ITALIAN TIMES THE
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JULY/AUGUST 2017 • VOL. 39, NO. 2 SECTION A
– CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED –
July 21 July 22 July 23 2017
Henry W. Maier Festival Park
Summerfest Grounds
Welcome to the 40th Festa Italiana!
Times photos by Paul Inzeo and John Ferraro
It is with great pleasure that we publish the July/August 2017 Festa Italiana edition of The Italian Times. We have attempted to provide our readers with information on nearly all aspects of the 40th 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 21 and runs through Sunday, July 23 at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (the Sum-
merfest grounds) along Milwaukee’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 2017 issue. That issue will be published in late August. I wish to thank Paul Salsini, Pam Pietravalle, Susan DeSanctis Christiansen, Christina Ziino, Jessica Huebner, Gina Jorgensen and George Koleas, who volunteered to write stories for this issue. My thanks also to those who volunteer to contribute articles to every issue. These individuals include Blaise DiPronio, Barbara Collignon, Annette Robertson and Elizabeth Zizzo. 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 30A
Cosa c’è dentro? What’s inside?
Lot of delicious dishes to eat at Festa page 4A
Cooking expert Rossella Rago returning page 35A
Festa’s memorial salute to Dick Contino page 14A
Kids pizza-making contest set for July 22 page 37A
Details on all the Festa acts pages 6A-13A
Free carnival rides return to Festa page 16A Children’s Stage lineup
page 18A
Admission deals
page 22A
Singers invited to be Festa Italian Idol page 20A Festa’s Italian tourist attractions page 27A
40th Festa bocce tourney set for July 23 page 29A Cruise the lagoon on a gondola
page 32A
Find out what’s happening at La Cucina page 34A
Enter the cannoli-eating contest on July 22 page 36A
Giant puppets to be part of Festa parade page 38A
Catch the futsal tournament July 22 page 40A Shop until you drop at the marketplaces page 41A
All of the details on the Festa Mass pages 42A-43A
Festa to salute Italy’s Liguria region page 43A See Festa’s Italian heritage exhibit in air-controlled comfort page 44A VIP Day set for July 22
page 45A
PAGE 2 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Thank you for helping us to make our 40th Festa a big success
As President of the Italian Community Center and Co-Chairman of Festa Italiana with our Past President Giuseppe Vella, I want to extend my sincerest thanks to dozens of the volunteers who have already donated numerous hours of their time and their talent to make our 40th annual Festa Italiana a success. From the budgeting process to the planning and preparations for every activity, every event and every other facet of the festival to the securing of sponsorships, it takes a dedicated team effort to put together an event like ours. I can assure you that come the weekend of July 21 through July 23, we will be prepared to present a magnificent festival that showcases our Italian heritage and our pride as Italian Americans. Our 40th Festa will be a tribute to our past, present and future. As the longest running lakefront ethnic festival, we can take pride in what we have accomplished in these four decades. We still need more volunteer help in some areas. The primary need, at this time, is in the set-up and takedown of the Festa grounds, which requires volunteers who are able to do physically demanding work. If you are able to do this kind of work or might be interested in volunteering in other areas of Festa, please contact Constance Palmer at 414-223-2808 or email her at cpalmer@iccmilwaukee.com.
year to acquire new sponsors and community support. Through the efforts of my aunt Betty Puccio and others, we have expanded our sponsorship base significantly, which should go a long way toward improving our bottom line.
Everyone is Italian at Festa Our 40th Festa offers the general public a diversified and varied program of events, entertainment for all ages, Italian culture and superb cuisine and a spectacular nightly display of fireworks. Let us not lose sight of the essence of our celebration, the Sunday Mass and religious procession of all the patron saints of the hometowns of our parents, grandparents and ancestors. We are pleased to have the Most Reverend Jeffrey R. Haines, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, as the Main Celebrant of the Mass. I ask that you put Festa in your prayers. Pray for good weather. The weather is one key to the success of Festa that we cannot control. Remodeling of ICC If you come to the ICC anytime this summer, you will see that our building is under an extensive re-
modeling project. Partnering with the Bartolotta Restaurant Group, the plans that both parties have agreed to and are funding calls for remodeling the Pompeii Grand Ballroom, Festa Hall, the galleria, the corridors, the classrooms and even the restrooms. Our Italian heritage photo col-
lection has been taken down. Our Italian paintings have been put into storage. Carpeting is being torn out. Ceiling tiles are coming down. Sinks, countertops, toilets and partitions are being replaced. In fact, if you came into the building at the time this message was written, you might not even recognize our building as the Italian Community Center. But, don’t worry. All the pictures, painting and statuary – everything that demonstrated our Italian heritage and beliefs – will be coming back. Joe Bartolotta will be working with a committee I’m appointing to develop plans for showcasing our pictures and art, one that will ensure that everyone knows this is the Italian Community Center while allowing Bartolotta Catering to accommodate the needs of its clientele. The ICC will remain open throughout the project. Bartolotta will have Cafe La Scala open and the Courtyard Music Series is going on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. – Dean Cannestra ICC President Festa General Co-Chair
Thank you sponsors! Words cannot adequately express the gratitude we have for the many corporate and individual sponsorships and donations we have received for this year’s Festa. It is the support of the community – businesses and individuals – that makes Festa Italiana possible. I want to thank Tim Kezman and Calypso Lemonade for being our presenting sponsor again this year and all of our other sponsors and donors, all of whom are saluted in the center section of this newspaper. We made greater efforts this
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 DiPronio Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . Thomas Hemman Advertising Sales Representative . . . . . . Faye Ann Kessler Editorial Contributors and Columnists Blaise Di Pronio, Elizabeth Zizzo, Annette Robertson, Paul Salsini, Pam Pietravelle. Barbara Collignon and Donato Di Pronio Staff Photographers. . . . . Tom Hemman, Paul Inzeo, John Ferraro and Tim Townsend For advertising information, please call (414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to: themman@iiccmilwaukee.com. Copyright 2017 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 2017 – PAGE 3 SECTION A
Mangia! Mangia! … All the delectable dishes at Festa Italiana
by Pam Pietravalle Say “Italian” and people think of food! Nothing is more associated with Italy and Italians than FOOD. Growing up in an Italian American family, there was always a small pot on the stove with a “bottomless pit” simmering something delicious like my mother’s homemade sauce or pasta fagioli awaiting anyone who stopped by.Visiting in Italy, conversation always revolves around food. Greetings at lunchtime always include “buon pranzo” (have a good lunch). After lunch, the dialog is: “Did you eat?”
or “What did you eat?” And, all morning is spent shopping, preparing and anticipating “pranzo.” Food is the heart of Italian culture as it represents, not just yummy dishes but the intimacy of family and friends getting together to share their lives. Italian mothers and grandmothers are dogmatic about having everyone home for lunch at 1 p.m. They definitely have sway as witnessed by the deserted streets. Walking around the Festa grounds you are bombarded by those aromas emanating from the
Trudy and Fred Obremski of Franklin enjoyed some of the Italian cuisine during their visit to Festa Italiana in 2016. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
bevy of great food options. Clearly, one of the high points of Festa Italiana is the food. Festa 2017 hosts many of the vendors from last year with a new restaurant added, Bartolotta’s Northpoint, located in the Calypso Lemonade Area (Harley Davidson Area). A Bradford Beach institution, Bartolotta’s Northpoint will offer their standbys like char-
PAGE 4 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
grilled ¼ lb. hamburgers on a buttered Sciortino roll, hot dogs, bratwurst and Italian beef sandwiches, as wells as, other goodies. Those we look forward to every year are Alioto’s of Wauwatosa, Badger Corn, Cedar Crest Ice Cream, Carini’s La Conca d’Oro, Catalano Fruit/Fruit Cup/Lemonade, Crocker Root Beer Barrels, Festa Sausage by Greco & Sons, Gelateria Italiana, Glorioso’s Italian Market, Hawaiian Shave Ice of Milwaukee, Koepsell’s Popcorn, Divino Wine & Dine, Lemon Chill, 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. The food vendors at Festa Italiana offer a comprehensive menu of food, drinks, snacks to fulfill any desire at any moment of the day. If you are looking for side dishes or appetizers to “hold you over,” try the toasted cheese ravioli or mozzarella sticks from Trattoria di Carlo; fried calamari and eggplant spiedini from Carini’s Conca d’Oro or spiedini bites from Saz’s, or Papa Luigi’s lasagna rolls and fried eggplant from Divino Wine & Dine. Arancini (rice balls) can be found at Peter Sciortino’s Bakery. Pasta and pizza abound throughout the grounds. Find your favorites like Pasta alla Nonna at Pietro’s Pizza, Pasta alla Bolognese at Trattoria di Carlo, Classic Scrima or gluten-free wood-fire pizza at Scrima’s, and baked meat mostaccioli at Papa Luigi’s. If you are looking for sandwiches of all types, you will find them at a variety of food vendors including Italian beef and meatball sandwiches from Glorioso’s; Italian beef sandwich from Alioto’s, Festa Italiana sausage and peppers at Sausage by Greco & Sons, Italian meatball sandwich from Saz’s, as well as, grilled specialties from Northpoint. For refreshing drinks and desserts head to Peter Sciortino’s Café or Bakery, for Italian cookies and pastries, Cedar Crest Ice Cream and Gelateria Italiana for ice cream and gelato or Sil’s Mini Donuts and root beer floats from Crocker Root Beer Barrels. For more refreshing treats, try Hawaiian Shave Ice of Milwaukee, Lemon Chill, Nuts for You and Catalano Fruit/Fruit Cup/Lemonade. No festival would be complete without roasted corn from Badger Corn. The biggest problem we all have is where to start! The 2017 menu from the food vendors will be available on the Festa website – festaitaliana.com – shortly. So check it out so you can plan your culinary stops during the day.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
IN MEMORY OF PHILLIP J. PURPERO
CEO OF C.W. PURPERO, INC. CHARTER MEMBER OF THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER SERVED ICC AS PRESIDENT, OFFICER, DIRECTOR, VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND MEMBER OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES
It was Phil’s nature to treat people with fairness and respect. It was a virtue that served him well. He also had the ability to motivate people to “get the job done” and he was always part of getting it done!
After Phil returned from WW II he rejoined his father, Charley, in the family dump truck business, C.W. Purpero. It didn’t take him long to propel a company of small beginnings into a major player in the construction business. He brought his brothers Anthony (Smitty) and Salvatore (Sam) into the business as partners as their father was retiring. Phil now led the C.W. Purpero, Inc. Excavating Company for 50 years before he retired in the early 1990s. Phil was highly respected by his peers in the Milwaukee construction community as was evident by comments made at his funeral by major leaders in the field.
For many, the building of a new Italian Community Center was just a dream. For Phil, it had to become a reality. He helped win the bid for the purchase of the 16.3 acres of land on which to build our Center. He devoted many hours of his personal time working with the architects and builders to see the project through. He was proud of his Italian heritage and loved Festa!
Phil has left his footprint at C.W. Purpero, Inc. and the Italian Community Center for future generations to follow. His commitment to the ICC was demonstrated by his hard work and generous monetary contributions. More important are the many friendships he cultivated through the years. If you were a friend of Phil’s, you were his friend for life.
Phil paid his rent to God for his space on earth with his generosity and genuine love and concern for family and friends. If you ever went to him for help his answer was, “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it”. And he always did!
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 5 SECTION A
Enjoy the diverse entertainment lineup at Festa XL
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Festa Italiana officials have turned to a time-tested formula for creating the entertainment lineup for the 40th annual festival, July 21-23. That formula entails mixing a little bit of this with a little bit of that to produce a wide-ranging lineup that gives everyone attending something that they really want to see with always some unexpected surprises. Since you are reading The Italian Times, we’re going to assume that many of you come to Festa for the Italian entertainment. This year’s lineup has plenty of Italian. How about Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, who took season 11 of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” by storm? Maybe you prefer the plethora of Italian and Italian American musical tributes of Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms? Two crowd-pleasers in last year’s lineup are being bought back. They are The Sicilian Tenors – Aaron Caruso, Elio Scaccio and Sam Vitale – and the Milwaukee jewel, The Florentine Opera, which was founded by the late John-David Anello in 1933. (A separate story on the Florentine Opera and its performers coming to Festa can be
found in this issue.) The Florentine Opera vocalists will perform on the Bartolotta Restaurant Group Stage inside the Cucina Showcase at 7 p.m., July 21 and July 22 and 1:30 p.m., July 23. For a pleasant surprise, come and see these newcomers: a trio named Tre Principesse (Three Princesses) and Neapolitan vocalist, Anna Calemme. Coming back for obvious reasons are the electrifying Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini, the flag-throwing troupe from the communities in and around Figline Valdarno in the Florence Province of Italy. Maybe you come for the groups that you rocked out to in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Festa has hometown favorites the BoDeans in the 2017 lineup on its opening night (July 21), and the Gin Blossoms, a band that generated several Top 40 hits in the 1990s, on tap for Saturday night (July 22). Sal Valentinetti won’t be the only alumnus of an NBC competition show at Festa. Performing also is singer/songwriter Nicholas David, one of the three finalists in the 2012 season of “The Voice.” You might be shockingly surprised to hear the all-girl group the
Violin Femmes, led by rock violinist and arranger Nina DiGregorio. The group is accompanied by the Bella Electric Strings. Another one of the new rockers worth catching at Festa is Dog ‘N’ Butterfly, the Ultimate Heart Tribute Band, fronted by vocalist Lizann Warner, whose portrayal of Heart’s legendary singer Ann Wilson is both eerie and unparalleled. Attention all Wisconsin Badgers fans: Members of the UW Marching Band will return to perform a fifth quarter performance for Festagoers on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23. Last year, they drew a large crowd on a Saturday afternoon during a rainstorm! This year, Festa officials expect the band to draw an even larger crowd on both Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23. We know there are many of you who come for the returning favorites. Included in this group are The Russo Brothers (Nick and Dominic and their all-star cast of musicians), vocalist Tony Spavone, Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz, Tradizione Vivente: The Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, the venerable Sicilian Serenaders, the Festa Regional Dancers, Anita’s Dance Group and Mil-
waukee Public Schools’ Festival Strings. Festa has also booked local ‘90s alternative band, Mic Over Matter, for Friday and Saturday night, July 21-22. after the fireworks on the Calypso Lemonade Stage. Added just before press time was a MIAW Pro Wrestling card. The “Rumble at Festa” will take place Sunday, July 21 on the Coliseum Stage. First, let’s look at the headliners and the newcomers.
