the italian times - july 2012 part 1

Welcome to Festa Italiana XXXVHuge parade to celebrateFesta’s 35 years!

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

Play bocce while at Festa!

Bartolotta’s famousfireworks each night!

Rossella Ragobrings her“Cookingwith Nonna”show toFesta!

The Sunday Massand religiousprocession continueto be the essence ofFesta Italiana!

Enjoy a romanticgondola ride duringyour visit to Festa!

Enjoy the entertainment! TheRusso Brothers are seen here.

MilwaukeeCountyHistoricalSocietyexhibitcoming toFesta!

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

NON-PROFITUS POSTAGE

PAIDMILWAUKEE, WI

Permit No. 5716

Published by the Italian Community Center631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee, WI 53202

www.ICCMilwaukee.comVOL. 34, NO. 2, SECTION A

JULY/AUGUST 2012

– CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED –

PASTE ADDRESS LABEL HERE.

THE

ITALIAN TIMES

THE ITALIAN TIMESPAGE 2, SECTION A - JULY/AUGUST 2012

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the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage.

JULY/AUGUST 2012 - PAGE 3, SECTION ATHE ITALIAN TIMES

ICC President & Festa GeneralChairman Dave Spano welcomes all

to the 35th Festa Italiana!Festa Italiana, Milwaukee’s old-

est lakefront ethnic festival, cele-brates its 35th anniversary,Thursday, July 19 through Sunday,July 22. It’s a pretty remarkableaccomplishment when you sit downand think about it.

Back in 1977 and 1978, whenFesta’s founding fathers were plan-ning our first festival on theSummerfest grounds, it’s doubtfulthat anyone could have imaginedthat, 35 years later, Festa Italianawould be recognized as one of thecenterpieces of Milwaukee’s andWisconsin’s summer celebrations.

From the stories I heard, Festa’sfounders, all of them volunteers,set their sights on doing theirabsolute best to present, on a broadscale, the traditions of the festivalsthat their immigrant parents andgrandparents brought here fromSicily and other parts of Italy, andsee how it panned out.

This year, we’re placing empha-sis on many of the same principlesthat were hallmark to the successof the first Festa: family traditions,cultural presentations and activi-ties, entertainment for all ages,spectacular nightly fireworks, awide selection of delicious Italianfood, and, of course, the SundayMass and procession, which are theessence of every Italian festival.

We’ve made a few changes thisyear – such as opening at 5 p.m. onThursday (instead of earlier in theday) and we’ve moved our VIP Dayprogram for people with disabilitiesfrom Thursday to Friday – all in anattempt to improve our bottom line.

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

Miller Lite Stage. The prize winnerwill collect 50% of the raffle’s grossrevenue, based on the number oftickets sold as verified by theaccounting firm Reilly, Penner &Benton, LLP. Festa Italiana willretain the remaining 50% of theticket sales.

If you haven’t purchased yourraffle tickets yet, I suggest you actnow or buy them during your visitto Festa. Raffle tickets are $10each. Call the Italian CommunityCenter at 414-223-2180, visitwww.FestaItaliana.com or look forthe story in this section for com-plete details on the raffle.

Advance Festa admission tickets(also at $10 apiece) are also avail-able and can be ordered by callingthe phone number listed above,through the PayPal system on theFesta website or with the form inthis section of The Italian Times.Tickets at the gate will be $13 perperson.

We’ve enhanced our culturalarea on the north end of thegrounds by moving the Dominic H.Frinzi Memorial Opera Tent to thatarea. The north end will now fea-ture our Cultural Exhibit (showcas-ing ancient Rome and other histori-cally prominent Italian cities thisyear), and our Cinema and ArtTent.

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

loading dock for our gondola rides.Last year, after several years’absence, we brought back gondolarides to Festa, which proved verypopular with our guests. Our gon-doliers were kept busy throughoutthe festival. This year, thanks tothe Vella family of Sciortino’sBakery fame, we’ve added a secondgondola, which should lessen thewait between rides.

It’s hard to imagine Mario

It is with great pleasure thatwe publish the July/August 2012Festa Italiana edition of TheItalian Times. We have attemptedto provide our readers with com-plete information on all aspects ofthe 35th annual Festa, producedby the volunteer members of theItalian Community Center. Wehope you enjoy the stories, thefeatures and the photographs.

We want to thank everyonewho placed advertising in thisissue. Without the support of ouradvertisers, it would be impossi-ble to publish this large a news-paper. We encourage our readersto patronize those businesses thathave placed advertising in thisedition.

We also hope that everyonewho reads this issue will be able

to attend Festa Italiana. The fes-tival opens Thursday, July 19 andruns through Sunday, July 22 atHenry W. Maier Festival Park(the Summerfest grounds) alongMilwaukee’s beautiful lakefront.

The staff of The Italian Timesis looking forward to covering thefestival. Our reports on the 35thannual Festa Italiana will appearin the September 2012 issue, pub-lished in late August.

If you happen to misplace yourprint edition of this newspaper,you can also find a copy of itonline at the Italian CommunityCenter’s website found at thisaddress: www.ICCMilwaukee.com.

See you at Festa!

– Thomas HemmanTimes Editor

Here’s virtuallyeverything you need to

know about Festa XXXV!

By Colleen JurkiewiczFesta attendees may think

they know what to expect from thefestival’s “La Parata Italiana”(The Italian Parade). But thisyear’s parata will have someamazing new twists.

“This year’s parade will be veryexciting and will offer many sur-prises!” said Susie (DeSanctis)Christiansen, organizer of theparade.

The family-friendly “La ParataItaliana” will be held ionSaturday, July 21 and Sunday,July 22.

Led by Vespa Scooters courtesyof Reina International Auto/VespaMilwaukee and accompanied bythe Sicilian Band of Chicago, theparade will feature Festa favoritesPinocchio, Geppetto, the BlueFairy, and a giant whale, andTopo Gigio. Tradizione Vivente, I

Bei Bambini and the FestaRegional & Renaissance Dancerswill dance in the parade. TheItalian Community Center’s 2012Carnevale Royalty will processalong with the Carnevale costumeand mask winners, who have beeninvited to participate.

Completing the grand proces-sion will be baton twirlers, a jug-gler/stilt walker, a Sicilian carret-to (cart), beautiful importedItalian cars (also courtesy ofReina) and much more. And, ofcourse, Italian music will beprominent in the procession aswell.

A whale of a projectGina Jorgensen’s North

Division High School students,who will be coordinating and man-ning Festa’s cultural exhibit (see

Festa parade to bebetter than ever

Please turn to page 10A


Instead of offering a new car ora trip to Italy with other grandmerchandise in its raffle, FestaItaliana officials have decided to goin a new direction. This year, Festais offering a “50/50 cash raffle.”

