero, Inc is sponsoring this awesome replica. ICC member Cosmo Carini was chief designer and builder of the Venetian landmark replica that has appeared each year at Festa since 2008. Carini and his volunteer crew meticulously erect the tower in sections with the help of a crane donated by Giuffre Brothers Cranes of Oak Creek and a professional electrician, who places and secures the lighting for the archangel Gabriel on the top of the tower.
religious and political center of the city.
David statue Festa allows you to travel to the Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence to see a replica of Michelangelo’s famous masterpiece, David. Festa’s replica of the statue is 17-feet tall. The replica matches the original 8.5-ton marble statue representing David, the Biblical hero and favored subject in the art of Florence.
Leaning Tower of Pisa Returning will be a replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Sponsoring this attraction is Giuffre Brothers Cranes. The campanile, or freestanding bell tower of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa is known worldwide for its unintended tilt. It is situated behind the Cathedral and is the third oldest structure in Pisa’s Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo) after the Cathedral and the Baptistery. The tower’s tilt began during construction, caused by an inadequate foundation on ground too soft on one side to properly support the structure’s weight. The tilt increased in the decades before the structure was completed and gradually increased until the structure was stabilized (and the tilt partially corrected) by efforts in recent years.
Sicilian-style arched gateway Another returning replica will the Sicilian-style arched gateway that was first seen in Milwaukee in the 1930s at the St. Rocco’s festival, hosted by Sicilian immigrants who lived in the city’s old Third Ward. Cosmo Carini also built this beautiful replica with lights for Festa.
Artisans’ Exhibit returns to Festa
THE ITALIAN TIMES
by Val Schleicher Exhibit Manager Italian American artisans and authors will gather at Festa Italiana, July 20-22,, to present a display of creative art and literary works. The group selected represents the next generation of Italian American artisans. The artisans coming to Festa are perpetuating their culture and art as descendants of Italy’s Renaissance era. They come from all walks of life and art, encompassing mediums of oil, acrylic, ceramic, plaster, wood/natural and mixed media, photography, literature, and performance art and more. Demonstrating and selling their art during all three days of Festa, the ensemble will share their artistry, culture, and knowledge to all. Festa’s Artisan Exhibit is a rare site, not unlike the Salons of Europe in Italian and European art history.
Look for the statue of David that will mark the Culture and Fine Art Area. The group of artisans and authors participating this year are as follows: • Silvana Bastianutti. She is an author who recently has published a memoir about her life in Italy during the war and eventually her immigration to Milwaukee. The book is titled My War My Peace. • The Orlandini crew. Eugene Orlandini, ornamental plaster, is a third generation artisan. He will display and demonstrate his ornate plaster and restoration work that has given the family name international recognition. Shelly Orlandini will display her photography of Paris, around town and her travels. • Debra Stubbe Burkart Creation. Her paintings are done with acrylic paint on raw canvas and magic marker. Originals as well as Please turn to page 47A
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 45 SECTION A
38th annual VIP Day for disabled set for Saturday, July 21
Festa Italiana will host its 38th annual VIP Day for the disabled on Saturday, July 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. “Our gratitude is extended to our sponsors, Goodwill Industries, Summerfest and the Italian Community Center,” said VIP Day Manager Bill Jennaro.
During the three-hour time period on July 21, Festa provides persons with disabilities and their caregivers the following deals. Each VIP Day guest and a caregiver can, with a special pre-ordered advance ticket, attend Festa for free starting at 11 a.m., a halfhour before the grounds officially open to the public. These free VIP Day admission tickets will be accepted until 2 p.m.
VIP Day tickets are available at the Festa office at the Italian Community Center during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The last day to secure these tickets at the ICC is Thursday, July 12.