FESTA ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE Sal Valentinetti Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti is most known for belting out the classic Frank Sinatra hit “My Way,” which not only earned him a standing ovation on “America’s Got Talent,” but the coveted “Golden Buzzer” from judge Heidi Klum. Among the show’s 2016 finalists, Valentinetti is the 21-year old Italian American crooner who is cited for his flawless vocals, larger than life personality and heart of gold. For Chicago’s Columbus Day Parade on Oct. 9, Valentinetti will serve as Grand Marshal. His first Christmas album will be released in late 2017. At Festa, Valentinetti will perform at 7 p.m., July 22 and 8:30 p.m., July 23. Both shows are on the new Miller Lite Stage. Continued on page 7A
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THE ITALIAN TIMES
from page 6A
Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms 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, 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 Vuo Fa L’Americano” and their own Italian version of “Hang On Sloopy.” Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms will play at 9 p.m., July 21-22 and 6:30 p.m., July 23. All shows are on the Miller Lite Stage. The Sicilian Tenors The Sicilian Tenors – Aaron Caruso, Elio Scaccio and Sam Vitale – bring together three marvelous tenor voices, performing their own interpretation of the world’s best music in a recital format. The Sicilian Tenors will “wow” Festa audiences with a romantic journey from Hollywood to Broadway to Italy. That combines the music with light-hearted comedy, making it a concert for all ages to enjoy. Aaron Caruso has been performing on stage since the age of 6, and attended the Interlochen Arts Academy for high school. He earned his bachelor’s degree in vocal performance with an Italian minor from the University of Michigan. He studied opera in Italy and New York City with the late Maestro Luigi Veccia. Aaron specializes in Classic Neapolitan music. Elio Scaccio, a performing artist
Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms
since early childhood, focused on jazz vocal technique and performance and had classical training at the Peabody Conservatory at Johns Hopkins University. Elio has become a “crossover” performer, singing classical, pop, Italian ethnic, and occasionally, vintage rock. Sam Vitale is a graduate of the
THE ITALIAN TIMES
The Sicilian Tenors
University of Michigan School of Music. He, too, studied in New York City under Veccia. Sam has performed the lead tenor roles in Carmen, La Traviata, Rigoletto, The Phantom of the Opera, Don Giovanni and Pagliacci. He is a United States Air Force veteran of both Operation Desert Storm
Shield and Desert Storm. See The Sicilian Tenors at 7 p.m., July 21, 5 p.m., July 22 and 4:30 p.m., July 23 on the Miller Lite Stage. Tre Principesse Festa officials are excited to welPlease turn to page 8A
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 7 SECTION A
These acts will perform at Festa . . .
Napoli Infiniti Amori,” “Nà Maschera,” “Live on Rome” and “Una Vita.” This Neapolitan star will sing at 3:30 p.m., July 21 and 2 p.m. July 22 on the Miller Lite Stage and at 1 p.m., July 23 on the Calypso Lemonade Stage.
from page 7A
come for the first time a newly formed trio of young aspiring opera vocalists called Tre Principesse. The trio includes Tatiana Marie, an 18-year-old soprano, Anastasia Lee, a 20-year old contralto, and Agnes G., a 15-year-old soprano. Each has won acclaim in contests nationally and abroad. Anastasia Lee performed with global superstar Josh Groban when she was just 14 years old and is a three-time Italian Idol winner. She released her first single, “Sano e Salvo,” in January 2016, for which the proceeds were donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Agnes G. was the winner of the Pop Opera Division at “Music For Kids” talent TV show and has performed at Carnegie Hall and appeared on “The Steve Harvey
Tre Principesse
Show.” Tatiana Marie performs a wide range of music and has won acclaim for her vocal range. Watch Tre Principesse perform at 12:30 p.m., July 22 and at 1:30 p.m., July 23 on the Miller Lite Stage.
her native Italy. Among her album recordings are “Anna Calemme:
Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini was established 52 years ago and has been demonstrating the spectacle of Italian flag throwing to audiences in America for the last decade. This will mark its third consecutive appearance at Festa Italiana. The group regularly competes in Italy and through Europe. An interview with a member of the group appears elsewhere in this issue. Be sure to witness Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini in its performances on the court at the Coliseum Stage at 8:30 p.m., July 21, 8 p.m., July 22 and 6:30 p.m., July 23. The group will also make Continued on page 11A
Anna Calemme Anna Calemme, a native of Italy, performs Neapolitan songs and is referred to as “The Elegant Voice of Naples.” The glamorous singer is known for her warm and harmonious vocals and can reign it in to the most initiate of sounds: simple, melancholic and romantic. Calemme is widely popular in
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Sbandieratori dei Borghi and Sestieri Florentini is shown here in a photo taken at Festa’s 2016 opening day ceremony. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
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Florentine Opera artists to bring ‘Italian Musical Buffet’ to Festa
by Barbara Collignon “It’s exciting to be part of Festa Italiana,” confirmed William Florescu, General Director of the Florentine Opera, as he revealed the names of the opera artists who will perform July 21-23.
Florescu will be the master of ceremonies for performances at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 21 and Saturday, July 22. On Sunday, July 23, the performance is at 1:30 p.m. Their performances will take place on The Bartolotta Restaurant Group Stage. Ruben Piirainen will accompany Jessica Blau, Rachel Blaustein, Leroy Davis and Tom Leighton as they perform. These artists are participating in the Florentine Opera’s Summer Concert Residency program. They are performing only once a day so be sure to make note of these times in your calendar. The performances will feature an “Italian Musical Buffet” with selections from Verdi, Puccini, Neapolitan songs and songs of Italian inspiration sung in English. At the time of this writing, the artists could not reveal exactly which arias they will sing. We might assume that the buffet will include several favorite arias of Verdi and Puccini. All four of these young artists have studied Italian and other languages with an emphasis on diction. They auditioned in order to participate in the Florentine Opera Studio Program and they reside in the Casa di Opera near the location of the Florentine Opera headquarters. Mezzo-soprano Jessica Blau already has an extensive performing record. She sang Dorabella in Cosi Fan Tutte, Dolly Oblonsky in Anna
Karenina, Nancy in Albert Herring, and the title role in Carmen. She has also sung the roles of Nicklausse in Les Contes d’Hoffmann, Meg in Little Women and a trouser role, that of Hansel in Hansel & Gretel. Blau studied at the University of Houston, Texas, where she recently completed a Performance Certificate. Her favorite aria is Una voce poco fa from The Barber of Seville. Originally from Texas, Blau is looking forward to spending time at our lakefront and to learning more about the various foods Milwaukee has to offer.
Rachel Blaustein completed her bachelor’s degree in voice with a minor in drama in 2013. A native of Olney, Maryland, she holds a Master of Music from the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. Her soprano repertoire ranges from Handel and Mozart to contemporary works. During the Florentine’s coming season, she will sing the role of Sylviane in The Merry Widow and Papagena in The Magic Flute. Critics have acclaimed her as “garnering audience approval as a true standout.” Prendi, per me sei libero from Donizetti’s L’Elisir d’amore and Cara nome from Rigoletto are two of her favorite arias. This is Blaustein’s first time in Wisconsin and says Milwaukee is “lovely!” Baritone Leroy Y. Davis has performed with the Florentine Opera Studio Artist Program since 2015. Perhaps you heard him sing Bruckner’s Te Deum with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra. He has sung the roles of Don Alfonso in Cosi fan tutte and that of a Mandarin/Ping in Turandot with Shreveport
Mezzo-soprano Jessica Blau
Soprano Rachel Blaustein
Baritone Leroy Y. Davis
Tenor Thomas Leighton
Opera. He has also performed in other favorites such as Madama Butterfly, Die Fledermaus, Don Giovanni, and Fiorello in The Barber of Seville. Davis recently performed a concert of new American operatic works from the Florentine’s recording anthology at Opera America’s National Opera Center in New York City. You can view this on YouTube. He will return to the Florentine in 2018 as Adonis and Aeneas in their double bill of Venus and Adonis and Dido and Aeneas. His favorite aria to sing is Sylvio’s part in the duet between Silvio and Nedda in I Pagliacci. Davis thinks Milwaukee is beautiful, full of wonderful people and he’s looking forward to sampling Wisconsin’s famous cheese and beer.
Thomas Leighton, tenor, has also been with the Florentine Opera Studio Artist Program since 2015. He recently appeared in the Florentine’s presentation of Madama Butterfly. You might also have heard him sing with the Milwaukee Symphony, the Madison Symphony or with Milwaukee’s Present Music. Originally from Saugerties, New York, he holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, with graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Leighton’s favorite composer is Verdi, in particular, because Verdi wrote so many good arias for tenors. He likes Milwaukee so much that he’s planning to call it home for a few years.
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Peter and Nino Machi JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 9 SECTION A
Performances by Florentine Flag Throwers continue long tradition at Festa Italiana Palermo’s Pizza serving as sponsor
by Paul Salsini When members of the Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini – the thrilling group of flag throwers from Italy – perform at Festa Italiana this year, they will be continuing a tradition that goes back almost 35 years. This year, the sponsorship of Palermo’s Pizza has made the appearance of the flag throwers possible. “Presenting a performing group of this size is no small undertaking,” said Dean Cannestra, Italian Community Center Presidentd/Festa General Co-Manager. “We thank the Fallucca family and Palermo’s Pizza for their participation in Festa as a sponsor of the outstanding group.”
In the early days, Festa initially hosted the Gruppo Sbandieratori San Gemini, a world-famous group from San Gemini in Umbria. A book published in 2004 has photographs of the flag throwers performing in Milwaukee in 1984, 1991 and 1994, but there were other visits as well. Now, for the third consecutive year, the group from the comune of Figline Valdarno, about 16 miles southeast of Florence, will be visiting. The town has a rich history dating back to 1008. Aligned with the pro-imperial Ghibellines, it was burned to the ground by the Florentines in 1250 but rose from the ashes and, eventually, chosen by Napoleon in 1800 as a center for the study of naturalism. Among its tourist attractions are the Church of St. Francesco, built in 1229, and the Collegiate of St. Maria, which houses precious works of art. At the center is the Piazza Marsilio Ficino, the market square, where the Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini regularly perform. The tradition of flag throwing dates back to the Middle Ages. When armies went into battle, they were led by a standard bearer, who carried a flag high. Losing the flag to the enemy was considered the first sign of defeat. Now, groups pay tribute to this tradition by having men in medieval costumes toss flags high in the air, catching them and performing a multiple of intricate choreographed maneuvers. Drums and trumpets make for a heart-stopping performance. Performances will be in the T.J. Bartolotta Sports Court on Friday, July 21, at 8:30 p.m.: Saturday, July 22, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, July 23, at 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. The flag-throwers will also be performing throughout the grounds, at the opening ceremonies, in the weekend parades and in Sunday’s mass and proces-
The spectacle of Italian flag throwing will be on display for the enjoyment and amazement of guests at Festa Italiana, July 21-23. For the third consecutive year, Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini,
sion. The Italian Times was able to have a conversation with Giocomo Betta, the new coordinator of the group, who, as it turns out, spent a year in Oregon as an exchange student when he was 17. Italian Times: What has the group been doing in the last year since you were at Festa? Giocomo Betta: Our group performs all year long in Italy, Europe and other countries in the world. In 2016, our group attended the Italian Festival in Denver, Colorado, in September, and, in November, we performed in Tokyo, Japan, for the Italian Heritage Year. Besides these major performances, we also have been to Germany, France and Spain. IT: What was the most exciting part of your year? GB: As always, the most important and most spectacular performance for us is the Easter performance in our hometown. For us, this is the most important show of all the year. Every year, we make a new exhibition, with more than 90 members, between flag throwers, drums, trumpets and captains. IT: Tell us a little about yourself. How long have you been with the group? Were you here in previous years? What is your role in the group? GB: I’m 27 years old, and I have been in the group since I was 12. In November, I was elected by the assembly as coordinator of the group. My role consists in coordinating the
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the flag-throwing troupe from Figline Valdarno, Italy will thrill audiences with each performance. This photo was taken at Festa 2016. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
group’s activities, obtaining new contacts and coordinating the logistics of the group. I also coordinate the council which takes care of all the aspect of the group, such as wardrobe, training, school activities, etc. Unfortunately, I’ve never had the chance to come to your Festa in the previous years, and I won’t be able to come this year either. I hope I’ll be part of the event next year. IT: Tell us something about some other members of the group. GB: I’d like to tell you about Spolverini Niccolò. He’s 22 years old, the youngest soloist of our group. He’s been part of the group since he was 12 so he’s been part of the group for many years, and his attachment to us will lead him to be the future of the group. He will be attending your Festa this year, so you will be able to enjoy his performance. IT: How many members do the flag throwing, how many on drums, how many play trumpets? GB: In Borghi e Sestieri there are more than 100 members. It’s hard to tell exactly how many are in each branch, but there are 40 to 50 flag throwers, more or less 20 drums, 10 trumpets and 13 captains. There are others who accompany us (photographers, cameramen, helpers, etc.) and the new pupils. We will not, of course, bring everyone to Milwaukee, but there will be a good representation. IT: Can you describe your uniforms? GB: Our uniforms are rigorously handmade, as the historical tradi-
tion of Tuscany. They’re made of wool, felt and horsehair. The colors represent the aristocracy (blue) and the people (red). The patterns were taken from original paintings found in Florence that represent images of flag throwers back in the Middle Ages. IT: Do you plan to again walk around the Festa grounds during the day and get together to sing at night? GB: Of course, members of the group will be walking around the Festa grounds and obviously, we will be glad to bring some Italian happiness and empathy to the Festa. IT: Is the group looking forward to coming back to Milwaukee? GB: It has been a pleasure for the group to be invited again to Milwaukee. It has become now one of our highlights of the year! IT: Is there anything else you’d like to say? GB: I’d like to thank, in name of the group, the organization of the Festa and the Italian American community. Thanks to all of them we have been able to perform in Milwaukee and help to keep bringing the Italian culture around the world and the United States. Thank you very much! GRAZIE MILLE! Editor’s note: Paul Salsini pays tribute to flag throwers in a story in the sixth volume of his “A Tuscan Series.” The book is titled “The Fearless Flag Thrower of Lucca: Nine Stories of 1990s Tuscany” and is available on Amazon and Boswell Books.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Festa acts span music genres
ranging everywhere from Prince to Beethoven. His powerful voice, enriching lyrics and liquid piano playing set him apart and are the reason Skope Magazine called him “An authentic artist of this millennium.” Fans can see Nicholas David perform at 7:30 p.m., July 21 on the Calypso Lemonade Stage.
from page 8A
impromptu performances in open areas of the Festa grounds.