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

lect 50% of the raffle’s gross rev-enue based on the number of tick-ets sold as verified by the account-ing firm Reilly, Penner and Benton,LLP, certified public accountants.The amount of the prize is anyone’sguess at this point, but it’s expectedto be substantial since raffle tickets

are already on sale. Festa Italianawill retain the remaining 50% ofticket sales. The minimum prize is$5,000.

The cost of one raffle ticket hasbeen set at $10. Tickets can be pur-chased at the Italian CommunityCenter during regular business

hours and at special events oronline at www.FestaItaliana.com.They are also available from ICCmembers and will be on sale on theFesta grounds during the festival,which begins Thursday, July 19and ends Sunday, July 22. Thedrawing will take place on July 22at 10 p.m. on the Miller Lite OasisStage.

The prize winner need not bepresent for the drawing. That per-son, however, will be responsiblefor payment of all applicable stateand federal taxes. The tax settle-ment date must occur on or beforeDec. 31, 2012.


All advertisements must be in accordancewith the rules and requirements as deter-mined by editorial policy. Paid advertise-ments are not to be interpreted as anendorsement by the Italian CommunityCenter or its newspaper, The Italian Times.In addition, the Newspaper Committeereserves the right to reject ads based on edi-torial policy approved by the Board ofDirectors of the Italian Community Center.

THE ITALIAN TIMES631 E. Chicago St.

Milwaukee, WI 53202-5916(414) 223-2180

Published 11 times annually

Publisher . . . Italian Community CenterICC President . . . . . . . . . . . Dave SpanoNewspaper CommitteeChairman . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert RuggieriEditor . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas HemmanItalian PageEditor . . . . . . . Enrica Tarantino-WoytalAdvertising SalesManager . . . . . . . . . . . .Thomas HemmanAdvertising SalesRepresentative . . . . . . Faye Ann KesslerEditorial Contributors and StaffWriters/Reporters . . . . .Robert Ruggieri,

Colleen Jurkiewicz, Ginny Balistreri,Mario A. Carini, Bobby Tanzilo, Angelo

Castronovo and Susan Christiansen, Staff Photographers . . . . Tim Townsend,

Tom Hemman and Colleen Jurkiewicz

For advertising information, please call(414) 223-2180 or send an e-mail to:[email protected].

Copyright 2012The Italian Community Center, Inc.

All Rights Reserved

The Official Italian Sausageof Governor Walker’s

“Brat Summit” – June 12, 2012

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Sardina Brothers was started in 1988 by theSardina Family, with a passion for makingItalian sausages using recipes that go back forgenerations. We have decided to share thispassion with you. We hope to provide youwith the best quality sausages you can buy.Hands down! We are committed to quality.Your satisfaction is our number one concern.

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One-of-a-kind Festa raffleA ‘50/50 cash raffle’ now under way

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Rossella Rago bringing her ‘Cookingwith Nonna’ show to Festa

By Colleen JurkiewiczNew Jersey internet sensation

Rossella Rago will be bringing her“Cooking with Nonna” show toFesta Italiana on Saturday, July 21at 6:45 p.m. and Sunday, July 22 at4:15 p.m. on the Piggly WigglyCucina Showcase Stage.

Rago will demonstrate easy,delicious recipes passed downthrough the generations.

“The recipes are going to bequick and easy and you can totallymake them at home,” she told theTimes. “We have recipes for every-body’s lifestyle. We try and cater toeveryone. Our mission is to pre-serve the recipes that get lost intime.”

Rising starRago, 25, is the host of the

online cooking show Cooking withNonna and the winner of the FoodNetwork’s “25 Hour RestaurantBattle”. Her family hails from thePuglia region in southern Italybeside the Adriatic Sea, and shegrew up spending summers in Italylearning to cook with her aunts.

A member of the Screen ActorsGuild and an actress since the ageof 11, Rago has appeared in manymajor films and television seriesincluding Confessions of aShopaholic, 13 Going on 30, andThe Sopranos. She is a member ofthe Order Sons of Italy in Americaand National Italian AmericanFoundation, where she sits on theboard for the Italian-AmericanYouth Committee.

Rago graduated in 2009 from St.

John’s University with a degree inItalian Literature. The daughter ofimmigrants, she speaks Italian flu-ently.

Preserving Italian traditionShe is on a mission to preserve

the “integral” ways of the Italiankitchen. “These days, there aresimpler ways to do everything.When my grandmother made tataleshe would make the dough with ahand crank. Now we have a mixerand it kind of does everything foryou, but it’s important to at leastknow how to do it the traditional,artisanal way,” she said.

And she’s out to provide Italiannonnas with the credit theydeserve.

“These are women who’ve neverbeen used to getting attention.Never been told thank you for feed-ing us every day. They just do it outof habit and out of tradition andout of culture. These amazingwomen hold families together.”

On Sunday her show will incor-porate a local Milwaukee nonna,who will assist Rago onstage. Inaddition, Rago and the lucky nonnawill appear on TMJ4 on July 21.

She is excited to be part of Festafor the first time. “It’s the biggestItalian fest in the country. I can’twait!”

Rago’s shows are sponsored byGeorgian Court University abdSabta Arnisa Boutique Wines.

Rossella Rago

Interested in advertising with us?Call (414) 223-2180 or email

[email protected].


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By Colleen JurkiewiczFor Festa Italiana 2012, the

Piggly Wiggly Cucina Showcasewill be serving up a full menu ofdelicious entertainment. Hundredsof people every day are expected toflock to the Cucina to experiencethe sights, sounds, and tastes offine Italian cuisine

“We’ve got some new vendorsand the return of our favorites,”reported Marie Lieber, manager ofthe Piggly Wiggly CucinaShowcase. Chef Nick Stellino willbe back for his eighth time, andFesta newcomer Rossella Rago, thehost of the online Cooking withNonna and the winner of the FoodNetwork’s “25-Hour RestaurantBattle” will demonstrate easy, tra-ditional recipes. Look for separatestories on both Stellino and Rago.

Here’s the Piggly Wiggly CucinaShowcase culinary demonstrationslineup:

Thursday, July 19• 5:30 p.m.: The Thursday line-

up starts off on Thursday with theLoDuca Brothers’ Wine in NewBerlin featuring wine connoisseurand national sales manager LouBruno and Jim LoDuca, presidentof the company.

• 6:30 p.m.: There will be ademonstration by chef PatrickMurphy from LeReve Patisserie,7610 Harwood Ave., Wauwatosa.