VIP tickets can also be ordered by mail. Be sure to include the name of the VIP and one guest, phone number, the type of disability and indicate if you may require any special needs for the disability. With your request, include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope so your tickets can be
processed on a timely basis. Proper postage is required. Send the request to: VIP Day c/o Festa Italiana, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. The cut-off date for all mail orders is Monday, July 9. A ticket order form accompanies this article. For group VIP ticket orders, please email Constance Palmer at cpalmer@iccmilwaukee.com or you may call her at 414-223-2808. She will make the arrangements for the pickup of group orders. During the VIP Day hours, food vendors will have special offers on two food items. Each vendor will have those items plus soda for half price, courtesy of Festa Italiana. In addition, each VIP will also be eligible to pick up free fresh fruit at the Catalano Fruit stand in the Miller Lite Area. A Milwaukee area fruit wholesaler, who wishes to remain anonymous, is donating the fruit.
Please note: This year, Festa asks that caregivers provide each VIP guest with an adhesive name tag listing the following: 1). Name of guest. 2). Name of the group with which the guest is attending. 3). The mobile phone number for the responsible party. This information is essential when a VIP gets lost from his/her group. VIP guests that arrive in groups
can be dropped off and picked up near the Mid Gate on Harbor Dr. There will be vehicle parking available for $5 in the ICC lot and Summerfest Lot P until 2 p.m.
“We’re looking forward to a great turnout of the disabled in our community and presenting to them all that Festa Italiana has to offer,” Jennaro said.
VIP Day ticket order form
Name of VIP guest(s): ______________________________________ –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Type of Disabilities: ________________________________________ –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Name of Caregiver(s): ______________________________________
Mailing address: ___________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________ Phone No.: _______________________________________________
Email Address: ____________________________________________ All VIP Day ticket orders must be received by Monday, July 9 to ensure timely processing. Make sure to include a self-addressed envelope with significant postage for the tickets that will be sent to you. Mail your request to: VIP Day, Festa Italiana, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202. For any questions, contact 414-223-2180 or email office@iccmilwaukee.com
Prayer, pasta, processions
by Father Domenic Jose Roscioli Growing up Catholic in the 1950’s, it seemed that everything was a sin. We went to confession every Saturday. If you didn’t have a sin, you made one up. Sometimes, while waiting in line to go to confession, we even traded sins. The sermons at Sunday Mass were heavy on guilt and we were told that we had the same chance of going to Heaven as “a snowball’s chance in Hell.” At our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Kenosha, we were blessed to have the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida. That group of religious women is all about hope, so they told us that, no matter how bad we were, we should become friends with Mary the Mother of Jesus. If we did that the Sisters promised us that, if St. Peter closed the doors on us, we just had to go around back, and Mary would open a window to let us into Heaven. I thought it was worth a shot so I started going to Our Lady of Mount Carmel devotions on Wednesday nights. We prayed the rosary, said some Mary prayers and then celebrated Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. When I was little, I waved good-bye to the statue as I left church. I figured that she would see me in Heaven and remember my face. As the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel approached in the summer, the ladies started making homemade pasta, meatballs and sauce in the church hall kitchen. Somehow then, once a year, at festa time everything changed. The statue, the banners and the people spilled out of the church building into the streets in a large procession. People decorated their homes with statues, flowers and tapestries that they brought from Italy and Sicily. In Columbus Park there was a huge party called a festa or festival (to the “Americani”). That time of
prayer, pasta and processions changed my life. I figured that I couldn’t be as bad as I was told from the pulpit every Sunday. I mean, I figured that if I was without hope, God wouldn’t allow the statue of the Blessed Mother and Baby Jesus to be carried past the house I lived in, and then throw a party in the park for a weekend. So all the guilt theology preached from the pulpit the rest of the year took a back seat once the Mother of God left the church building and was paraded through the streets. We prayed the rosary, sang songs in Latin and Italian carrying “Mamma Mary” through the streets of our good, old neighborhood. Little girls dressed in their First Holy Communion outfits and threw flower petals on the streets to make it even more special for our Blessed Mother. Along the way many people pinned dollars on the ribbons hanging on the statue. Most of them were one-dollar bills because most of us were poor even though we didn’t know it. I marched in that procession most of my life. Then I moved away.