The BoDeans Formed in Waukesha in 1983, the Bo Deans continue to be one of the best live acts in the business. The band is known for delivering amazing, high-energy performances. Chart-topping songs like “Fadeaway,” “Only Love” and “Dreams” won them Rolling Stone’s readers’ poll for Best New American Band in 1987. The band has released several albums which embody multiple songs played heavily on the radio, in TV shows and movies, and defined a sound that a generation embraced (such as “Good Things,” “You Don’t Get Much,” “Idaho,” “If It Makes You,” “Closer To Free,” “Stay,” “American” and “All the World”). With all its loyal fans, you can bet a lot of people will be singing and jamming out to the band. See the BoDean perform July 21 at 9 p.m. on the Calypso Lemonade Stage.
The BoDeans
The Gin Blossoms Another group that will have you singing along to their hits are the Gin Blossoms. Hailing from Tempe, Ariz., the group’s fusion of pop, melodic rock, folk and country elements made them an MTV playlist favorite and a ‘90’s mainstay. Their hits included” “Hey Jealousy,” “Allison Road,” “Until I Fall Away,” “Mrs. Rita,” and “Til I Hear It From You.” In February 2017, the Gin Blossoms went back into the studio to record a new album that is expected to be released this summer. Fans will get a taste of the new release at Festa. The Gin Blossoms take the Calypso Lemonade Stage at 9 p.m., July 22.
Nicholas David Nicholas David, a finalist on NBC’s “The Voice” 2012, is a vibrant, dynamic and multi-talented singer/songwriter from St. Paul, Minn. He has composed alternative soul music that connects with people worldwide on a deeply human level. Prior to his unforgettable run with Team CeeLo on “The Voice,” Nicholas had already recorded five critically acclaimed albums, experienced national radio airplay and participated in multiple charity and collaborative projects. Nicholas’ music is a fully integrative experience, incorporating multiple genres and influences,
The Gin Blossoms
Dog ‘N’ Butterfly Created in 2003, Dog ‘N’ Butterfly is a five-piece band of accomplished musicians dedicated to making an authentic portrayal of Please turn to page 12A
Violin Femmes featuring Bella Electric Strings
Nicholas David
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Violin Femmes featuring Bella Electric Strings Violin Femmes featuring the Bella Electric Strings will rock Festa attendees with their blistering solos and unique arrangements, not to mention their beauty and charm. The girls have performed with some of the biggest names in the business, from Beyoncé to Shakira to Andrea Bocelli and appeared on season 1 of “America’s Got Talent.” Bella Electric Strings was recently featured in a David Foster and Friends concert alongside the legendary songwriter and producer. Performing the music of Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Queen, Prince, The Eagles, ELO and more, Violin Femmes takes the Bella Strings to a whole new level in live entertainment. Catch the Violin Femmes featuring the Bella Electric Strings at 5 p.m., July 22 and at 8 p.m., July 22 on the Calypso Lemonade Stage.
Liz Warner and Desha Dunnehoe of Dog ‘N’ Butterfly
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 11 SECTION A
Your Festa favorites are returning
from page 11A the music of Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, the Canadian classic rock band which had hits from the early 1970s through the late 1990s. As Heart fans know, “Dog and Butterfly was the name of one of the group’s most successful albums. Lizann Warner, who has captured the vocals and stage presence of Heart’s lead vocalist Ann Wilson, is joined by Desha Dunnahoe, who like Nancy Wilson, is a multi-instrumentalist, gifted composer and orchestrator. There is good reason why Dog ‘N’ Butterfly is called the “Ultimate Heart Tribute Band.”
Rock on to Dog ‘N’ Butterfly at 7 p.m., July 22 and 6:30 p.m., July 23 on the Calypso Lemonade Stage.
The Russo Brothers The Russo Brothers perform annually at Festa Italiana. One reason why they perform at each Festa is because they are so wildly entertaining and enjoyed by people of all ages. Their band is made up of guitar, bass, drums, saxophone, trumpet, and trombone. The Russo Brothers feature Nick, 29, and Dominic, 25, Italian-American brothers, who grew up right outside of Milwaukee
and have been playing at Festa since they were 8 and 4 years old, respectively. Their shows mix Italian favorites – Sinatra, Martin, and Pavarotti – with today’s favorite upbeat music and some good comedy, too. This year, they will be among the performers participating in Festa’s tribute to the late Dick Contino. (See separate story.) Catch The Russo Brothers at 5:30 p.m., July 21, 3 p.m., July 22 and 4 p.m., July 23 on the Calypso Lemonade Stage. Tony Spavone Tony Spavone received classical music training at the Conservatory of Chicago as a young man. Later, he returned to Italy for additional training to perfect his Neapolitan style of singing. Examples of that style can be heard on the four albums he has produced: “Core N’ Grato,” “Canta Napoli,” “Neapolitan Classics” and “Smile.” The list of selections on each CD can be
The Russo Brothers (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Tony Spavone
found at the singer’s website, www.tonyspavone.com. Several years ago, he became Continued on page 13A
The Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz (Times photo by John Ferraro)
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PAGE 12 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
THE ITALIAN TIMES
from page 12A the restaurateur of Tony Spavone’s Ristorante in Bloomingdale, Ill. He often performs for his dinner guests. Look for Tony Spavone’s shows on the Miller Lite Stage at 5 p.m., July 21, 3:30 p.m., July 22 and 3 p.m., July 23. Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz The Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz features three vocalists and a 10-piece horn section. They specialize in rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and straight out blues music, along with covers from the 1950s through the present. Italian Community Center members are likely to recognize Laura Easey-Jones as one of the vocalists. Let the Noyz Boyz & Gyrlz entertain you at 3:30 p.m., July 21, 1 p.m., July 22 and 2:30 p.m., July 23 on the Calypso Lemonade Stage.
Tradizione Vivente For more than 70 years, the members of Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee 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. (A separate story on the group can be found in this issue.) See Tradizione Vivente at the Coliseum Stage at 7:30 p.m., July 21, 7 p.m., July 22 and 7:30 p.m., July 23.
Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, is shown here in a perfromance at Festa Italiana 2016. The group has been in existence for more
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. The majority 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. Each dancer is between the ages of 15 and 25 and from the Milwau-
than 70 years and has been a regular in the Festa lineup for many years. See its performances on the Coliseum Stage.(Times photo by Tom Hemman)
kee area. You can find them on at: Facebook https://www,facebook.com/pages/ItalianRegional-RenaissanceDancers/150122611857777. Girls interested in joining the group can contact Alyssa LaBarbera at alysssa@alwaysdapper.com or at 414-339-7409. Anita’s Dance Group An annual participating act at Festa Italiana, Anita’s Dance Group is comprised of young amateur dancers, who perform for programs within the state and across
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! Balistrieri and the Pappalardo brothers are carrying on the strolling musician tradition started by their fathers nearly 70 years ago. Festa Regional Dancers 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.
The Sicilian Serenaders – Ted and Tom Papalardo (left and center) and Peter Balistrieri – will be strolling the Festa grounds at each day. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Here are the Festa Regional Dancers performing a taranella in an open area near the Mid Gate. The
THE ITALIAN TIMES
group has been a part of Festa for since the early 1980s. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
the nation. The group features dancers from kindergarten age through high school seniors. Their programs are varied and are always crowd-pleasing. While the youngest members of Anita’s Dance Group are performing on the Children’s Stage daily (see separate story), the older members are dancing on the Coliseum Stage at 6:30 p.m., July 21, 9 p.m., July 22 and 8:30 p.m., July 23.
Festival Strings The Festival Strings, a musical ensemble under the direction of Becky Arthur and Jacqueline Crema, is returning to Festa Italiana for the sixth consecutive year. The ensemble came into existence through a Milwaukee Public Schools’ summer program. The group features both young and older musicians who enjoy performing. The Festival Strings are slated for a performance at the Coliseum Stage at 5 p.m. Look for the group to do an impromptu show or two on open location on the grounds, too. Mic Over Matter Mic Over Matter plays a very diverse set list, heavily influenced by the ‘90’s and an array of today’s hits within numerous genres. The group utilizes an acoustic/violin twist to your favorite alternative, pop, rock, indie, classic rock, reggae and folk hits. Anything is pretty much fair game. Mic Over Matter takes the Calypso Lemonade Stage after the 10:30 p.m. fireworks shows on July 21 and July 22.
Italian-style fireworks will resonate nightly
by Blaise Di Pronio It started out as a mysterious black powder brought back from the East by Marco Polo. It miraculously exploded when ignited. It was immediately put to their nefarious purposes by the military. But only the Italians turned its alternate uses into a consummate art form. Fuoco artificiale (artificial fire) – fireworks were born! 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. You all know the routine by now thanks to the Bartolotta family, from the opening blasts followed by the ever colorful show, the pre-finale alluding to what’s to come and then the locomotive style grand finale which, like a train, starts off slowly but then accelerates in Please turn to page 30A
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 13 SECTION A
Festa to host memorial salute to legendary accordionist Dick Contino
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Festa Italiana will present a memorial salute to famed accordionist Dick Contino on Sunday, July 23 at 6 p.m. on the Miller Lite Stage. Contino, who performed at Festa 34 times in its 40-year history, died Apr. 19 at the age of 87. “From his first appearance at our very first Festa in 1978, Dick became a crowd favorite whose charisma was contagious, whose talent was exceptional and whose down-to-earth personality won over everyone who came to see them and got to know him,” said Dean Cannestra, Festa General CoChairperson. “With his passing, there was no question in my mind that Festa Italiana had to do something special to salute this remarkable man.” Cannestra and fellow co-chairman Giuseppe Vella are pleased to announce that the participants in the memorial salute will include Contino’s son, Pete, his daughter, Deidre, three-time world champion accordionist and Contino protégé Cory Pescaturo, Ray Massa and the Russo Brothers (Nick and Dominic). Longtime Festa fans will recall Pete Contino performing on drums and accordion with his father in the mid 1980s. A year or so later, Dick and Pete were joined on stage by Deidre Contino, who sang with her father’s band. The next year, all
His fans loved to come and see him play his accordion, and, as this picture shows, Dick Contino loved performing for them. This picture was taken on the Miller Lite Stage at Festa Italiana 2014, the last year Contino played at the festival. Knowing how popular and strong of a following he had, Festa officials generally booked Contino for two shows each day, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
three had their own gigs at Festa. Pete and Deidre are the children of Dick’s first wife, the late Hollywood actress, Leigh Snowden. Pete and Deidre still perform with their own bands. Pete leads a Cajun, Zydeco blues band, appropriately named the Pete Contino Band. He is the lead singer and accordionist. Like his dad, Pete plays gigs in Las Vegas and all over the world.
Deidre is the vocalist for the Deidre Contino Band, which performs a lot of upbeat, danceable music primarily at live shows and festivals in northern California. Pete and Deidre will be performing at the memorial tribute. Pescaturo is the only person to win world championships on jazz, acoustic and digital/electric accordion. At the age of 12, he was the youngest person ever to play at a
state dinner at the White House. At 15, he became the youngster person to win the U.S. National Accordion Championship. He graduated from the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he was the first musician ever to major and graduate on the accordion. When Pescaturo was 15, Dick Contino said, “Of all the accordionists I’ve seen over the years, Cory is the one to pass the torch to, the only one who has all the tools to bring the accordion back to its former glory.” Ray Massa is the leader of the EuroRhythms, an Italian/ItalianAmerican swing band. The son of immigrants from the Campania region of Italy, Massa excels on the accordion and various string instruments. Like Dick Contino’s shows, the performances by Ray Massa’s Eurorhythms are upbeat and crowd-pleasing. Nick and Dominic Russo have been part of the Festa entertainment since they are 8 and 4 years old, respectively, and performed on the Children’s Stage. Even back then, the Russo Brothers performed a tribute to Dick Contino, one of their heroes. Nick is a magnificent accordionist and keyboardist. Dominic is the smooth crooner. Today, with their group, The Paesans, the Russo Brothers are one of the crowd favorites at Festa. “This should be a remarkable salute to a remarkable man,” Cannestra said. “We’re anticipating that the Dick Contino Fan Club will re-group its nationwide members for this tribute and, really, all of his fans will come out to salute this legendary accordionist who graced the stages of Festa Italiana 34 times.”
Editor’s note: The June 2017 issue of The Italian Times carried a complete story on the life and times of Dick Contino. It can be found on the Italian Community Center’s website: iccmilwaukee.com. People attending Festa will be able to view a laminated and enlarged copy of that article in the Pompeii Church and Vintage Italian American Photo exhibit.
Pete Contino
Deidre Contino
Cory Pescaturo
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JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 15 SECTION A
Festa brings back free carnival rides courtesy of Catholic Financial Life
by Pam Pietravalle Where else will you find free carnival rides, other than Festa Italiana? Festa officials are pleased to bring them back for the 2017 festival, Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23 on the Summerfest grounds. Helping Festa make this one-ofa-kind offer of free carnival rides is Catholic Financial Life, which was established nearly 150 years ago to provide a financial safeguard for those of the Catholic faith. The ride operator is the same as the last two 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 • 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. “We are happy to be back at Festa and look forward to seeing a lot of happy faces,” Lake said. The rides can be found on the north end of the Festa grounds, north of The Bartolotta Restaurant Group Stage. Your family will have as much fun as the Lake family has in bringing all of the rides to you. Catholic Financial Life was established by a group of Catholics searching for a way to help and support one another in times of need. It is now the second largest Catholic not-for-profit financial services organization in the United States.