Friday, July 20• 12 p.m.: Friday will kick off

with the return of Joe McCormickof Ryan Braun’s Graffito, 102 N.Water St, Milwaukee.

• 1 p.m.: Brian Frakes of thePfister Hotel, 424 E. WisconsinAve., one of the oldest and mostprestigious venues in Milwaukee.

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

• 4 p.m.: Tony Evans of BravoCucina Italiana, 95 N. MoorlandRd., Brookfield.

• 5:30 p.m.: Joe Jennaro, ownerof Carmella’s Italian Bistro inAppleton.

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

Saturday, July 21• 11:45 a.m.: Buca di Beppo,

1233 N. Van Buren St., Milwaukee,will be represented by StevePerlstein.

• 1 p.m.: Chef AudreyVandenburgh will feature the cui-sine of Wild Earth at PotawatomiBingo Casino at 1721 W. Canal St.,Milwaukee.

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

• 2:45 p.m.: Names will bedrawn for the Cannoli-EatingContest.

• 3 p.m.: Annual Cannoli-EatingContest sponsored by PeterSciortino’s Bakery, 1101 E. BradySt., Milwaukee.

• 4 p.m.: Nick Stellino, spon-sored by DaVinci Pasta.

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

• 6:45 p.m.: Rossella Rago ofCooking With Nonna.

Sunday, July 22• 1 p.m.: David Magnasco of

Tripoli Country Club, 7401 N. 43rdSt., Milwaukee.

• 2 p.m.: Tomas White Jr. of MiaFamiglia Italian Ristorante &Steak House, 10049 W. ForestHome Ave., Hales Corners.

• 2:45 p.m.: Names will bedrawn for the Kid’s Pizza-MakingContest

• 3 p.m.: Kid’s Pizza-MakingContest sponsored by Due Sorelli,

ages 4-9.• 3:30 p.m.: Kid’s Pizza-Making

Contest sponsored by Due Sorelli,ages 10-16.

• 4:15 p.m.: Rossella Rago ofCooking With Nonna.

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

• 6:30 p.m.: Nick Stellino, spon-sored by Electrolux.

Cucina Showcase vendorsBesides the culinary demonstra-

tions, several vendors will be show-casing their products and services;

many of them offering free samplesthroughout the day.

Although this list may be incom-plete, the vendors as of presstimeincluded: Oro d’Oliva, Due Sorelli,E. Formella & Sons, Carmella’sBistro Sauces, Red Gold TomatoProducts, Ghiradelli ChocolateCompany and FerraroUSA/Nutella.

Daily activities at the CucinaShowcase will conclude with theItalian Idol amateur singing con-test. Look for a separate story onthis activity.

Nick Stellino todisplay his culinary

passion at FestaBy Colleen Jurkiewicz

One of the most recognizablechefs in America, Nick Stellino,will once again appear at thePiggly Wiggly Cucina Showcase onSaturday and Sunday, July 21 and22, during Festa Italiana.

Stellino’s Saturday show will beat 4 p.m. and sponsored by DaVinciPasta. On Saturday, he will con-duct his cooking demonstration at6:30 p.m. under the sponsorship ofElectrolux.

A native of Palermo, Sicily,Stellino emigrated to the UnitedStates in 1975. He lived theAmerican dream as a successful

stockbroker, but gave up thatlucrative career to follow his bliss –which led him straight to thekitchen. Determined to become achef, he started his cooking careeras a dishwasher and apprenticedwith well-known culinary masters,eventually working his way to thetop and garnering national atten-tion with several television series,including Nick Stellino Cookingwith Friends, Cucina Amore I, IIand III, Nick Stellino’s FamilyKitchen, and several PBS specials.

He has authored nine cook-books, including Nick Stellino’sPassione: Pasta, Pizza, Panini andMangiamo! Let’s Eat.

On the topic of his cookbooks,Stellino states on his website,www.nickstellino.com, “I love themas if they were children. Each[cookbook] is different, and eachone is dear to me.”

He has been a guest on suchprestigious programs as RachelRay, Today, CBS This Morning,and Good Morning America. Heruns a marketing and productioncompany in addition to his culinarypursuits and is a well-known moti-vational speaker.

Stellino has appeared at FestaItaliana seven times since 2004.

“I believe that the family table isour last tribal meeting ground,where we all sit together and shareour stories surrounded by greatfood, great wine, our family andfriends. A family that eats togetherstays together!” he writes on hiswebsite.Nick Stellino


By Colleen JurkiewiczWhat’s better than a cannoli?

How about all the cannoli you caneat?

The seventh-annual Cannoli-Eating Contest will once again beheld at Festa Italiana’s CucinaShowcase stage on Saturday, July21 at 3 p.m. This year contestantswill attempt to top Anthony Paulis’amazing triumph of 2011, duringwhich he consumed 10-1/4 cannoli.

As usual, the cannoli will maketheir grand procession into theCucina Showcase on the shouldersof Roman soldiers. The cannoli areprovided courtesy of Joe and LuigiVella and Maria Sali at Sciortino’sBakery, who are generously donat-ing as much cannoli as the contest-ants can devour.

In order to compete, interestedcandidates can enter their namesat the Cucina Showcase fromFesta’s opening day, July 19 untilshortly before the time of the con-

test on July 21. Ten contestantswill compete after their names arerandomly drawn. In order to be eli-gible to compete, contestants mustbe present at the drawing of thenames on Saturday at 2:45 andmust be over 18 years of age.

All participants will receive a t-shirt and the first-place winner willbe awarded a cash prize.

In keeping with tradition, Pauliswill return this year to defend histitle. Spectators will expect to seehis signature championship belt,which he hoisted last year after hisvictory.

Cannoli are a famous Sicilianpastry dessert made of fried doughand a rich filling, sometimes con-taining mascarpone or ricottacheese. In historic Italy they weremade during Carnevale in Palermoas a delicacy and became especiallypopular with Italian-Americanimmigrants in the early 20th centu-ry. The competitive eating of can-

noli is popular at Italian-Americanfestivals all around the UnitedStates, particularly at the Feast ofSan Gennaro in New York City, but

Milwaukeeans can surely rival anyother city in their enthusiasm fortheir own Sciortino’s-made pas-tries.