At Festa Italiana in Milwaukee, I found a new home in the procession through the grounds following the Mass on Sunday each year. As the Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida taught me, I’ve been friends with Mary the Mother of Jesus, just in case. You never know, I just might need her to open a window in the back so I can get into Heaven.
You might want to consider getting close to Mary. After all, everyone can use a little prayer, pasta and procession or two in their life. Have fun at Festa and don’t forget to wave at the statue. “Mamma Mary” will see you wave and remember your face too. God bless the good Sisters of Charity of St. Joan Antida. Thank you for the gift of hope.
PAGE 46 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
Seen here Father Domenic Roscioli deliving the homily at the Festa Italiana 2015 Mass when he was the Principal Celebrant. (Times photo by Tim Townsend)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italian Senator Francesca Alderesi coming to Festa on Sunday, July 22
New Italian Senator Francesca Alderesi will be coming to Festa Italiana on Sunday, July 22. Festa attendees will be able to meet her after the Mass and procession, according to Mike Palmisano, a past president of the Italian Community Center. Palmisano invited the senator to Festa. Earlier this year, Alderesi was elected as an Italian Senator to represent North America and Central America. She replaces Renato Turano, who did not seek re-election.
Born to Neapolitan parents in Treviso in 1968 and raised in Rome, Alderesi graduated from high school in classical studies. Since 1989, she has started her participation in various television programs. This has led her, since 2000, to be both the writer and the presenter (for eight editions and more than a thousand episodes) of “Sportello Italia,” the television program of RAI International broadcast all over the world. Since 2015, she has hosted
Visit Festa’s Artisans’ Exhibit
from page 45A affordable prints and greeting cards will be available at Festa.
• Paul Salsini. The widely celebrated author will bring his latest novel, The Temptation of Father Lorenzo: Ten Stories of 1970s Tuscany to the Festa Artisans Exhibit 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.
• Art Cola. This former educator turned author will be present all three of his novels: The Stone Cutter Genius, The Shamrock Crown and Papa and the The Leprechaun King. He will also present his Christmas themed children’s book, Papa and the Gingerbread Man. • Barbara Schoenherr. She began creating jewelry while tak-
ing care of her mom. She has been on her artistic journey for eight years, having been in Bead and Button Magazine and winning a design award for metals with Milwaukee PBS. Her design sense is organic, using natural stones to create adornment for wear with both casual and business dress. • Valorie (Sanfilippo) Schleicher. This sculptor and photographer will display her photography only at Festa. As a recognized artist and arts advocate, she has overseen events around her community to show art in unexpected places. She has been coordinating the exhibits for the Festa Art Tent and other local non-profits for the past 18 years. She has gained a national and international reputation for her art, has traveled to Soho NY and London UK with her art and has works in many countries around the word.
Milwaukee County Transit System gets riders to Festa two different ways
Celebrate Festa Italiana with ease and convenience by taking the bus. The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) offers two easy ways to get to Festa Italiana, July 20-22 at Henry Maier Festival Park. Take either the Downtown Shuttle service along Wisconsin Avenue and Freeway Flyers from three park-ride lots.
Downtown Shuttle service Shuttles provide service roughly every 30 minutes starting at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 20 and ending at 12:30 a.m. (leaving Festa to go to the original pick-up locations), from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 21 and from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 22. Buses operate in both directions along Wisconsin Avenue. When traveling to Festa, the Shuttle stops between N. 6th Street and N. Jackson Street, then proceeds directly to the Mid Gate. The return trip follows the same route. Stops are made at all bus stops marked with the Summerfest smile logo.