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PAGE 16 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
THE ITALIAN TIMES
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JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 17 SECTION A
Special lineup of entertainment on the Children’s Stage presented by Catholic Financial Life
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor A star-studded lineup of entertainment for kids of all ages will perform at Festa Italiana’s Children’s Stage, presented by Catholic Financial Life, Friday, July 21through Sunday, July 23. Every acts that is booked will present a different kind of talent, according to Rick Allen, Children’s Stage Manager for the fifth straight year. Here’s the lineup. Friday, July 21 • 4 p.m. – I Bei Bambini, the Children’s Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee. • 5:30 p.m. – Anita’s Dance Group. • 7 p.m. – Illusionists Rick & Bruce present “Magic Marvels.” Saturday, July 22 • 2 p.m. – Juggler “Doug the Jug.” • 3 p.m. – I Bei Bambini. • 4 p.m. – Anita’s Dance Group. • 5:30 p.m. – Doug the Jug. • 7 p.m. – Illusionists Rick & Bruce present “Magic Marvels.” Sunday, July 23 • 2 p.m. – Master ventriloquist Dale Brown & Friends. • 3 p.m. – I Bei Bambini. • 4 p.m. – Anita’s Dance Group. • 5:30 p.m. – Master ventriloquist Dale Brown & Friends. • 7 p.m. – Illusionists Rick & Bruce present “Magic Marvels.”
About each act If you are a fan of Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, which performs regularly at Festa Italiana and at the Italian Community Center, you probably know that I Bei Bambini is the children’s division of this acclaimed folk and regional dance ensemble. I Bei Bambini, which rehearses Monday nights at 6:30 p.m., is under the direction of Susan DeSanctis Christiansen and Ashley DeSanctis, two of the veteran members of Tradizione Vivente. The children they instruct are betweenthe ages of 2 and 14 and include more than 40 youngsters. Christiansen and DeSanctis teach them not only to perform Italian folk and regional dance, but to sing and speak in Italian. Embracing Italian culture, these children perform wearing the costumes representative of their ancestors. As the children progress into their teens, many of them continue performing with Tradizione Vivente, which assures the latter of adding to its nearly 70 years of existence. “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 them our most cherished traditions through music, dance and song. This has resulted in something beautiful.” I Bei Bambini’s last audience performance was at the ICC during the organization’s 22nd annual “A Taste of Italy” on Apr. 2. The group also danced at the ICC’s 38th “Il Grande Carnevale,” the annual costume and mask ball held this past February. 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 chil-
Here is a group picture taken of I Bei Bambini after a performance on the Children’s Stage at Festa Italiana 2016. The group, which has grown in size and abilities
under the guidance of Susie Christiansen and Ashley DeSanctis, will perform at Festa 2017. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Illusionists Rick & Bruce will present “Magic Marvels” nightly on the Children’s Stage. It’s a show that is guarantee to thrill the audience. Rick Allen is alo the manager of the stage. Doug The Jug
Master Ventiloquist Dale Brown and Louis
dren, ages 3 to 18, in tap, jazz, hiphop, lyrical, ballet, drama, pointe, poms and ballroom for more than 50 years. Having performed around the country, they have garnered national recognition. Among the events for which they have been invited to perform recently are the Harlem Globetrotters’ New Year’s Eve show, the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade and Independence Day parades in New Berlin and Hales Corners. The act, Illusionist Rick & Bruce presents “Magic Marvels,” brings together a veteran of Festa’s Children’s Stage, Rick Allen (the stage manager who many
PAGE 18 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
know as “Bingo The Magical Clown”) and his assistant Bruce Carroll. Allen said that he and Carroll will be performing some larger prop magic tricks including a Houdini escape act. He added that they are one of the few magic acts to still use live birds and rabbits. Their show lasts about 45 minutes and includes audience participation. Will Rick send an audience member to the guillotine, as this reporter has witnessed on several occasions? Doug The Jug presents a humorous juggling extravaganza which includes a touch of magic woven throughout his program.
Whether keeping five colorful rings in the air, manipulating top hats and boxes, or juggling three small children – yes, you read that correctly! – you never know what amazing feat Doug will attempt next. Portions of his performance are choreographed to classical and theme-related music, and audience members are encouraged to participate throughout this fun-filled program. Doug has been traveling the Midwest for more than 25 years. Master Ventriloquist Dale Brown breathes life into a stage full of characters. Dale’s incredibly funny shows provide an abundance of side-splitting laughter and enjoyment. At Festa, he will be with his good buddy, Louis. Recognized as one of the country’s leading banquet entertainers, his professional comedy presentations are fast-paced and generate non-stop hilarity and fun. The Wisconsin native has appeared at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and you may have seen him on Entertainment Tonight, Good Morning America, The Today Show, CBS This Morning and a variety of other programs. Just to the north of the Children’s Stage is a supervised children’s play area. On the north end of the Festa grounds, there will be a tent where children (and probably just as many moms and dads and other grown-ups) can build things with LEGO blocks. Find out who is more creative, the kids or the parents by stopping by this tent. The LEGO tent is sponsored by Cedar Crest Ice Cream.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Catholic Financial Life continues to be a strong supporter of Festa Italiana
One of the longest supporting sponsors of Festa Italiana is Catholic Finance Life, which has been serving the Greater Milwaukee area for nearly 150 years through its financial products and commitment to its members’ benefits. Recently, The Italian Times discussed the role that Catholic Financial Life has taken in Festa with the company’s Marketing Director Andrea R. Kincaid. Italian Times: Catholic Financial Life has been involved in Festa Italiana as a sponsor for many years. Why has your company chosen to be active in Festa in the
sponsorship program? Kincaid: Festa Italiana is a perfect way to celebrate the Italian community’s heritage and culture. Subsequently, our ongoing sponsorship is our way of showing support for this community as well. Many of the things that Festa stands for ties directly with our mission and values, including volunteerism and giving back to the community. IT: This year, Catholic Financial Life is sponsoring the Children’s Stage and the amusement rides. Are there any particular reasons why these were chosen for your
sponsorship this year? Kincaid: At Catholic Financial Life, one of the things we work to provide our members is “affordable family fun.” So after learning that the amusement rides were included in the price of admission and the organization’s focus on the whole family, we knew sponsoring both the rides and the Children’s Stage would be a perfect fit with our brand!
IT: Anything else you would like to add? Kincaid: Several of the benefits we provide our members with are centered around the family. From scholarship programs to summer events like Festa Italiana, providing value-added benefits to our members is something we strive to focus on. Catholic Financial Life has served the Greater Milwaukee area for nearly 150 years. Through our financial products to our member benefits, we are dedicated to improving the lives of our members and their communities.
Festa Italiana salutes Cedar Crest Ice Cream – LEGO Tent Sponsor
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 19 SECTION A
Festa favorite, Italian Idol 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 back on the “big stage,” the The Bartolotta Restaurant Group Stage. Italian Idol is an amateur singing contest featuring all genres of music. Contestants must be 14 years of age and have some degree of vocal ability. Registration is onsite only. It 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 8:30 p.m., and the Sunday show is at 8 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 Italian 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 swinard@wi.rr.com, or call 262-573-7222.
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 memberonly 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 selfaddressed, stamped return envelope. Ticket requests that do not have the return envelope will not be processed. Mail orders must be received by Monday, July 3 to allow sufficient time for processing and delivery to your residence. The 40th annual Festa is Friday, July 21 through Sunday, July 23 on the Summerfest grounds. Any member with questions can call 414-223-2180.
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THE ITALIAN TIMES
• Since 1946, Milwaukeeʼs Finest Italian Market • Voted Milwaukeeʼs #1 Deli • Catering for All Your Needs • Indoor & Outdoor Cafe Seating • Cooking & Product Demonstrations
1018 E. Brady St. Milwaukee (414) 347-0992
Gold Imports & Diamond Center Sales for Festa-goers – HALF OFF ALL PRICED ITEMS. SPECIAL DISCOUNTS ON ALL JEWELRY. Chains • Bracelets• Necklaces • Pendants • Charms • Religious Medals Check out our extensive collection of diamond jewelry, engagement sets, wedding rings, earrings, necklaces,diamonds of all sizes, bracelets, charms, charm holders, pendants, religious medals and more!
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Monday – Friday, 10am – 5pm, Saturday, 11am – 3pm. Closed Sunday.
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 21 SECTION A
40th annual Festa admission deals
Persons attending the 40th annual Festa Italiana will have several opportunities to attend the festival for free or at a reduced cost. Festa will take place from Friday,
July 21 through Sunday, July 23 at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (the Summerfest grounds). Festival hours are: 3 p.m. to midnight, July 21 and 11:30 a.m. to
ORDER YOUR MONEY-SAVING ADVANCE TICKETS TO FESTA ITALIANA 2017
Name(s) ___________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________
City, State, Zip ______________________________________________
Phone ________________ Email _______________________________
I/we want to order _____ advance tickets @ $10.00 each.
Total amount enclosed: $______________________________________ Payment by check, money order and credit card accepted.
Credit Card No. _____________________________________________
Credit Card Expiration Date ____________________________________
Mail this form with your payment to Festa Italiana, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916. Checks or money orders are payable to Festa Italiana. Your advance tickets will be mailed to you. Requests for advance tickets must be received no later than July 8, 2017.
midnight, July 22 and 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.. July 23.
PRE-FESTA DEAL By ordering advance tickets, you can save $3 per ticket. These tickets can be purchased online at http://festaitaliana.com and at the Italian Community Center, 631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, for $10 through Thursday, July 20. Advance tickets can also be ordered by using the form appearing with this article. Please note: The deadline for ordering mail order tickets is Friday, July 7. During the three days of the festival, gate admission will be $13. EVERYDAY OFFER Free children’s admission Children, 12 and younger, are admitted for free all three days when accompanied by an adult.
FRIDAY OFFERS Sendik’s Red Bag Promotion All persons arriving on Friday, July 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. presenting a Sendik’s red shopping bag will receive one free admission ticket. Come to the Mid Gate and enter at
ITALIAN PIZZA RESTAURANT Celebrating 45 years in business and we have only ONE location and it’s in West Allis. Full menu - Italian & American Cuisine PLEASE DON’T CONFUSE US WITH ANY OTHER FILIPPO’S RESTAURANT! Open Monday-Thursday, 11 am -10 pm, Friday, 11 am -12 am, Saturday, 4 pm -12 am,Sunday, 4 pm -10 pm Dine-In, Pick-Up & Delivery available (limited area)
6 9 1 5 W. L i n c o l n A v e . 414-321-4040 • filippositalian.com PAGE 22 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
the designated Sendik’s admission area with your bag. Red bags will be collected upon entrance to the grounds. Find your neighborhood Sendik’s Market location at sendiks.com.
SATURDAY DEALS Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Walk/Run Participants in the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation Walk/Run on the morning of Saturday, July 22 will receive free admission to Festa Italiana with an identifying wristband. Festa opens at 11:30 a.m. The activities for the walk/run start at 7 a.m. with registration at the North Gate. Guest passes will be available from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for $5. Post walk/run festivities will take place at the Festa Stage from 11 a.m. to noon. VIP Day Since 1981, Festa Italiana has been presenting a VIP Day for persons with physical and mental challenges. Each year, Festa offers the VIPs and a caregiver free admission. The tradition continues at the 2017 festival. Special VIP Day tickets are necessary to be admitted. Contact the Italian Community Center at 414-223-2805 for details. This year’s program runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is being held for the first time on Saturday. Festa’s food vendors also have a special promotion going on during the three hours of VIP Day. Each vendor will have two selected items available at half price. VIP Day ticket holders can also receive a piece of fresh fruit donated by Milwaukee area produce merchants. The free fruit will be available from the Catalano’s fruit stand in the Miller Lite area from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. only. Sendik’s Red Bag promotion Between noon and 5 p.m., Saturday, July 22, persons presenting a Sendik’s red shopping bag will receive one free admission ticket. Come to the Mid Gate and enter at the designated Sendik’s admission area with your bag. Red bags will be collected upon entrance to the grounds. Find your neighborhood Sendik’s Market location at sendiks.com.
SUNDAY OFFERS Worship and Festa For the 40th straight year, Festa welcomes all to attend the Sunday Mass for free. Persons will be able to enter at the South Gate starting at 10:15 a.m. The Mass begins at 11 a.m. in the Marcus Amphitheater. Whether you are attending Mass or waiting outside the amphitheater in the forecourt, you may enter the Festa grounds for free. The admission gates to the grounds will be opened at 1 p.m. Everyone entering at the South Gate is asked to bring along nonperishable food items for a collection Festa is organizing in conjunction with the Hunger Task Force of Milwaukee. The food collection will take place outside the amphitheater and in the amphitheater forecourt. This year’s goal is to collect 10,000 pounds of food. Festa is joining all of the lakefront festivals in a food collection effort which has a goal of collecting 160,000 pounds of food by the end of summer. By bringing at least three non-perishable food items to Festa, this goal can be achieved. Day of service To honor the service of law enforcement, firefighters, teachers and military personnel, Festa Italiana is offering free admission for Please turn to page 22A
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PyraMax Bank, a true community partner for the ICC and Festa Italiana
by Thomas Hemman Times Editor Over the last several years, the Italian Community Center has developed a strong working relationship with PyraMax Bank that has helped the nonprofit organization to strengthen itself financially and achieve a sustainable path for future growth. “From the first time we met with them, we knew they had our best interests in mind,” said Sam Purpero, a past president of the ICC and the organization’s current treasurer. “They indicated to us that it is their mission to partner with the community and help us to grow.” Purpero and Giuseppe Vella, the immediate past president of the ICC, noted the exceptional assistance that bank officials have given both the ICC and Festa for achieving sound financial planning. “They have been easy to work with and a great asset to our organization,” said Dean Cannestra, the current president of the ICC. That’s the mission of PyraMax Bank, said Monica Baker, Chief Brand Officer. “As a community bank, it is our goal to support our customers and get involved for the betterment of the communities we serve. Like the ICC and Festa Italiana, we have our roots in southeastern Wisconsin.” Baker added that PyraMax Bank attempts to get involved in the communities it serves through financial advice, volunteering and reaching out. She said the bank’s involvement ranges from rejuvenating areas of the City of Milwaukee to getting involved through
volunteering, financial donations and sponsorship and general assistance to organizations that benefit youths, teens and community programs. The PyraMax Bank motto is: “One bank. One passion. Focused on you.”
Festa sponsorship This year at Festa Italiana, PyraMax Bank is sponsor of the replica of Michelangelo’s David statue, one of the trademark Italian displays at the festival. “We are proud to be the sponsor of the replica of David, a symbol of strength and courage,” Baker said. She added that as a Festa Italiana sponsor, PyraMax Bank is able to participate in one of southeastern Wisconsin’s most-respected and attended festivals. “Our participation in Festa gives us an exposure to a larger community and an enjoyable way to participate in an event that people love.”