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

Here’s Tony Paulis gulping down one of the 10-1/4 cannoli he devoured insix minutes, thus setting a new record in Festa Italiana’s cannoli-eatingcontest last July. Paulis became a three-time champion of the contest. In2010, he tied Tom Carlson of Minnesota for the title when both matchedthe former record, originally set by Chris Massa of Delafield in 2008, ofeight cannoli ingested in six minutes. Paulis won his first cannoli-eatingtitle at Festa in 2009. (Times photo by Joe Spasiano)

By Colleen JurkiewiczThanks to the generous spon-

sorship of Due Sorrelli ItalianSpices, the Piggly-Wiggly CucinaShowcase will once again host thepopular Kid’s Pizza-MakingContest on Sunday, July 22 at 3p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

This will be the contest’s thirdyear at Festa. Last year’s winnerswere Alex Blessing, 13, of BigBend, and Kayla Sachs, 9, ofLibertyville, Ill. The championsfrom last year won gift bags fromDue Sorrelli and got to keep theirchef’s hats and aprons that theywore to perfect their pizzas.

Two contests will be held – onefor children ages 5 to 9 at 3 p.m.and another for ages 10 to 16 at3:30 p.m. A pizza-making demon-stration will precede the competi-

tion, which will be judged on cre-ativity and visual appeal.

Interested contestants can signup at the Cucina Showcase alldays of Festa. At precisely 2:45p.m. on Sunday, 10 names will berandomly drawn for each agegroup to determine who will com-pete. Contestants must be presentat the drawing of the names inorder to be eligible to compete.

Due Sorrelli is based in OakCreek, and is owned by sistersLaurel and Rosemarie Torre.

“The kids’ pizza-making con-test is always one of the greatestmoments at the Cucina, and peo-ple just love it,” said MarieLieber, manager of the CucinaShowcase. “We are so grateful toDue Sorrelli for making it possi-ble.”

Our best wishes to theItalian Community Center

andFesta Italiana

on 35 great years!

Kid’s pizza-makingcontest to return

By Colleen JurkiewiczPlease make sure to stop by the

Culture Tent at the 35th FestaItaliana, Thursday, July 19through Sunday, July 22. Here’s alook at what’s in store.

The students of Gina Jorgen-sen’s North Division High Schoolart history class got a chance totravel back to ancient Rome whilepreparing displays for this year’sCultural Exhibit.

You will see historic dioramas,artistic reproductions of ancientweapons, boards explaining Romansocial traditions, and much morewill be on display at the CultureTent on the North End of the festi-val grounds. Students from theclass will volunteer to be experts-on-hand at the tent to explainexhibits to festival-goers.

Jorgensen explained she got theidea for the exhibit while doing aproject-based learning unit onancient Rome in her class. “Beforethe project is completed, the stu-

dents do much research first,”Jorgensen said. “We start with anessential question and studentscreate projects to answer the ques-tion.”

Some examples of displaysinclude a board explaining thelogistics of an ancient catapult, uti-lized by the Romans in their warsagainst Syracuse, Macedon, Sparta,and Aetolia in the 3rd and 2nd cen-turies, BC. Another board illus-trates the details of social etiquettein ancient Rome, explaining the dif-ference between the appearance ofnoblewomen and common women.Other boards give information onancient Roman swords and shields.

Students have made impressiverepresentations of a Roman shieldand sword out of cardboard, plasterwrap, newspaper, and paint, alongwith examples of intricate mosaics.Some students also created theirown renderings of such historicbuildings as the Coliseum and theDuomo in Florence with cardboard

and printmaking, which willaccompany information aboutancient Roman gladiators.

Festa attendees will also be ableto see the projects used in an inter-active way. “The catapult will beused to launch off bean bags some-where on the grounds, most likelythe Children’s Area,” saidJorgensen. “It will also be used tolaunch off candy during theparade.”

Culture tent activitiesJorgensen and Christina Ziino

are planning lots of new activitiesfor this year’s Cultural Exhibit.

There will be a paper mosaic artactivity (Dean Cannestra is gra-ciously donating pizza circles to beused) where the public will havethe chance to make their own papermosaics just like the AncientRomans did with tile.

Story time will be at 6 p.m. onThursday night and at 1 p.m. and 6p.m. on Friday, Saturday andSunday. Stories will be read in bothEnglish and Italian.

WisItalia and VictoryImmersion School will have a table,as well as The Center for CulturalExchange. Information on how to

become a member of the groups anda student at the immersion schoolwill be provided.

“We will have a small market-place in our tent with some authen-tic Italian merchandise such asglass, t-shirts, and other funthings,” said Jorgensen. “Last butnot least, we will have our annualraffle of Italian baskets full of good-ies!”

Look for the giant Pinocchiohead and whale to be featured inthe Festa Parade, using materialslike chicken wire, conduit, wood,zip ties, thin wire, newspaper, plas-ter wrap, and paint. ItalianCommunity Center member CosmoCarini is building the woodenstructures that Monstro andPinocchio will be wheeled on.

Jorgensen wishes to thank theICC Board, specifically SamPurpero and Susie Christensen, fortheir generosity in funding thewhale and Pinocchio project!Thanks to Cosmo Carini, DennisManley, and Daniel Fouliard fortheir expertise with the whale andPinocchio project! “Your gift oftime and talents will never be for-gotten!”


Ancient Rome comes to life at Festa!

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

Mille’s Italian Sausageis proud to announce that ourproduct will be available atFesta Italiana 2012!

Since its founding by Italianimmigrants Amatore andAntonette Mille in 1932, thisfamous State Fair favorite hasbeen made from only the highestquality, extra lean pork and theperfect mixture of secret spices.And Mille’s Italian Sausage isnow available in local stores!

Find us in theselocations at Festa

Italiana:

North End

Cucina Showcase (front)

Miller Lite Oasis Area

Briggs & Stratton BigBackyard Area

See you at Festa!www.millesitaliansausage.com


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

By Ginny BalistreriIt would be hard to debate that any culture

has contributed more to the arts than Italy. Thevisual arts, literature, music, theater, crafts,architecture and even culinary arts owe a debt ofgratitude to Italy and Italian culture, accordingto Valorie (Sanfilippo) Schleicher, the managerof the 2012 Festa Fine Arts Show.

Schleicher, a local artist who has gained anational and international reputation for herwork in sculpture and photography, said theFesta Fine Art Show helps to propagate the his-tory and tradition of Italy in the Arts and intro-duces Festa audiences to local Italian-Americanartisans who are continuing in that great tradi-tion.

“Festa is a wonderful venue for artists,” shesaid. “We try to bring a variety of art into theshow and to give those who might rarely attendan art exhibit a chance to view the art, watch itin the making, and buy a favorite piece to takehome with them. We also mentor emerging arti-sans who are students from the MilwaukeeInstitute of Art and Design (MIAD) by invitingone to participate in the show. The show givesthem experience and exposure to professionalartists who encourage their growth in the arts.”