Freeway Flyer service Festival-goers can catch a Freeway Flyer from the following parkride lots: Brown Deer East (Brown Deer Road, west of I-43), College (College Avenue, at I-94, north and south lots), and State Fair Park (I94, S. 76th and W. Kearney Street). Service is provided during all hours of the festival, beginning a halfhour before the event and ending a
half-hour after the event. Frequency of service is approximately every half-hour. For Sunday Mass, buses will drop off at South Gate. Local routes MCTS also serves downtown with numerous local routes from all over Milwaukee County. Routes 14, 15, GreenLine and GoldLine all drop passengers off within walking distance of Henry Maier Festival Park. Many local routes connect with the Downtown Shuttle.
Fares Shuttles are $3 round trip for adults or $2.50 using an M•CARD. Discounted fares for children (ages 6-11), seniors (65 and older) and persons with disabilities are available. Visit RideMCTS.com or download the Ride MCTS app for those fares. Children under six can ride for free when accompanied by an adult. Freeway Flyer fare round-trip is $7 for adults or $5 when paying with an M•CARD. Like the shuttles, discounted fares for children (ages 6-11), seniors (65 and older) and persons with disabilities are available. Visit RideMCTS.com or download the Ride MCTS app for those fares. Children under six can ride for free when accompanied by an adult.. Customers can also get information by calling the 24-hour automated bus information line at 414-344-6711.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
“Cara Francesca ...,” the daily edition of RAI Italia dedicated to the life stories of Italians and descendants in the world. In recent years, she has enriched her experience in the field of emigration, getting to know personally thousands of compatriots on five continents during meetings and conferences. Motivated by the love for our countrymen and their stories, which represent an immense heritage of values, traditions and culture of our Belpaese, she has wanted to document the experiences gained during her travels through a series of amateur interviews. She has been engaged, as she herself says, “in wanting to dis-
close to as many people as possible the enormous resource made up of Italians and descendants in the world, and about which I would like us to speak with more awareness and frequency also in Italy.”
In June 2010, she was awarded with the honor of Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for her commitment to the Italian communities in the world.
In May 2013, she was the godmother and the promoter of the “Garden of the Italians in the World” located in Rome on Lungotevere Flaminio. It represents the first homonymy plate of Italy dedicated to our compatriots abroad.
Festa raffle details Italian Senator Francesca Alderesi
from page 6A some of the evenings of the “Live found on the ICC website, iccmilMusic in the Courtyard” series, waukee.com, and in this issue. hosted by Bartolotta Restaurants During Festa, July 20-22, raffle and presented by Milwaukee Com- tickets will be sold at locations pany. The series schedule can be across the grounds.
Planning to attend Summerfest, Festa Italiana and the other lakefront festivals this summer?
Your best bet for parking is the Italian Community Center lot. The ICC Parking Lot is across the street from the festival grounds and ACCEPTS CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS.