History PyraMax Bank was originally founded on Aug. 10, 1895, under the name of South Milwaukee Savings Bank. In May 2000, a merger between South Milwaukee Savings Bank and Mitchell Savings Bank officially formed PyraMax Bank. The name emerged from the combination of wanting to retain the pyramid shaped logo of South Milwaukee Savings Bank, hence Pyra, while ensuring its clients that they would still receive the same maximized service, hence, Max, that they always valued for 100+ years. The pyramid was chosen for its strength, stability and its symbol of age. Each point on the pyra-
mid represents strength, experience and commitment, increasing from left to right to symbolize positive growth. The bank offers the advantages of a local bank with the financial power of a larger institution. PyraMax Bank is a federally-chartered Mutual Savings Bank. With over $450 million in assets and nine convenient locations throughout southeastern Wisconsin, the bank offers the unequaled power of local decision-making.
Vision and mission PyraMax Bank’s vision is to be recognized as a leader in our market as a depositor-owned community bank invested in the financial wellness of its families, businesses and communities, while delivering financial products that serve a
Harder
Funeral Home JAMES T. GUARDALABENE 18700 W. Capitol Drive
“Three generations of my family serving yours.”
www.Guardalabene.com Phone: (262) 781-8350 Proud sponsor of the Festa Italiana Mass since 2002.
Buona Fortuna, Festa Italiana!
PAGE 26 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
• AN ASSOCIATE OF THE HARDER FUNERAL HOME SINCE 2010. • Personally providing the services you have come to expect at the Harder Funeral Home or your church or cemetery chapel. • Funeral pre-planning and Title 19 expertise. • Longtime member of the Italian Community Center. • No longer associated with Schmidt & Bartelt – Guardalabene & Amato
multi-generational client base. The bank prides itself on being ethical, showing fairness, being community-focused, being nimble in the ever-changing global financial environment, and being creative and innovative in the field of banking. It is committed to helping families, businesses and communities thrive. Baker said PyraMax is honored and proud to support numerous community programs and charitable employee initiatives. The bank donates more than $100,000 to various charities annually. In addition to this, its employees provide numerous hours of volunteer work. In doing this, the bank’s staff hopes to enrich the communities and support the people who have chosen to rely on them for their financial needs. This past Feb. 12, PyraMax Bank staff participated in the Polar Plunge, which benefits Special Olympics Wisconsin. Together, the bank’s team raised $5,000 before taking the plunge! Special Olympics of Wisconsin provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympictype sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community. One of the biggest ways to enrich a community is being able to create affordable housing for all. PyraMax Bank works with the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) to create affordable housing programs for low-income families throughout southeastern Wisconsin. It is a partner in WHEDA’s Tax Advantage program, which was introduced in 2013. PyraMax Bank annually holds a fundraiser to benefit the United Way of Wisconsin. This organization works in conjunction with the national United Way, in an effort to bring people together for the common good. Giving back doesn’t have to include monetary donations. Every year, PyraMax Bank employees give back physically, with blood drives for the Blood Center of Wisconsin. The bank’s entire organization comes together to help save lives, providing much needed donations. In 2017, PyraMax Bank is making donations and providing sponsorships for more than 20 different causes, activities and programs.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Festa allows you to pretend you’re in Italy through its replicas of famous tourist attractions
by Blaise Di Pronio and Thomas Hemman Several of Italy’s most famous tourist attractions can be seen at Festa Italiana, July 21-23, in replica form. These replicas include the Trevi Fountain, the Rome Coliseum, the St. Mark’s Bell Tower, the David statue and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Another attraction is the lighted arch (gateway) that is reminscent of the Italian religious festivals held in Milwaukee’s old Third Ward in the first half of the 20th century. The one appearing at Festa was designed and built by Italian Community Center Cosmo Carini and recalls the arch that was set-up for the Saint Rocco Society feasts. The history of “La Fontana di Trevi” in Rome dates back to 19 B.C. and is a magnificent example of Baroque art. Its name, Trevi, comes from its location at the junction of three “ways” (tre vie in Italian) of aqueduct system. It is also at the end point of an ancient Roman viaduct. Earlier richly decorated fountains were built at the site, but the present one was begun in 1732 after Pope Clement XII had organized a contest for its builder, won eventually by architect Nicola Salvi, who died before its completion. The fountain was finished in 1762 by Giuseppe Pannini with the central niche housing Oceanus (god of water) sculpted by Pietro Bracci. The fountain is not free standing as it has the Poli Palazzo (palace) as
Giovanni Bucci’s replica of the famous Trevi Fountain of Rome will be making its final appearance at the 40th annual Festa Italiana, July 21-23, on Milwaukee’s Summerfest grounds. (Times photo by John Ferraro)
The Roman Coliseum wrap will be back, set-up around the bleachers at the Coliseum Stage. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
its backdrop. The all-familiar coin tossing ritual was actually begun by, as usual, the ancient Romans who threw their coins in the water to seek the help of the gods to protect them on their journey or help them get home safely. The correct tossing method requires a right hand over the left shoulder maneuver. The first coin gets you back to Rome, the
Here is the fabulous 43-foot replica of the St. Mark’s Bell Tower of Venice that was designed and built by Cosmo Carini. Sponsoring the tower this year is C.W. Purpero, Inc., of Oak Creek. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
A replica of Michelangelo’s David will be displayed at Festa under the sponsorship of PyraMax Bank. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
second is for seeking love and the third is to get married (the fourth means the fountain cleaner really found a live one). The fountain is emptied every day with an average take of 3000 euros a day which, in today’s exchange rates, is almost $3,000. Now that’s a real treasure “trevi”! The Trevi replica coming to Festa was created by Giovanni Bucci, an internationally known sculptor, artist, fabricator and designer. It is a huge 50-foot creation, which makes it only 15 feet smaller than the original in Rome. Bucci has informed Festa that this will be the last appearance of the fountain at the festival.
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 Coliseum 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.
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. This awesome replica is being sponsored by C.W. Purpero, Inc. 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. 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, 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. Festa Italiana officials are pleased to have PyraMax Bank as the official sponsor of David in 2017. 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 Please turn to page 29A
Here is the arch (gateway) that was designed and crafted by Cosmo Carini that is quite an attraction, especially at night when it is lit with strings of lights. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 27 SECTION A
Proud Sponsor of the 40th Annual Festa Italiana and the Venetian Bell Tower. Buona Fortuna, Festa Italiana LX.
PAGE 28 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Festa’s 40th annual bocce tournament set for July 23
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. The 40th annual tournament will take place Sunday, July 23 starting at 2 p.m. The tournament coordinator Troy Halverson has put out a call for teams to register to play. The entrance fee is $50 per four-player team. This is a single elimination tournament with a con-
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 2123, 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 The Bartolotta Restaurant Group 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 Troy Halverson, 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 bocce courts for Festa attendees’ enjoyment will be available for a good share of the festival hours. On opening day, Friday, July 21, courts are open from the 3 p.m. opening until just prior to the fireworks at 10:30 p.m. On Saturday, July 23, some of the courts will be used for the Special Olympics bocce tournament from 11:30 to approximately 2 p.m. Afterward, all of the courts should be open until the start of the fireworks at 10:30 p.m. On Sunday, attendees can play from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., then after the 40th annual Festa Italiana bocce tournament ends. (The tournament starts at 2 p.m. and usually finished by 6 p.m., leaving the courts open from that time to 10 p.m.) You might be interested in knowing. 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.
solation round. A registration form appears with this article and on the Festa website, festaitaliana.com. The teams that finish in first through third place will receive cash prizes. The first place team will win $500. The second team will get $300 and the third place finisher will receive $200. 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 form by July 15. Anyone with questions can contact Halverson at 262-512-1469 (evenings) or via email at workingway2hard@yahoo.com. Last year, the tournament champion was Picture US Rollin’, which defeated Bowl R Us, 12-6, in the title match. Picture US Rollin’ will be playing this year to defend its championship, Halverson said.
On a sweltering Sunday afternoon, this team, Picture Us Rollin’, won the 2016 Festa Italiana bocce tournament championship. Bocce manager Troy Halverson reports that the team will be back this year to defend its title. The players on Picture Us Rollin’ are seen here (l-r): Andy Satraitus, Marcos Satraitus, J.R. Satraitus and Jason Mickelson. The team received a $500 cash prize. Each player was given the Festa championship trophy. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
FESTA ITALIANA 2017 BOCCE TOURNAMENT REGISTRATION FORM 40th Annual Tournament – Sunday, July 23 at 2 p.m. • Entrance Fee: $50 per four player team. • Single Elimination with Consolation Round. • First Place – $500, Second Prize: $300, Third Prize: $200.
TEAM NAME: ______________________________________________________________ TEAM SPONSOR: __________________________________________________________ TEAM CAPTAIN: ___________________________________________________________
ONLY ONE CHECK PER TEAM, PLEASE! MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO THE ITALIAN COMMUNITY CENTER AND MAIL TO TOURNAMENT COORDINATOR, 5504 W. ELMHURST DR., MEQUON, WI 53092. ANY QUESTIONS, CALL TROY (EVENINGS) @ 262-512-1469 (CELL) OR EMAIL TO workingway2hard@yahoo.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 15. TOURNAMENT IS PLAYED RAIN OR SHINE.
Festa Bocce Sponsors
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Pompeii Womenʼs Club
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 29 SECTION A
Saluti Festa Italiana from
Catalano’s Fruit & Lemonade
Milwaukee, WI (414) 476-8962
Mary Ann, Tony, Laurie, Mark, John and Tony, Jr.
Look for our Fruit Bowls at Festa!
Serving Southeastern Wisconsin since 1884
Italian-style fireworks will resonate nightly
from page 13A speed, power, brightness and intensity. Booooommm! This year’s Festa Italiana fireworks are being orchestrated (literally and befittingly) and set off by Jeff Bartolotta on all nights of Festa.
The shows start at 10:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday, July 21-22 and 10:15 p.m., July 23. Festa officials are pleased that the Bartolotta family will be involved in the 2017 annual Festa Italiana, continuing a 40-year tradition.
This year, Festa Italiana is trying something new with its raffle. Festa is conducting a 50/50 raffle, meaning half of the money raised on the sale of raffle tickets will go to support the festival and the other half will go to one lucky grand prize winner! These 50/50 raffle tickets are now available at the Italian Community Center and will be on sale during the three days of Festa, July 21-23, on the festival grounds. The winner will be drawn on
Sunday, July 23 at 10 p.m. on the Calypso Lemonade Stage.
Festa to have a 50/50 raffle
Ticket prices are $5 each or three for $10.
“Other festivals and events have tried this type of raffle and it has been highly successful for them,” said Festa Co-Chair and ICC President Dean Cannestra “We hope it will be a big success for us. I encourage all ICC members to get their 50/50 raffle tickets on their next visit to the Center.”
Welcome to the 40th Festa 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 Italon Instagram at iana https://www.instagram.com/festamke/ or go to https://mobile.twitter.com/FestaMKE to talk it up. Become a fan of Festa on Facebook www.facebook.com/festaitalat ianamilwaukee to join the conversation. Use the hashtags #MyItalian or #FestaMKE to share your thoughts. See you at Festa! – Thomas Hemman Times Editor
Festa’s Italian tourist attractions
from page 27A 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.
Visit Fazio’s at Festa for Fresh Strawberries Dipped in our Delicious Belgian Chocolate “Like” us on Facebook
Open 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday Closed Sunday and Monday Located in the Park & Shop 13425 Watertown Plank Road, Suite #7 Elm Grove, WI 53122 ( 262) 923-7166 www.FaziosChocolate.com
Best Wishes to Festa Italiana 2017!
PAGE 30 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
Festa’s replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa is shown here. (Times photoby Joe Spasiano)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Papa Luigi’s Pizza
3475 E. Layton Ave., Cudahy (414) 483-6111 papaluigiscudahy.com – Order online! Visit Our New Location at Festa, July 21-23, featuring Eggplant, Spiedini, Shrimp Scampi, Lasagna Rolls and More!!!
Visit Papa Luigi’s in Cudahy before or after Festa. • Full Bar • Dining Room • Party Room (Up to 50 people)
Monday – Thursday, 4pm-10pm
• Carry Out & Delivery • Outdoor dining
Friday, 4pm-11pm
Saturday, 11am-11pm Sunday, 11am-10pm
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 31 SECTION A
Cruise the lagoon on a gondola
by Pam Pietravalle 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 much anticipated gondola rides in the lakefront “lagoon”. There is nothing more spectacular than witnessing the fireworks while cruising in the gondola. Festa Admiral Bill Jennaro promises this year will be as awesome as past years. Festa Italiana attendees will be able to ride the gondolas on Friday, July 21 from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, July 2223 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 Bill Jennaro and Peter Russo. The gondola rides at Festa have an interesting history. Originally, the rides 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. They also performed the duties of 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 four years ago, Betty
Puccio happened to attend a festival in Kohler, 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. Jennaro, anointed the “admiral” for his contribution, was on the Steering and Festa 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 bargaining, Novak conceded to include the trailer on which he hauled the gondola from New Jersey! Additionally, Joe Vella and the Vella family purchased the other
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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. The Vella family bakery, Peter Sciortino Bakery on Brady Street, is serving as the sponsor of gondolas this year. Four gondoliers maneuver the gondolas: Nino Emmiti, the senior gondolier, is from Italy; Patrick Lonzo, Anthony and Jonathon Frigo, who were members of Marquette University Crew, demonstrate their skill as they navigate the gondolas up and down the lagoon. A flat-bottom boat made of wood, the gondola is stable but heavy. It is steered and propelled by only one oar, which takes a great amount of skill and physical strength to operate. Nino, a native of Sicily, was a gondolier for the Treviso family and was instrumental in training Patrick, Jonathon and Anthony who are seasoned sailors. Under his tutelage, they learned the nuances
of the gondola operation very well. Bill indicated that Peter Russo, from Italy, is joining the crew this year. He will likely be the new Admiral after this year when Jennaro may step down. Peter 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, Bill 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!