The Festa Fine Arts Show is a popular stopfor Festa crowds. This year’s exhibit will belocated on the north end of the festival groundsnorth of the U.S. Cellular Stage. It shares spacewith the Cinema Tent (see article on theCinema).

“There’s much to offer in the way of Italianand Italian American art and culture on thenorth end of the grounds,” Valorie stated. “Wewant to make sure everyone knows where we areand makes it a point to stop in to see us. Like allof Festa, the Fine Arts Show offers family-friend-ly entertainment. To highlight that emphasis,our show includes members of three artisan fam-ilies – the Orlandini, Christensen and Whitefamilies.”

The work of 15 visual artists, craft artisans,and authors makes up this year’s Festa FineArts Show. All of the participants are of Italian-American heritage and can attribute part oftheir creativity to an innate connection to theirancestry and the Italian artists who precededthem.

In addition to exhibiting their work, some ofthe artists will demonstrate how they createtheir art, and they will answer questions abouttheir techniques, tools and media. “This can be aspecial teaching moment for children,” comment-ed Valorie.

All of the work will be available for sale andmoderately priced. A portion of the proceedsgoes to the ICC to perpetuate the growth of artand culture in Milwaukee.

Among this year’s exhibitors are two well-known published writers: Paul Salsini andArthur Cola. The writers will meet and chatindividually with visitors to the Fine Arts Showand will autograph copies of their books, alsoavailable for purchase.

The following is a list of the exhibiters. Besure to stop, meet them, and view their show.The Art Show will be open the entire four-dayfestival, from Thursday through Sunday.

• Paul Salsini – The widely celebratedauthor will bring his latest novel, TheTemptation of Father Lorenzo: Ten Stories of1970s Tuscany to the Festa Fine Arts Show,along with his acclaimed A Tuscan Trilogy: TheCielo, a novel of wartime Tuscany; Sparrow’sRevenge, a novel of postwar Tuscany; and Dino’sStory, a novel of 1960s Tuscany.

• Yvonne (Marchetti) Stevenson - BadDog Studio Painter: Yvonne will be displayingher abstract art. She paints primarily in vivid,lively, and playful colors to enhance the beautyof an object and project mood and emotion.

• Paula DeStefanis Christensen – She willbe displaying acrylic paintings and hand paintedwearable art.

• Donna Pogliano – Girly Girl Baubblesand Beads –The Bay View jewelry maker willbe returning to Festa with her Millefiori and artglass, plus her earrings, anklets and bracelets inthe colors of the Italian flag.

• Arthur Cola – Author. An educator for 35years, the Burlington resident will be bringinghis three novels to Festa, The Stone CuttersGenius, The Shamrock Crown, and Papa and theLeprechaun King, along with his children’sChristmas-themed book, Papa and theGingerbread Man

• Mary Anne Schall – The Shorewood resi-dent, whose family names include Bettio andAndreotta, is a jewelry maker who manipulateswire into wearable pieces of art using techniquesadapted from basketry, knitting and metal work.She combines silver, gold, and copper withpearls, gem stones, antique pieces, fused glassand china shards. She will be displaying neck-laces, earrings, and bracelets.

• Debra Stubbe Burkhart Orlandini –The local artist will be displaying new paintingsand drawings of both Milwaukee and Italianlandmarks, including originals, prints and greet-ing cards taken from her original art. She uses anontraditional medium that combines acrylicpaint and magic marker.

• Eugene Orlandini – A third generationartisan, Orlandini will display and demonstratethe ornate plaster and restoration work that hasgiven the family name international acclaim.

• Sheila Orlandini – The third member ofthe artistic Orlandini family to exhibit at the2012 Festa Italiana Fine Arts Show, Sheila willdisplay her photography.

• Susan (Rossi) Kamholtz – An artist ofItalian and Irish descent, Kamholtz doesn’t liketo limit herself to any one medium. So she willbe exhibiting her multi-media paintings at theFesta Fine Arts Show.

• Valerie Erato – Bead and Toggle Jewelry.

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Carini’s Pompeii Sacred Art exhibitand Vintage Italian Americanphoto display getting any moreimpressive, but we think we mighthave done it this year with theaddition of the Milwaukee CountyHistorical Society’s salute to ourcity and county’s Italian immi-grants. Many of the items that com-prised the acclaimed HistoricalSociety exhibit, “Faith, Family,Festa: Milwaukee’s Italians,” willbe prominently displayed at ourfestival. The entire exhibit can befound on the south end of thegrounds.

Our always popular PigglyWiggly Cucina Showcase will fea-ture cooking demonstrations byinternet sensation Rossella Rago,who hosts the online “Cooking withNonna” program, public televisionchef and author Nick Stellino alongwith a host of prominent localchefs, vendor displays, food sam-plings and other activities such asour “Cannoli-Eating Contest” and“Kid’s Pizza-Making Contest.”

For family fun, Festa Italianapresents “La Parata Italiana” (TheItalian Parade) on Saturday andSunday. We expect our Saturdaynight parade to be a huge one aswe’ve invited representatives of allthe lakefront ethnic festivals to joinus in the procession. This will serveas our official salute to 35 years ofFesta.

One of our sponsors, BP is bring-ing “The BP Team USAExperience” to Festa. BP, which isalso a sponsor of the 2012 SummerOlympics in London, has developedan interactive exhibit, featuringstate-of-the-art equipment and ath-letic assessment techniques, whichwill be available for the participa-tion and viewing of all of ourguests.

We’re bringing back our LEGOsactivity tent, where children of allages can build their own Italianlandmarks from LEGO pieces.

The Festa Children’s Stage andplay area will present fun enter-tainment and activities throughoutthe day.

This year, we’re not doing anyspecial admission shows at theMarcus Amphitheater, but we’veput together a solid lineup of enter-tainment, which can be seen forfree with a Festa admission. We’llhave a special concert by the rock-in’ jazz band, Big Bad VoodooDaddy, on Friday night, July 20(courtesy of one of our new food

vendors, Major Goolsby’s). We’vesigned the classic rock band, TheIdes of March, for shows on bothFriday and Saturday night, July 20and 21.

On Monday, July 9, we’ll beannouncing a concert by a nationalrecording country act, which youwill be able to see on Sunday, July22 at Festa. This show is sponsoredby the King Juice Company andCalypso Spiked Island AdultLemonade.

Among the new acts in ourentertainment lineup are classicalcrossover artists Michèal Castaldoand Alfio, escape artist MarioManzini (performing his tribute toHoudini), the Louis Prima Jr. Band(direct from Las Vegas), 16-year oldsensation Charissa Mrowka (who’sbeen compared to country super-star Taylor Swift) and SammyLlanas (formerly of the BoDeans).