JULY/AUGUST 2018 – PAGE 47 SECTION A
What it means for a young member to belong to the ICC
by Ted Catalano This story brings to light the idea of “what it means” to be a member of the Italian Community Center through the words of a wonderful young lady who coincidently; just recently joined. If she just joined, than what is it that she could possibly offer? – one may ask! Read on…. Her name is Tracy (Conley) Balistreri and she was born with a green, white and red spoon in her mouth. Please don’t let that Irish/English maiden name Conley fool you for Tracy’s Godmother is past ICC President Betty Puccio, her uncle is current ICC President Dean Cannestra and her Mother is Dean’s sister, Chris. Her Father is the recently departed Dan Conley. For you see, when Dan Conley fell in love with Chris Cannestra, he also fell in love with (and surrendered to) her entire “Italian culture,” and boy did he ever! Tracy literally learned to walk on the avenues of Festa Italiana, with guidance from Dan and Chris. She grew up and learned from her Grandmother Pauline Puccio and Great Grandmother Jennie Puccio, for whom she appropriately referred to both as “Nanna” – why she even referred to Grandma Conley as Nanna. And that is one more piece of evidence, proving Dan Conley’s allegiance to the love of our Italian heritage. From the time of her little orthopedic shoes to the tennis shoes of today, Tracy has volunteered at Festa and anything else concerning the Italian Community – heart and soul. Her parents, Dan and Chris, taught her what that means and now Tracy and her husband Mike Balistreri do this for the blessing in their lives. While both continue to volunteer, they instill those wonderful values in their 4-year old named Sebastiana. You can currently catch her with the ICC’s Piccolini Dance group (that’s the smallest children in I Bei Bambini). “It’s about community as a whole, where community includes the Church, Festa and the ICC (Carnevale, Taste of Italy, Bocce, etc.)” is how Tracy answered the question about what the ICC meant to her. She concluded with the statement that VOLUNTEERING was the key and sadly exclaimed
how the idea “of not volunteering” was even a choice.(Well said!) From her days attending Saint Rita’s Grade school and Catholic East, to today, Tracy has seen Festa differently. She hopes the generations of the past will mentor the youth of tomorrow, so that Festa can carry the successes of that past to today. We’re not giving up and neither is Tracy! On the day that there was ground breaking on the site that currently houses the ICC; the press took a courtesy shot of what was the past, present and future of the ICC. The president at that time was Betty Puccio representing the present. A young Tracy Conley was in that photo representing the future! You can catch Tracy playing bocce at the ICC come fall. Just look for “the Master Blaster” as she’s fondly referred to by players. Ladies and Gentleman… this Girl’s got Game! * * * Here is a young Tracy Balistreri, when she was still Tracy Conley, with her Nanna Pauline Cannestra, in a photo taken at Festa Italiana 1981.
ICC Membership Dues Benefits of Italian Community Center Membership
Four (4) Festa Italiana Tickets – Maximum of Eight (8) Per Family Voting Privelegs (21 & Older) Postal Service Delivery of The Italian Times Member Discounts on Social Events, Classes & Bocce Leagues Members Rooms Cultural, Educational & Social Activities Forever Friendships Stronger Bonds Between Your Family & Your Culture
Age 20 and under Individual
Annual Dues
Gratis – $0.00
Ages 21 – 65
Individual
Annual Dues
$50 per year
Members, age 20 and under, receive two (2) free Festa Italiana tickets. No voting rights. At age 18, a member may vote, but must purchase a membership to do so.
Couple/Family
$100 per year
Individual
Ages 85 & Older
Individual
Annual Dues
Ages 66 – 84
Annual Dues
Couple/Family
$75 per year
$50 per year
Couple/Family
$30 per year
$50 per year
Effective: January 1, 2018. All Memberships Valid Through December 31, 2018. MEMBERSHIP REGISTRATION FORM Names & Birthdates of Each Adult: _______________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
Names & Birthdates of Each Child (under age 21): _____________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
Address, City, State, Zip Code: ___________________________________________________________________
Phone No.: ________________________ Email Address: ____________________________________________ No. of Members under 21: _____ No. of Members 21-65: ______ No. of Members 66-84: ______ No. of Members 85 & Older: _____ Milwaukee Police Department K9 Officer Johnson brought his dog, Enox, to Festa 2017 to meet the attendees. The MPD K9 Foundation, a nonprofit organization, had a booth to collect donations for the purchase of more police dogs and help with daily necessities. The dogs and the Foundation are returning to Festa 2018. (Times photo by John Ferraro)
Payment Amount: _______________ Method: Cash Check Credit Card – Card Type MC Visa Discover Other
Card No. :______________________________________________________ Expiration Date: _____________
___________________________________ Signature – Adult Member
____________________________________ Signature – Adult Member
Mail this form to: Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. The ICC respects your privacy and does not sell or distribute personal information such as birthdates, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses. This membership registration form can also be emailed to cpalmer@iccmilwaukee.com. For further information, call (414) 223-2180.
PAGE 48 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2018
THE ITALIAN TIMES