THE ITALIAN TIMES
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 33 SECTION A
Here’s what’s cooking at La Cucina, presented by The Bartolotta Restaurant Group
by Pam Pietravalle La Cucina (“The Kitchen), presented by The Bartolotta Restaurant Group, is one of the most popular spots at Festa Italiana. Back under the pavilion at the Bartolotta Stage, Manager Marie Andaloro-Lieber promises another year of great food demonstrations, challenging contests and great entertainment from this year’s celebrity and local chefs. The festivities will start on Friday, July 21st at 3:30 with a Happy 40th Birthday Festa. The celebration will include a wine presentation by Corvina Wines. Given by brothers, Joe and Frank LaSusa, who will provide 1 oz. wine samples for everyone. Birthday cake will be provided by Festa. This year, the Cucina is hosting two celebrity duos: vocalist/radio show host Filippo Voltaggio with chef Richard Lombardi and website show chef Rossella Rago with Nonna Ramona.
Voltaggio, host of the show “Filippo and the Chef” is joined by Chef Lombardi for a very entertaining presentation with humorous banter and great food demonstrations, music and delicious samples. Filippo is a singer, an author and a life coach while Lombardi has been a chef for more than 20 years, 10 of which were spent as owner of Mama Rose Italian Restaurant in California with his wife of 43 years. After battling cancer and winning, Chef Richard, feeling very strongly about sharing his knowledge and highlighting cancer fighting ingredients in his recipes, inspired other chefs to join his movement by founding the organization called “Cancer Fighting Chefs”. Learn more at his website: www.thecancerfightingchef.org. Rossella Rago makes a return appearance at Festa cooking some of her favorites with Nonna Ramona. Rosella is the host of the cooking show “Cooking with
PAGE 34 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
– www.cookingwithNonna” nonna.com – where she shares traditional Italian recipes. In each episode of her show, she chooses a “nonna” to cook with her. She published her first cookbook this year, Cooking with Nonna. (Look for a separate story on Rossella Rago and her nonna in this section.) Some of Milwaukee’s finest chefs will also be on hand to demonstrate their personal favorites. These chefs include: • Emily Prinz from Maggiano’s Little Italy. • Suzzette Metcalfe from The Pasta Tree. • David Magnasco of the Chef’s Table. • Tony Evans of Moxie. • John Smith from Bravo
Cucina Italiana. • Peter Ignatiev of Johnny Manhattan’s. To eveyone’s delight, these fine chefs will be providing samples to the attending audience. Recipe cards will be made available for the taking so you can try the wonderful dishes in your own kitchen. Returning to the Cucina as one of its vendors is Oro di Oliva. Josh and his staff will be offering samplings of some of their olive oils and balsamic vinegar. And, of course, Ferrero USA will be providing samples of its delicious Nutella. 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 2017.
Chef Richard Lombardi
Filippo Voltaggio
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Cooking expert Rossella Rago returning to Festa’s Cucina at The Bartolotta Restaurant Group Stage
Rossella Rago, host of the web cooking show “Cooking With Nonna” – www.cookingwithnonna/com – is returning for the 40th annual Festa Italiana, July 21-23. on the Summerfest grounds. Rago will be cooking with her maternal grandmother, Nonna Romana, on the Saturday and Sunday of Festa, July 22-23, in the cucina (kitchen) at The Bartolotta Restaurant Group Stage. “We’re very pleased to have Rossella back with us for our 40th Festa,” said Marie Andolaro Lieber, who manages the cucina at the Bartolotta Stage. “She’s not only a good cook, but someone who enjoys demonstrating her skills in a festival atmosphere. On each episode of “Cooking With Nonna,” Rago invites an Italian American nonna (grandmother) to cook with her, sharing traditional Italian recipes and fond
memories of growing up in Italian family in America. Rago has traveled the country and performed cooking demonstrations in many cities across the United States, with local nonne as her partners. She will be doing the same during her Festa Italiana shows. Details on how your nonna can get a chance to cook with Rago will be announced soon. Look for word in the next issue. Rago spent her childhood in the kitchen with Nonna Romana. When she lightheartedly declares that she holds a Ph.D. from Nonna’s Basement Culinary Academy, she is only half-joking. At her nonna’s side, she has become an expert in a rich tradition of Pugliese recipes passed down through countless generations. Launching Cooking with Nonna has allowed Rago to expand her culinary expertise to much of the rest of Italy. In 2010, Rago teamed up with her mother, Angela and her Nonna Romana, in the “Italiano Battle” episode of the Food Network’s 24Hour Restaurant Battle. This grueling contest involved conceiving and executing the menu and decor for their very own restaurant, all in the space of one day. The competition was tough, but when it was all said and done, Team Nonna emerged victorious. In March 2017, Rossella published her first cookbook, entitled Cooking with Nonna: Celebrate Food and Family with Over 100 Classic Recipes from Italian Grandmothers. The book is a collection of recipes and memories shared by her Nonna Romana as well as 24 other nonne representing different regions of Italy.
Rossella Rago and her Nonna Romana are shown here on the cover of Rossella’s book.
See Us at Festa Italiana, July 21-23. 2017.
Sicilian Food
“The way Nonna made it!”
Authentic Napolitana Pizzas served from our Mario Acunto wood oven, imported from Italy.
At Festa, visit us at our new booth in the Miller Area for our Calamari, Eggplant Spiedini, Sicilian Steak Sandwich, Sicilian Steak & Anilentil al Forno, Anilentil al Forno (Pasta) and Caprese Salad. BEST CALAMARI IN TOWN!
3468 N. Oakland Ave. 414/963-9623 www.atouchofsicily.com
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 35 SECTION A
Could you become the 2017 Festa Italiana Cannoli-Eating Contest champion?
No matter your size or cannolieating history, everyone 18 years or older, is welcome to register for a chance to compete in the 2017 Festa Italiana Cannoli-Eating Contest. Simply visit The Bartolotta Restaurant Group Stage on Saturday, July 22 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 1:45 p.m. to participate in the contest, get ready to chow down as many cannoli as you can in four minutes. 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 well as the official Festa cannolieating champion T-shirt and his/her picture in The Italian Times and on the Festa website, festaitaliana.com.
ery 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 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, Sean Nichols of Green Bay won the contest, devouring nine cannoli in the four-minute time frame. Sean has been invited back to defend his title.
All of the cannoli is provided by the Vella family, which owns Peter Sciortino Bakery, the popular bak-
Looks like fun, doesn’t it? The competition is always intense as this photo from the 2016 contest shows. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
Here is the 2016 Festa Italiana cannoli-eating contest champion, Sean Nichols of Green Bay. Nichols consumed an incredible nine cannoli in four minutes. Believe it or not, that is not the Festa record. Tony Paulis of Milwaukee devoured 10-1/4 cannoli in the four-minute time frame in 2011. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)
Festa Italiana’s Favorite Gelato
is available at Cafe La Scala and in your grocer’s freezer – ask for it by name!
Visit our Gelateria Italiana at Festa 2017 North End – just north of the Cucina Showcase Stage South End – southeast of the Calypso Lemonade Stage Planning a special occasion? Make it unforgettable with gelato – just ask us how!
Gourmet Italian Ice Cream, Sorbet, Italian Soft Drinks and Espresso Coffee
PAGE 36 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
414.380.9678 europeangelato@msn.com
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Salute! Corvina Wine Company plans 40th Festa birthday toast at The Bartolotta Restaurant Group Stage
Festa is turning 40 this year. What better way to celebrate a birthday than with a party. The Cucina Showcase, presented by The Bartolotta Restaurant Group, is holding a 40th birthday party on Friday, July 21 at 3:30 p.m. to kick off Festa 2017. Frank and Joe LaSusa, owners of Corvina Wine Company, will offer a short presentation on wines followed by a sampling. The Festa Italiana will furnish the birthday cake, which will be available for everyone to sample until it’s gone. Festa manager Marie AndaloroLieber says, “I can’t think of anything better than a little cake and some vino. It will be a fun celebration.” Lieber is in charge of the
cucina activities going on daily at the Bartolotta Stage. Corvina Wine Company will be on the grounds selling many varieties of Italian wines. Brothers Joe and Frank LaSusa started Corvina Wine Company, a wine bar/retail/event company, in 2012. Located on 60th Street and Lincoln Avenue in West Allis, it has become a favorite destination among wine
lovers. Frank completed the diploma level in wine from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust in New York City and is now studying to get his Master of Wine degree. Joe’s knowledge of wine comes from drinking it often! His expertise comes from traveling to some of the world’s finest wine regions. Lieber and her family have pre-
sented Festa goers with cooking demonstrations from top local chefs and many celebrity chefs for the past 13 years. “We welcome everyone to stop in on July 21. at 3:30 p.m. for a funfilled birthday celebration as the cucina volunteers and Corvina salute Festa’s 40 years of family, food and friends,” said Frank LaSusa.
Kids PizzaMaking contest moved to Saturday event
Festa Italiana invites all children in the age groups of 5 to 10 and 11 to 17 to participate in the seventh annual “Kids Pizza Making Contest.” The contest is a fun way for children to create fresh, made-from-scratch pizzas in front of a live crowd at The Bartolotta Restaurant Group Stage. Marie Lieber, who manages the cucina at the Bartolotta Stage, said that the Kids PizzaMaking, formerly a Sunday event, is taking place Saturday, July 22 after the Cannoli-Eating Contest. The pizza-making event is sponsored, for the second consecutive year, by Divino Wine & Dine, the Italian restaurant at 2315 N. Murray Ave., Milwaukee. Make sure your children are signed up before 4 p.m. to participate in the contest on Saturday. At 4:15 p.m., the names of the participants in both age categories will be drawn. Participants must be present when his/her name is called. Those in the 11-17 age category will compete first at 4:30 p.m., followed by the children, 5-9 years, at 5:15 p.m. A distinguished panel of judges will choose a winner in both age brackets. Each participant will receive a commemorative T-shirt and their picture in the September issue of The Italian Times. The winner will receive a 1st place winner shirt. The pizzas that the participants make are baked in an oven and given them to enjoy at the end of the event. The 2016 winners were Bella Lombardo of Rockford, Mich., in the 5-9 year-old bracket, and Nitse Avila of South Haven, Mich., in the 10-17 year-old bracket.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 37 SECTION A
Don’t miss this beloved tradition: The Grand Parade of Festa Italiana
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 giant puppets walking the parade route. (See separate article.) The Milwaukee Police Department K-9 dogs will join us this year as well. You will see the Italian Community Center’s 2017 Carnevale Royal Court, Tradizione Vivente, I Bei Bambini, Sbandieratori dei Borghi e Sestieri Fiorentini – the thrilling group of flag throwers from Italy, the University of Wisconsin Marching Band, the Festa Hoopers, floats, vintage cars carrying our ICC President Dean Cannestra and Vice President Joe Emanuele, and much more. Parade participants will be tossing out treats and trinkets to the children in the crowd. We hope to see you there both days! Calling all children Not only do we invite all chil-
dren 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 your children, we will provide them with the masks to wear while marching in the parade.
Donations and donors 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 Thank you to Laurie Besesi, Rose Spang, Matthew Kiefer, Brittany Smith, Linda DeSanctis, Kathy Nelson, and John and Arlene Jorgensen for you donations! The parade also received a cash donation from the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO through its Community Projects Committee. If you are interested in participating in this year’s Festa parade in any capacity, please contact me, Gina Jorgensen at 414-380-0808 or gina.jorgensen@yahoo.com. Grazie mille!
A Festa tradition, “La Parata Italiana”, will travel across the festival grounds on both Saturday and Sunday, July 22-23 at 5 p.m. Among the units that will be showcased will be a Sicilian cart and a wooden bicycle ridden by Pinocchio. In 2016, the Sicilian cart carried Charlie Bartolone and Isabella Vella, the prince and princess of the Italian Community Center’s Il Grande Carnevale, the costume and mask ball held earlier that year. The bicycle was designed and built by ICC member Cosmo Carini. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
Wait until you see these giant puppets coming to Festa!
Two giant Italian-style puppets, designed by local puppeteer Jeffrey Holub, will be new participants in the Festa Italiana parade, held on Saturday and Sunday, July 22-23. The picture accompanying this article should give you an idea of what these giant puppets look like. Parade Manager Gina Jorgensen said she is renting two puppets. One will be worn on the head of one parade volunteer. The other puppet will take three volunteers to operate. That one will be worn by one person and the other two will control the arms and hands! Jorgensen is having giant hats, a scarf and sash made for these puppets by Madam Chino. Donations are being accepted now to offset the costs associated with this project. To make a donation, contact Jorgensen at 414-380-0808 or gina.jorgensen@yahoo.com. Holub has worked in a variety of theater productions over the past 25 years. He has designed and built puppets, props, sets, and lighting for several professional production companies including: Second City, Chicago; The Arena Stage, Washington
DC; and Theatre X, Modjeska Theatre Company, Milwaukee Dance Theater, Milwaukee Public Theatre, Post Romantic Theatre, First Stage Children’s Theater and Milwaukee Mask and Puppet Theatre, Milwaukee. Holub has been involved in productions such as Ballad of Josef K; Phantasmagoria, Smoldering Fires, Variety ‘68, Kafka’s The Trial, Survival Revival, Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Joe McCarthy Variety Show, Apollo of Bellac, Stones of Wisdom, Einstein: Hero of the Mind and What the Butler Saw. Holub worked with the program Artists Working in Education in many Milwaukee Public Schools. He has worked all over the city of Milwaukee, outlying communities, and across the United States in a variety of platforms. “The direct impact he has had on the community and the art of puppetry is momentous” said Jorgensen. “Thank you, Jeff, for working with us to give your puppets an Italian twist!” For further information on Holub call 262.880.4882 or email jeff@hooked.com
Shown here are some of Holub’s puppets in a parade.
Jeffrey Holub at work in his studio.
Congratulations and Best Wishes Festa Italiana 2017!