We’ve brought back Arrival: TheABBA Tribute Band, which

debuted to rave reviews last year.Dick Contino, Matt Morgan, AaronCaruso, Sandra Mandella, GiadaValenti and other longtimefavorites are also returning toFesta.

Bartolotta Fireworks, whichstarted in business with the firstFesta in 1978, will present itsrenowned pyrotechnics show eachnight of this year’s festival. Thebiggest show will be on Fridaynight.

Festa will have 32 vendors oper-ating more than 40 booths andportable trailers offering food andbeverages. LoDuca Bros. Wine willbe offering wine tastings.

We’re expecting thousands ofpeople to converge on the MarcusAmphitheater on Sunday morning,July 22 for our Festa Mass, whichwill be celebrated by Fr. John M.Belmonte, S.J., Ph.D., superintend-ent of schools for the Joliet, Ill.Catholic diocese and former princi-

pal of Marquette University HighSchool in Milwaukee. A religiousprocession will help to recapturethe essence of the Italian feastsbrought to America by our ances-tors.

For the fourth consecutive year,the Mass & Procession Committeeis collecting non-perishable fooditems for the Hunger Task Force atthe entrance gates to the MarcusAmphitheater. I want to encourageeveryone to participate and help usreach our goal of 10,000 pounds offood!

While it’s impossible to discusseverything going on at Festa in thismessage, virtually everything youneed to know can be found in thisissue of The Italian Times.

See you at Festa, July 19-22!– Dave Spano

Italian Community CenterPresident

Festa ItalianaGeneral Chairman


Spano: Festa XXXV placing emphasis onprinciples that helped to make festival a success

from page 3A

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By Ginny BalistreriWho wants to go to the movies

when there’s so much to do at FestaItaliana? Italian film lovers, ofcourse.

Any celebration of Italian cul-ture would be remiss if it didn’tinclude recognition of the influenceof Italian cinema. Italy’s filmindustry, which dates back to theearly 1900s, has given Italy and theworld great films like La DolceVita, Two Women, and Blowupfrom noted filmmakers like Fellini,Rossellini, Zeffirelli, DeSica, andAntonioni. Their art easily crossedover into American culture and cre-ated international stardom forthemselves and actors like MarcelloMastroianni, Sophia Loren andAnna Magnani.

Even Clint Eastwood owes hismovie career to Italy’s SpaghettiWesterns and the cult trilogy hestarred in that included The Good,the Bad and the Ugly

Festa Italiana will again paytribute to Italy’s film industry andgive visitors to the four day festivala chance to preview award winningnew releases from Italy’s brightnew filmmakers, along with classicItalian films from inside Rome’siconic Cinecitta Studios. For thosedreaming of a trip to Italy or piningfor their homeland, the CinemaTent will also run travelogues ofpicturesque Italy.

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

capture the influence of film onItalian and American culture. TheCinema Tent, which shares spacewith the Art Tent, will be locatedon the north end of the festivalgrounds. It includes a 50-seat,draped viewing area.

“We will be running full-lengthmotion pictures that have beenreleased to DVD in Italy but arenot yet being shown to mainstreamAmerican audiences,” explainedRachel Anderson, speaking onbehalf of the co-managers. “We’vechosen films that are makingnames for themselves atInternational film festivals, like therecent festival held at the UW-Milwaukee.”

The tent co-managers chose thefilms for Festa audiences. “Weincluded comedies and lighter filmsto match the spirit of Festa,”Rachel added. “We’re also showingclassic Italian films. All of thefilms are in Italian with Englishsubtitles. Visitors can sit throughan entire film, or watch part of itbefore moving on to other exhibits.”

Between the features, Festa willrun travelogues of Italy. TheCinema Tent is the only culturaltent to offer its own refreshments.According to the planning team,Italian sodas, Espresso,Lemoncello, champagne Bellini andSciortino’s Bakery cookies will beoffered for sale in the tent. Visitorswill be able to stroll around theCinema Tent exhibits or attend afilm with their refreshments, orrelax at tables set up for their com-fort.

The exhibits will chronicle thehistory of the Italian film industryand include posters of Italian andItalian-American films, and photosof Italian actors and Americanactors of Italian heritage.

New contest detailsFesta is introducing a new con-

test this year specifically for visi-tors to the Cinema Tent. Themovie-themed challenge, “GuessWho’s Italian,” will requireentrants to identify the Americanactor of Italian heritage from sever-al photos displayed in the exhibit.Prizes will be awarded each nightto the winner of a drawing of accu-rate entries. The Cinema Tent willhost a different contest each day.Winners do not need to be presentto win.

“It might not be as easy as youthink,” said Sal Strehlow, “Asidefrom popular opinion, not everyonelooks Italian who is Italian, and noteveryone with an Italian-soundingname is Italian. You’ll have toknow your film celebrities.”

A CASH prize will be awardedeach day of the contest. “It will beworth your while to enter,” Saladded.

Festa film scheduleThe following is a partial sched-

ule of films being shown in theFesta Italiana Cinema TentThursday through Sunday:

• Scialla! – Thursday, 7 p.m.and Sunday, 3 p.m.: StarringFabrizio Bentivoglio, BarboraBobulova, Vinicio Marchioni, andFilippo Scicchitano. A young boygrows up without a father figureand finds refuge in a professor whoteaches him many life lessons. Thisis a film with mass appeal.

• Roma (a.k.a. Fellini’s Roma) –Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday, 2p.m.: A 1972 semi-autobiographi-cal, poetic film depicting directorFederico Fellini’s move from hisnative Rimini to Rome as a youth.The minimal plot is formed by aseries of loosely connected episodes,and the only character to developsignificantly is Rome herself. PeterGonzales plays the young Fellini,

and the film features un-creditedguest appearances by AnnaMagnani, Marcello Mastroianni,Alberto Sordi, Gore Vidal, andFellini himself.

• Noi credevamo – Friday, 7p.m.: A 2010 Italian dramafilm directed by Mario Martone,stars Luigi Lo Cascio, ValerioBinasco and Francesca Inaudi.Characters Domenico, Salvatoreand Angelo react to the heavyBourbon repression of the uprisingsof 1828 that involved their familiesand retraces events that led to theunification of Italy. This film wasnominated for the Golden Lion atthe 67th Venice International FilmFestival.

• Ferie d’Agosto – Saturday, 7pm: The film by Paolo Virzi is asub-genre called “commedia di vil-leggiatura” or “balneare.” Two fam-ilies (one leftist, the other rightist)collide during a summer vacationon the island of Ventotene off thecoast of Naples in a study of theanthropological habits of the aver-age Italian family. The ensemblecast includes some of the bestactors of their generation: SilvioOrlando, Ennio Fantastichini, PieroNatoli, Laura Morante, SabrinaFerrilli.

Three travelogues will alternatein between the featured filmsthroughout the weekend. These allfeature Italy as a whole, but focusmore on the southern region, orRome specifically.

• Visions of Italy: Southern Style– Takes viewers on a seamless jour-ney along the rugged westerncoastline to the toe of the “boot.”

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

• Italia: Opera Unica – A beau-tiful depiction of Italy’s diversemosaic landscape.


Known for wire wrapping andspecifically using that technique tomake edgy, funky and uniquerings, Erato will be exhibiting herunusual rings, along with pendantsand her new button earrings.

• Marie White – The family ofMarie and Angela White originatedin Basilicata, Italy. Mom Marieworks in mixed media – paintingand clay. She will be exhibitingpottery and hand painted glassornaments that depict people andscenes from their lives as adaptedfrom photos.

• Angela White – The daugh-ter of Marie White will be display-ing Horse Hair Pottery.

• Josh (DeStefanis)Christensen – An emerging artistand the fifth Milwaukee Instituteof Art and Design (MIAD) studentto join the Festa Italiana Fine ArtsShow, Christensen is the son ofPaula (DeStefanis) Christensen.In his first professional show, hewill exhibit drawings and prints.

• Valorie (Sanfilippo)Schleicher – The Wauwatosa resi-dent has been coordinating theexhibits for the Festa Fine ArtsShow for the past seven years. Asculptor and photographer, she hasgained a national and internation-al reputation for her art, and hasbeen invited to exhibit her work inshows in SoHo and London later inthe year. She will be bringing heraward winning Strong Womanphotographic series to Festa.

from page 9A

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Treasures of the Italian churchpresented in Festa exhibit

By Thomas HemmanTimes Editor

In a continuing effort to conveythe importance that Italians havelong placed on their religiousbeliefs and customs, Festa Italianapresents its inspirational PompeiiChurch Exhibit.

Located on the southeast end ofthe Festa grounds, the exhibit is atribute to Our Lady of PompeiiCatholic Church, which was builtby Milwaukee’s immigrant Italiansin the city’s old Third Ward. ThePompeii Church served the commu-nity at its Jackson Street locationfrom May of 1905 until its demoli-tion in October of 1967.

A great share of the artifactsthat are displayed in the Festaexhibit were salvaged before thedemise of the church, whichoccurred under an urban renewalproject order, said Mario A. Carini,Italian Community CenterHistorian and exhibit chairman.

Some of the attractions in thePompeii exhibit will be:

• The Our Lady of Fatimagrouping. Carini described the dis-play as a beautiful four-piecegrouping, featuring the BlessedMother and three children. Thegrouping was hand-carved in woodin the Trentino area of northernItaly in 1930, he said.

• The Addolorata (the SorrowfulMother) statue, which appeared onthe side of the main altar at the

Pompeii Church. At Festa, it will befronted by the statue of Christ inRepose, a kneeling angel, cande-labra and other artifacts from thechurch. The Christ in Repose stat-ue was put on view at the PompeiiChurch each Good Friday, near thebottom of the main altar. This stat-ue was donated to Festa in memoryof Elizabeth Pinchar by her hus-band, Frank.

• La Madonna del Lume (OurLady of Light), the patron saint ofPorticello, Sicily. The Madonna delLume setting once graced the northside of the Pompeii Church. AtFesta, La Madonna del Lume willbe displayed with a stream ofostensori (monstrances), whichwere used during the Benedictionceremony, Carini said. Some ofthese monstrances date back to the1850s and were made in variousEuropean countries including Italy,Germany and Austria.

• The Our Lady of Lourdes stat-ue, which was displayed at Maycrowning ceremonies at thePompeii Church. It was donated toFesta by the C.W. Purpero familyin memory of Rosalie Purpero.

• One of the two angels thatgraced the sides of the altar of thePompeii Church. This was a gift toFesta from Salvatore and AntoninaAlfino, who were wed at the churchon June 26, 1926.

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

original statues in the PompeiiChurch.

Returning to FestaMaking a return appearance at

Festa in the Pompeii Church exhib-it will be a bronze replica ofMichelangelo’s famous sculpture“Pietà.” This replica, on long-termloan to the Italian CommunityCenter from MarquetteUniversity’s Haggerty Museum ofArt, was cast in 1945 byFerdinando Marinelli Foundry inFlorence, Italy from plaster moldsthat had been pulled in 1932 fromthe original sculpture. Shortlyafterward, the Italian governmenthalted the practice of makingreproductions of art masterpieces.

Boston Store, a longtime

Milwaukee department store, pur-chased the sculpture in 1964 andhad it shipped here for a specialpromotion celebrating the art andculture of Italy.

The piece was incorporated intothe Marquette University collectionin 1982; first as an extended loanfrom the Milwaukee Art Centerand later as a permanent gift.

In 1984, the sculpture was fea-tured in a Younkers DepartmentStore display in Omaha, Neb. Forthe most part, however, the Pietàwas on continuous display inHaggerty’s permanent collectiongallery.

An agreement to loan the replicato the ICC was reached in late2008.

Since this copy was cast directlyfrom the original, it is full size: 5-foot, 6-inches tall; 5-feet wide; and2-feet, 9-inches deep. The bronzeversion weighs more than 1,300pounds.

Michelangelo Buonarroti wasborn in Caprese (Tuscany region) in1475 and was only 23 years oldwhen he was commissioned to pro-duce the Pietà. He sculpted it froma solid block of Carrera marble.

During his lifetime (he died in1564), Michelangelo produced fourdifferent versions of the Pietà (theItalian word for “pity”). The versionfor which the bronze replica wasmade is the most famous, and iswidely regarded as one of the finestsculptures ever made.

This version of the Pietà was theonly piece of his art thatMichelangelo ever signed. He chis-eled his name into the sash thatcovers the Virgin Mary’s chest.That signature is visible in thebronze copy.

Exhibit’s Sunday closing timePeople who plan to visit the

Pompeii exhibit are asked to do sobefore 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 22.The exhibit will officially close atthat time, Carini said.