THE RADKE CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE 4353 S. Howell Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53207 414-483-3550 Dr. David A. Radke PAGE 38 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
THE ITALIAN TIMES
THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 39 SECTION A
Experience fast-paced futsal tourney at Festa Nomad World Pub serving as sponsor
Futsal, a variation of the game of soccer that is taking America by storm, is in the lineup at the 2017 Festa Italiana. An eight-team tournament is scheduled for Saturday, July 22 starting at noon on the sports court adjacent to the T.J. Bartolotta Stage. Nomad World Pub, 1401 E. Brady St., Milwaukee, is serving as the sponsor of the futsal tournament. The pub is well known for its extensive beer list, live soccer, trivia, live music and happy hour. This marks the fourth straight year that Festa has organized a futsal tournament. The 2017 tournament field will include the three-time defending champion, FC Palermo, a Milwaukee team
coached by Italian Community Center member Sal Carini. coordinator Tournament Michael Palmisano told The Italian Times that this will be a “5 v. 5” playoff, meaning there will be four players and a goalie on the court for each team during each match. 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 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.” New this year, cash prizes will
The 40th annual Festa Italiana will open its three-day run at 3 p.m. on Friday, July 21 at Henry W. Maier Festival Park (the Summerfest grounds). In the past several years, the festival had opened at 11:30 a.m. The decision to alter the starting time was based on the average attendance and the economic realities of an earlier opening period. Public admission hours for
Festa Italiana 2017 are: • Friday, July 21: 3 p.m. to midnight. • Saturday, July 22: 11:30 a.m. to midnight. • Sunday, July 23: 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Changes in hours for the 40th annual Festa
be awarded to the three top finishing teams in the tournament. Festa will present the champion a $250 cash prize. The runner-up will get $100 and the third place team will receive $100. A traveling champi-
onship trophy will also be awarded to the team that wins the tournament. Medals will be given to the players on the top three teams. There will be three officials for each match.
SUPPORTING FESTA ITALIANA FOR 5 YEARS CHECK OUT OUR 3V3 FUTSAL TOURNAMENT
Festa admission deals from page 20A
the individual of service and one guest on Sunday, July 23. To receive your free entry, present a valid employee ID at the cashier window at the Mid Gate. Military personnel – past and present In recognition of the dedicated service of all of our military personnel, active and retired, Festa Italiana invites them and their guest to receive free entry on Sunday, July 23. Present a valid military ID or a DD-214 (certificate of release or discharge from active duty) with a valid ID at the cashier window at the Mid Gate. Festa Italiana thanks you for your service!
PAGE 40 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Shop until you drop at Festa
by Pam Pietravalle Who can resist strolling through the shops at the Marketplace at Festa Italiana? This year, there will be two marketplace locations, Mercato Centrale and Festa Mercato. In Mercato Centrale, which will be located near the Liguria Regional Tent, you will find Dan Westfahl Photography, Italian American Connection which sells Italian novelties, novelty apparel and Italian gifts, Barb Sales and the Italian Tourism Board. Here you will enjoy large murals of breathtaking Italian scenes where, standing in front of them, you can take pictures of yourself and friends as if you were actually in Italy. In most of the stores located in Festa Mercato, you will find a wide variety of unique gifts from Italian novelty items, handmade products, books, jewelry and foodstuffs. The Pompeii Men’s Club sponsors the largest store that sells Ital-
ian related dry goods like hats, aprons, backpacks, t-shirts for adults and children and sweatshirts. Look for these vendors: Best Solutions Big Game Gallery Bicola – Italian Novelty Shop Coconut Critters Crown Manufacturing LLC Cutco – Flatware, cookware and sporting knives ShelfLiner Egyptian International Art Elevated Gems Fazio’s Cioccolatini – Delicious artisan chocolates. To learn more,
visit: www.fazioschocolate.com Folklore Crafts Fun Promotions Hardcore Italians Smile for Humanity Infrastone Jim Rae MRM LLC – Specialty scarves and sheets. Nector of the Vine – Assortment of gourmet foods including wine frappes, wine salsa and specialty pastas and olive oils. Silver Shop – Custom silver jewelry. Thirty One Gifts – Personalized handbags, totes and duffels. For
more information, visit www.thirtyonegifts.com Usborne Books & More – Educational books from infancy through high school. To learn more, check out www.theusbornebookstore.com Wellspring Ideas Famous Cigars can be found in two locations throughout the grounds while Eventoyz has stands and roam around the grounds selling fun items. Take a respite from all the food and activities at Festa and wander the Mercato – you are sure to find something to take home as a reminder of the great fun you had.
Mark your calendars for the Italian Community Center’s 4th annual Casino Night on Friday. Sept. 8. Look for details in Section B of this issue.
Be sure to visit us at the 40th annual Festa Italiana!
Coming Tuesday, September 19, 2017
The Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO will have their 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
Proud sponsor of Festa Italiana! THE ITALIAN TIMES
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 41 SECTION A
Milwaukee Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey Haines to preside over Festa Mass
Most Reverend Jeffrey R. Haines, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, has accepted the offer of the Festa Italiana Mass and Procession Committee to preside over the Festa Mass on Sunday, July 23 in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. Haines was born Oct 6, 1958. He attended Holy Apostles Parish and Grade School, New Berlin, and graduated from New Berlin West High School in 1977. He began his college studies at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, before transferring and graduating from Marquette University in 1981 with a degree in theology. Haines attended Saint Francis de Sales Seminary for graduate theological studies from 1981-1985, earning a Masters of Divinity degree. He was ordained to the priesthood on May 17, 1985, by Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B. After ordination, Bishop Haines was appointed Associate Pastor of St. Nicholas, Milwaukee. In 1987, he was given additional responsibilities as Associate Pastor of Holy Redeemer Church, Milwaukee. In 1991, he was appointed Associate Pastor of St. Eugene Parish, Fox Point. Five years later, he was appointed Pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Parish, West Bend.
In 2002, he was granted temporary leave to study canon law at Catholic University. However, he returned within the year to become Temporary Administrator of St. Patrick Parish, Whitewater. In 2003, he returned as Pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Parish, West Bend, and was given additional responsibility as Assisting Priest of Immaculate Conception/St. Mary’s, West Bend in 2004. Seven years later, he was appointed Rector of the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Milwaukee. Haines was named Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee by Pope Francis on Jan. 25, 2017. Additionally, Bishop Haines was three times elected moderator of the Archdiocesan Council of Priests of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, and currently is a member of the College of Consultors. He also served on the Archdiocesan Synod Preparatory Commission and the Archdiocesan Synod Implementation Commission. He is respected by fellow clergy and parishioners alike for his pastoral and leadership skills. Born in Milwaukee to Jim and Maureen (“Mo”) Haines, Bishop Haines has three siblings, John (Mary), Rick (Donna) and Anne (Sean) Haines Carroll.
October 9, 1967 will always be remembered with great sadness in Milwaukee’s Italian American community. That was the day when demolition of their beloved Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic Church commenced. The “Little Pink Church,” as it was affectionately known, had been the heart of the city’s Italian American community for more than 60
years. Located at 419 N. Jackson Street, the church was torn down for an off-ramp to Interstate 794. Built through the perseverance and hard work of Milwaukee’s Italian immigrants, the church was dedicated on May 14, 1905. The final Mass was conducted on July 31, 1967. It was a place for these Italian Americans to not only come and worship but to celebrate their
Festa Mass to pay tribute to the Italian-built Pompeii Church on the 50th anniversary of its demise Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey Haines
customs, traditions, language and to learn how to adjust to the realities of living in a new country and learning a new language. With the 50th anniversary of the demise of the church, the Festa Italiana Mass will pay tribute to the Little Pink Church and the lasting effects on our community. The Festa Mass will be celebrated Sunday, July 23 at 11 a.m. in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. The Principal Celebrant will be the Most Reverend Jeffrey R. Haines, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. After the Mass, a procession of religious societies and organizations will commence. The proces-
sion will follow a route to the north end of the Festa grounds, ending at the North Stage, where the clergy will offer the Benediction and a blessing for all. The Festa Mass & Procession has invited 21 societies to participate in the day’s activities. Admission to the amphitheater area on July 23 is free until 1 p.m. whether you attend the Mass or not. When the grounds open after the Mass concludes, you may enter the festival for free. Festa Italiana invites members of the deaf community to attend the Mass as a sign language interpreters will be present. Please let the ushers know if you need to be seated near the interpreter.
Voices needed for the Festa Mass Choir
The Festa Italiana Mass Choir invites singers to join their voices for this year’s choir, which will provide the music for the Mass on Sunday, July 23 in the American Family Insurance Amphitheater. The choir will rehearse 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 experience is recommended. Maestro Michael Kamenski requests the singers participate in
PAGE 42 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
at least four rehearsals including a mandatory dress rehearsal. Rehearsal dates are as follows: Thursday, July 13 at 7 p.m., Saturday, July 15 at 9 a.m., Monday, July 17 at 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 18 at 11 a.m. and a dress rehearsal Wednesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. The choir welcomes back members of the Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra and is pleased to add members of the Milwaukee Children’s Choir.
To register to sing with the Festa Choir, please contact director Michael Kamenski by email at mkamenski@saintsebs.org. Please use “Festa Choir” in the subject line. You may also call him at 414453-1928.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Donations sought for Festa Mass
The Festa Italiana Mass and Procession Committee is seeking donations to offset the cost of the celebration of our Mass and procession on Sunday, July 23. “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 53202-5916. 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.
UNICO Ladies show support for Festa Mass
Festa needs your help to collect lots of nonperishable food for Hunger Task Force
Festa Italiana officials urge people coming to the festival on July 23 to bring along a minimum of three nonperishable food items for donation to the Hunger Task Force. This year, Festa is again joining forces with Summerfest and all of the members of the United Ethnic Festivals to collect a grand total of 160,000 pounds of food over the course of the summer. The campaign is called “The Fests Feed Milwaukee.” Last year’s campaign resulted in the collection of 158,673 pounds of donated food. At Festa, the Hunger Task Force will collect nonperishable foods near the entrance to the Marcus Amphitheater, just outside the South Gate and in the roadway near the amphitheater forecourt. This will allow people attending the Sunday Mass or just wanting to attend Festa easy access to the Hunger Task Force trucks where volunteers will be on hand to accept every donation. Last year, more than 3,420 pounds was collected for the Hunger Task Force before the Festa Mass, 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 nonperishable food donations and help us to achieve our goal,” Lo Coco said. “We are asking attendees 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.
Festa’s Regional exhibit visits the land of beauty and Columbus: Liguria
On behalf of the Milwaukee Ladies of UNICO, Community Projects Chairperson Ann Romano presented a $100 donation to the Festa Italiana Mass and procession. The presentation was made during the Italian Community Center’s general meeting on June 15. Mass and Procession Committee Co-Manager Salvatore Lo Coco accepted the check. He thanked the Ladies of UNICO and added that he hopes many other organizations and individuals will step forward with donations to help defray the cost of putting on the Festa Mass in the Marcus Amphitheater. The Mass will be celebrated Sunday, July 23 at 11 a.m. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
Festa Mass Committee seeks ordained religious, lay members
The Festa Italiana Mass Committee is well underway with Mass preparations for this year’s 40th annual Festa Mass on Sunday July 23 at 11 a.m. We invite all priests, deacons, brothers and eucharistic ministers to participate in one of Milwaukee’s
favorite festival Masses. 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 or attending the 2017 Festa Mass.
Ted Catalano, Mass and Procession Committee member and ushers manager, 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 23. 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 17 at 7 p.m. At that time, information on the duties of an usher during the Mass and the pro-
cession, which follows the Mass, will be discussed. Catalano requests that new ushers sign up with him early and then follow through on their commitment. To volunteer as an usher or for more information, call Catalano at 414-305-9769. At least 55 ushers are needed every year for the Mass, which has drawn up to 15,000 people. Catalano said he has about 40 dedicated ushers who show up automatically each year.
by Christina Ziino Regional Exhibit Manager Once known as the vacation destination of Europe’s “Jet Set,” the Italian Riviera as it is often called is, in fact, the Region of Liguria. You don’t have to be a jet setter and you don’t have to board a plane to experience the sites of this beautiful region. Just come to the Region Exhibit at Festa Italiana, July 21-23. Come take a photographic journey through the magnificent Cinque Terre, those five quaint fishing villages along the beautiful craggy coastline. The stylish Portofino is known for its colorful houses and famous international vacationers. Genoa, known as La Superba (The Superior One), was home not only to Christopher Columbus but to other famous explorers as well. It is still one of Italy’s busiest seaports. It is also home to one of Europe’s most complete and advanced aquariums! Liguria has some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe along the Ligurian Sea coast. Scuba divers and snorkelers will marvel at the sights awaiting
them in the underwater world of the Ligurian Sea. Ancient palazzi now house artwork from some of Europe’s most famous artists like Rubens, van Dyke and Strozzi. Politicians and political activists who helped with the unification of the Italy as we now know it called Liguria home. The Italian National Anthem was penned by a local poet. Liguria probably has one of the most varied and inventive cuisines of Italy. Unlike many other regions they use everything, including all meats, fish, vegetables, herbs, cheeses and all other dairy produce. Focaccia bread comes from this region and although similar to pizza its origin is believed to be about two thousand years older. The Ligurians are seafarers and their fish dishes are superb. Fish in this region is baked, roasted, stewed, made into pasta sauces and soups, fried, and added to salads. Herbs and vegetables are also extensively in their cuisine and Please turn to page 44A
Call put out for Festa Mass ushers
THE ITALIAN TIMES
Italy’s busiest port is the Port of Genoa, the regional capital of Liguria. Seen here is a view of the quarter of San Teodoro from the port.
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 43 SECTION A
Festa’s captivating Pompeii Church and Italian Heritage Photo exhibit moves to new air-conditioned building Balistreri’s Sendik’s returns to sponsor
by Thomas Hemman and Pam Pietravalle If your eyes swell up and tears roll down your cheeks when you see a photo of a long departed loved one or you are moved by one of the religious displays you see in the Pompeii Church and Italian Heritage Photo exhibit at this year’s Festa, you won’t be able to blame your emotional reaction on the humidity in the tent. That’s because the exhibit, which is proudly sponsored for the second consecutive year by the Balistreri owned and operated Sendik’s Markets, will be presented in a brand new air-conditioned building in the Miller Lite Area. As part of the revamping of the festival grounds, Festa officials decided to utilize the new Summerfest Store along the main walkway for this always busy and much talked about exhibit. “It’s an ideal location for this jewel of Festa,” said Christine Conley, who serves as co-manager of the exhibit with Susie Christiansen. “While the building is smaller than our former tent locations, we are now able to present the most valuable artifacts and paintings and the most meaningful photos of our Italian heritage in a weather-conditioned environment. Our visitors should appreciate this, too.” Slideshows Visitors will be able to view more of the vintage photos from Milwaukee’s Italian heritage on slideshows this year. “Last year, we prepared a slideshow of weddings and U.S. military photos,” said Christiansen. “We are in the process of creating additional slideshows for our studio portraits of adults and children. The slide presentations allow us to include everyone who donated a photo to the exhibit. Our collection continues to grow, and space prevents us from exhibiting every photo on panels.” Pompeii Church paintings Conley noted that the paintings from Our Lady of Pompeii Catholic
Church are coming to Festa on loan from the Milwaukee County Historical Society. For those who may be unfamiliar with the story, Milwaukee’s early Italian community built the Pompeii Church to act as the heart of their neighborhood (in the area now known as the Historic Third Ward). Our Lady of Pompeii served as the hub for all religious and community activity throughout the Italian community. The cornerstone was laid on Oct. 9, 1904 and the church was dedicated on May 14, 1905. Over time, the church, at 419 N. Jackson St., was painted pink, and became known as “The Little Pink Church.” The church was decorated with the finest statuary and artwork that Italian craftsmanship could provide. Among the religious décor were a series of 12 murals, each painted on canvas and fit into the plasterwork on the Pompeii ceiling. Each mural depicts a religious event celebrated by the Roman Catholic Church. While most depict the Holy Family, others glorify the role that patron saints played in the denomination’s early history. When the church was torn down in the fall of 1967 to make way for freeway expansion, the murals and other religious artifacts were in danger of being lost, and along with it, their significance to one of Milwaukee’s largest ethnic groups. It was the foresight of one man, the late-Mario A. Carini, who rescued the murals from auction and stored them for safekeeping. In 2007, he donated them to the Milwaukee County Historical Society, and, in 2010, the Coronation of Mary in Heaven was restored to her former glory. This painting, along with several others, will be part of this year’s Festa exhibit. Carini was the longtime historian of the Italian Community Center and served as manager of the Pompeii exhibit from 1981 through 2014. He died July 7, 2015 at the age of 78. Returning to the exhibit The Holy Crucifix Society and the St. Rocco Society will be repre-
Festa to salute Italy’s Liguria Region
from page 43A you cannot mention Liguria without mentioning pesto. Basil, the main ingredient of pesto, grows freely on the dramatic hillsides of this spectacular region. Basil and other herbs are used in many of their traditional dishes giving them
a distinctive flavor. Because of a lack of flat land, which is suitable for growing wheat, the Ligurians use chickpeas for some of their flour. So join us in Liguria at Festa 2017. No passport required. No luggage to pack.
PAGE 44 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
Here are Susie Christiansen (left) and Christine Conley, co-managers of the Pompeii Church and Italian Heritage Photo exhibit. Between them is the screen on which slides from cherished weddings and military photos were shown at Festa 2016. For this year’s event, studio portraits of adults and children are being added to the slideshow presentations. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
sented in the Pompeii exhibit for the first time in several years. The exhibit will include the Holy Crucifix statues on its vada and the St. Rocco statue. The Holy Crucifix Society was Milwaukee’s first Italian mutual aid society, established by immigrants from Santo Stefano di Camastra, Sicily in 1905. The society disbanded several years ago, but before doing so, restored their vada and statues. The San Rocco Society was established in 1925.
Balistreri Sendik’s sponsorship The sponsorship of the Pompeii Church and Italian Heritage Photo Exhibit by the Balistreri owned and operated Sendik’s Markets makes perfect sense when you consider that the Balistreri family is known among many in the Italian community, with grocery store roots dating back to 1926. After immigrating to Milwaukee from Sant’Elia, Sicily, the Balistreri family began peddling quality fruits and vegetables by wagon. This began on the northeast side of Milwaukee, and eventually led to the opening of produce markets on Oakland and Downer avenues. In 1949, Grandpa Tom Balistreri — simply and affectionately known at Sendik’s as Mr. B — opened a third Sendik’s fruit and vegetable market on the corner of Silver Spring and Lake drives in the heart of Whitefish Bay. The store became known for honesty and integrity in treating customers and suppliers with courtesy and respect. The business flourished. Before long, Tom was joined in the business by his two sons, Ted and Tom Jr. In the early 1970s, the brothers took over the operation, and in 1975, the store expanded to include groceries, meat, deli, dairy, bakery, and wine and spirits. During this time of growth, the store’s reputation for quality products and customer service grew, drawing customers from all over Milwaukee and surrounding communities. In 2001, the third generation of family owners began building on the strong, 75-year history Sendik’s had established in the community as the trusted, local grocer. Ted’s sons — Ted, Patrick and Nick — purchased Tom Jr.’s interest in the Whitefish Bay store that year, and along with their sister
Margaret, have continued to expand the business. They currently own and operate Sendik’s stores in Bayside, Brookfield – Lilly Road, Elm Grove, Franklin, Germantown, Grafton, Greendale, Greenfield, Hartland, Mequon, New Berlin, Wauwatosa, West Bend, West Milwaukee and Whitefish Bay. Together they carry on the tradition set by Grandpa Balistreri of combining quality products with exceptional customer service to offer the best grocery shopping experience, period.
Shown here is St. Theresa of Lisieux, part of the Pompeii Church display of Festa 2016. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)
THE ITALIAN TIMES
37th annual VIP Day for disabled set for Saturday, July 22
The 37th annual VIP Day for persons with disabilities has been moved from a Friday afternoon activity to a Saturday afternoon event. This marks the first time that VIP Day is being held on a Saturday. Each VIP Day guest and a caregiver can, with a special pre-ordered advance ticket, attend Festa for free on Saturday, July 22, beginning at 11 a.m., a half-hour before the grounds officially open to the public. VIP Day admissions 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 13. 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
Friday, July 7. 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 Continued on page 43A
VIP Day ticket order form
Name of VIP guest: _________________________________________ (If more than one, please list on a separate sheet of paper)
Type of Disability: __________________________________________ Name of Caregiver: ________________________________________
Mailing address: ___________________________________________ City, State, Zip: ____________________________________________ Phone No.: _______________________________________________
Email Address: ____________________________________________ Are there any special needs that Festa Italiana needs to know about?
_________________________________________________________
8469 S. Howell Ave. Oak Creek, WI 53154 414-768-0001 www.DiCarloPizza.com Visit Sicily without the jet lag!
Congratulations to Festa Italiana on 40 wonderful years!
_________________________________________________________ All VIP Day ticket orders must be received by Friday, July 7 to ensure timely processing. Make sure to include a self-addressed envelope with significant postage for the tickets that will be sent to you. For any questions, contact Constance Palmer at 414-223-2808 or email her at cpalmer@italianconference,com,
Enjoy all the great entertainment, 5ireworks 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
Our best wishes to the Italian Community Center and Festa Italiana on 40 great years!
STAFF ELECTRIC CO., INC. Contractors/Engineers • Industrial/Commercial
(262) 781-8230 Fax (262) 781-1680 www.StaffElectric.com
THE ITALIAN TIMES
PO Box 917 Butler, WI 53007-0917 W133 N5030 Campbell Drive, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 2213 Industrial Drive Madison, WI 53713
JULY/AUGUST 2017 – PAGE 45 SECTION A
Help fight cancer at Festa by participating in the Lombardi Walk/Run on July 22
Join Aurora Cacner Care and the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation to help tackle cancer by participating in the “Lombardi Walk/Run to Tackle Cancer” at Festa Italiana on Saturday, Juy 22. Gather your family and friends and help tackle cancer in Wisconsin and the Midwest. All money raised will support local Aurora Cancer Care programs and is eligible for a 50% match from the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation. The race starts outside the north gate of the Festa grounds. Registration To register, go to the Festa website – festaitaliana.com – click on the “Activities” section, then the “Vince Lombardi Walk/Run” tab or go to #TackleCancer on Twitter.
Costs Early registration is now available through Thursday, June 22. Early registration costs are: $30 per runner and $25 per adult walker. After June 22, the costs are: $35 per runner and $30 per adult walker. For children, ages 3-12, the 3K (5.1mile) walk is $15. There is no registration fee for children under the age of 3. Runners and walkers receive free admission into Festa Italiana with a wristband, which will be is-
Participants in the 2016 Vince Lombardi Walk/Run to Tackle Cancer. The event is expected to draw thou-
sued to all participants. Guest passes will be $5 and will be available for purchase from 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Act now and get a discount code for Festa-goers. Enter the discount
sands of participants, all of whom will receive free admission to Festa Italiana at the end of the walk/run.
code VLCF17 when entering online to receive $10 off your registration. Fundraising prizes are available at varying levels. Visit www.LombardiWalk.org for more information. Parking will be available in the Italian Community Center lot for $5 from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. for all walkers and runners. Schedule Here is the walk/run day schedule. 7:30 a.m. – Registration opens.
All participants must stop at the registration tent to obtain a wristband. 9:00 a.m. – 5K run begins followed by start of walk. 11:00 a.m. – Post walk/run festivities at the Cucina Showcase Stage on the Festa grounds. 11:30 a.m. – 5K run awards and 50/50 raffle and awards. 12:00 p.m. – All walk/run festival festivities conclude. Enjoy Festa.
Disabled will be Festa’s VIPs on Saturday, July 22
from page 42A will make the arrangements for stand in the Miller Lite Area. A group ticket orders. Milwaukee area fruit wholesaler, During the VIP Day hours, 11 who wishes to remain anonymous, a.m. to 2 p.m., food vendors will is donating the fruit. have special offers on two food “We’re looking forward to a items. Each vendor make those great turnout of the disabled in our items available for half price, cour- community and presenting to them tesy of Festa Italiana. Each VIP all that Festa Italiana has to offer,” will also be eligible to pick up free said Bill Jennaro, VIP Day Manfresh fruit at the Catalano Fruit ager.
Most of us plan for the possible . . . few of us prepare for the inevitable. Take time to talk to family and friends about the things that matter to you and the memories you would like to share ... Your Lifestory.
Let us help you get the conversation started. Making plans for your final wishes now will help you get on with life.
Former Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Santana Dotson (center) is seen here with three of the 2016 Lombardi walk/run participants. Players associated with the Packers are expected to be in attendance for the 2017 Vince Lombard Walk/Run to Tackle Cancer on Saturday, July 22.
PAGE 46 SECTION A – JULY/AUGUST 2017
Two locations 2486 S. KINNICKINNIC AVENUE, MILWAUKEE, WI 53207 1901 N. FARWELL AVENUE, MILWAUKEE, WI 53211
414-276-5122 SuminskiFuneralHome.com
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Tradizione Vivente preserving Italian heritage through music, dance and costumes
by Susie DeSanctis Christiansen Tradizione Vivente, which means “living tradition” in Italian, has been in existence for more than 70 years. The original members of the group have since departed, only to leave behind a treasured legacy – Italian folk dancing. The members of Tradizione Vivente preserve the Italian heritage through what they love most – the music, dancing and costumes of Italy. Their performances are vibrant and entertaining and transport audiences to another place. It has been their honor to travel throughout the United States performing for various events, such as festivals, weddings, benefits, anniversaries, religious functions, Italian conferences, and other events both near and far. In Milwaukee, group members are proud to participate in local events, such as International Holiday Folk Fair and, of course, Festa Italiana, where they have performed since its inception 40 years ago. This year has provided some really memorable experiences and also promises some exciting opportunities to come.
One of their favorite performances was at “A Taste of Italy” at the Italian Community Center, with the smells from the delicious food and the upbeat sound of the Italian music. The atmosphere at Taste of Italy is a lively, joyful one – it is absolutely a brilliant way to bring people together.
In November, the members of Tradizione Vivente look forward to attending and performing at the annual Italian Folk Art Federation of America (IFAFA) conference in Rockford, Ill. The IFAFA conference is educational and enriching, as it brings together those who love the Italian culture. Offered are workshops and classes in every aspect of the Italian culture – Italian
Here is Tradizione Vivente, the Italian Dance Group of Milwaukee, during its performance at Festa Ital-
dance and song, Italian costumes and instruments, Italian history, art and traditions, and of course Italian food and cooking. It is a gathering that brings together people with a common cause – to keep alive the Italian folk heritage in America. Tradizione Vivente has been attending these conferences since 1990, and has hosted three conferences in Milwaukee.
In June 2018, Tradizione Vivente will travel as a dance group to southern Italy and the Region of
iana 2016 on the T.J. Bartolotta Coliseum sports court. (Times photo by Paul Inzeo)
Sicily – shadowing folk dance groups, learning from them, and hopefully performing with them. To be among the people of the villages, listening to their music, dancing with them, admiring their costumes, and exchanging ideas will no doubt reflect in their performances when the members of Tradizione Vivente return to Milwaukee.
At Festa Italiana, Tradizione Vivente will showcase approximately 10 dances, representing the
Milwaukee County Transit System gets riders to Festa Italiana 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 21-23 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 from 2:30 p.m. to midnight on Friday, July 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 22 and from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 23. 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. 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 (I-94, S. 76th and W. Kearney Street). Service is provided during all hours of the festival, beginning a half-hour 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.
THE ITALIAN TIMES
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 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 for those fares. Children under six can ride for free when accompanied by an adult.. Customers can find additional information and suggested routing via Google Trip Planner by visiting RideMCTS.com, or by calling the 24-hour automated bus information line at 414-344-6711.
many splendid regions of Italy – involving even the audience at the end of the show. You won’t want to miss this spectacular show at the Colosseum Stage each evening. Balliamo! Let’s Dance!
Festa welcomes MPD K9 Foundation
The Milwaukee Police Department K9 Foundation will appear at Festa Italiana on Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 from 2 to 6 p.m. There will be at least one dog with his/her handler on hand. The MPD K9 Foundation will have a tent and display area near the Cucina Showcase, presented by The Bartolotta Restaurant Group, on the north end of the grounds. The Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization, was created to help support the Milwaukee Police K9 Unit. The Foundation raises funds for expenses, not totally covered in the MPD budget and includes purchases of additional dogs for the K9 Unit, dog and officer training, equipment needed to convert regular squad vehicles into K9 unit vehicles and essential on-the-job K9 supplies. Since the dogs live with their handlers, there is quite a bit of expense that is paid by the handler outof-pocket. For more information, visit the Foundation’s website: www.mpdk9foundation.org. During Festa, the Foundation will sell merchandise such as shirts, hats, stuffed German Shepherds and will be accepting monetary donations.
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THE ITALIAN TIMES