This bronze replica of Michelangelo’s famous sculpture, “Pietà,” will beincluded in the Pompeii Sacred Arts display at Festa Italiana. This repli-ca, on long-term loan to the Italian Community Center from MarquetteUniversity’s Haggerty Museum of Art, was cast in 1945 by FerdinandoMarinelli Foundry in Florence, Italy from plaster molds that had beenpulled in 1932 from the original sculpture. Shortly after the creation ofthis replica, the Italian government halted the practice of making repro-ductions of art masterpieces. (Times photo by Tom Hemman)

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Components of Historical Society’sexhibit showcasing Milwaukee’s Italians

to be featured at Festa ItalianaBy Bob Ruggieri

and Thomas HemmanMany of the items that com-

prised the acclaimed MilwaukeeCounty Historical Society exhibit,“Faith, Family, Festa: Milwaukee’sItalians,” will be prominently dis-played at Festa Italiana, July 19-22.

Tracing the history of Italians inMilwaukee, the exhibit was on dis-play a the Historical Society fromApril 2011 to April 2012. It was thefirst major exhibit at MCHS follow-ing the completion of a $10 millionrenovation project. It attractedthousands of visitors during itsyearlong run.

The MCHS exhibit at Festa willbe housed in the Pompeii SacredArt Tent, which will be located onthe south end of the festivalgrounds.

“All of us at the MilwaukeeCounty Historical Society are hon-ored and very pleased to have theopportunity for a final showing of‘Faith, Family, Festa’ at Festa

Italiana,” said Michael Reuter, theSociety’s Curator of MuseumCollections. “It’s an ideal venue,since Festa is the very essence ofItalian culture in Milwaukee.”

Reuter’s comments were echoedby Scott Stroh, who joined MCHSas its Executive Director in 2011.He had been with the FloridaHistorical Resources Division. Hemoved to Milwaukee during theweek of Festa Italiana and, in fact,participated in Festa 2011’s open-ing day ceremonies.

Reuter noted that there was anoticeable surge in attendance atthe Society during Festa last year.

“The decision by the MilwaukeeCounty Historical Society to makeits popular display on Milwaukee’sItalian community available to ourfestival marks another first forFesta Italiana and Milwaukee’sItalians,” said Mario A. Carini, theItalian Community Center’s histo-rian, who played a key role in theformation of the MCHS display.“Never before has the Society

loaned one of its exhibits to an out-side organization. This is indeed agreat honor.”

“We’re especially pleased thatthe MCHS display will be in ourPompeii Sacred Art Tent,” contin-ued Carini. “Our mutual exhibitscomplement each other very nicely.”

The Historical Society’s Festadisplay will consist primarily ofvintage photos. Some of the arti-facts in the display at MCHS willnot make the trip to Festa. Theyare considered to be fragile andcould be harmed by being exposedfor several days to weather condi-tions.

Like the exhibit at the HistoricalSociety’s downtown headquarters,the display at Festa will consist offour modules. They are:

• “Voyage to a New Land.” This

section explores the conditions thatled Italians to leave Italy and whatled them to Milwaukee.

• “A Benefit for All.” Visitorswill learn about various social andreligious groups formed to help fel-low immigrants survive and pros-per. A prime example of that wasthe many mutual aid societies.

• “Church Is Community.”Among other things, this sectionwill review the creation and demiseof the Blessed Virgin of PompeiiCatholic Church, which became theheart of the Italian community inthe old Third Ward. Also featuredwill be the many church festivalswhich were important socialevents.

• “Giving Back.” The contribu-tions of Milwaukee’s Italians in allfacets of society will be highlighted.


Always one of the most viewedand most commented upon attrac-tions at Festa Italiana is theVintage Italian Photo exhibit thatis set up in a tent on the south-east end of the Festa grounds.

When witnessing the thou-sands of people who annuallyview the vintage photo exhibit,expect to see a wide range of emo-tional reactions.

Some will break out in tearsupon seeing a photograph of adeceased family member or rela-tive they so loved and cherished.

Some will be beaming with asmile when see a photograph oftheir mother, father or grandpar-ents in a work setting or in a mili-tary uniform or enjoying them-selves at a picnic from years goneby.

You certainly will see a lot ofpeople conversing with each otheras they view the vintage photosand recall the good-old-days.

For younger generations, theexhibit gives them an opportunityto see what life was like for theirancestors from the living condi-tions years ago, to the kinds ofwork they performed and theexperiences they had.

This year, up to 1,200 photo-graphs of families, street scenesand business places ofMilwaukee’s early Italians will beshowcased in the vintage photoexhibition at Festa Italiana,Thursday, July 19 throughSunday, July 22 at Maier FestivalPark.

One section of the exhibit willbe devoted to Italians and ItalianAmericans who served in the mili-tary. Another section will featurewedding photos taken 60 or more

years ago.Returning to the exhibit will be

pictures of Milwaukee’s earlyItalian families, their livelihoodand the kinds of activities inwhich they participated, saidMario A. Carini, who coordinatesthe photo exhibit.

Even Italians who aren’t fromMilwaukee can relate to thesephotographs because their par-ents or grandparents likely hadsimilar kinds of experiences, hesaid.

Several years ago, the ICCacquired numerous historic photo-graphs from Milwaukee PublicSchools (MPS) and the City ofMilwaukee Department of CityDevelopment (DCD) of the oldThird Ward and the Bay Viewarea of Milwaukee, which werethe primary settlements for mostof the city’s early Italians. Some ofthese photos will be on display atFesta.

The MPS photos mostly depictactivities in the early and mid1900s at the Andrew JacksonSchool and Social Center onDetroit Street in the old ThirdWard. Carini noted that thesephotos “reflect the importance thecenter had in the lives of the earlyItalian immigrants. It was at thecenter that they were introducedto American institutions andlifestyles.”

Many of the pictures on displaythis year will be shown for thefirst time at Festa, Carini said.

The photo display is in thesame tent as the Pompeii Churchexhibit.

Carini wants to remind visitorsthat both the vintage photo exhib-it and the Pompeii Church exhibitwill officially close at 8 p.m. onSunday, July 22.

Festa’s vintage Italianphoto exhibit brings back

a lot of fond memories,provides perspective for

younger generations

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

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Singers wishing to join theirvoices to this year’s Festa Choirwill be rehearsing at St. SebastianCatholic Church, 5400 W.Washington Blvd., Wauwatosa.Rehearsals will last 90 minutesand music will be provided. Somehymns will be sung in Italian and

Latin, but no previous knowledgeof either language is necessary asDr. Marisa Gatti-Taylor will beproviding language coaching.

The mixed chorus is open to allvoice parts – soprano, alto, tenor,bass. No auditions are necessary;however, Maestro MichaelKamenski requests that singersparticipate in at least three of thefollowing rehearsals: July 3, 5, 10,12, 17 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The finalrehearsal, on Thursday, July 19,from 7 to 9 p.m., is mandatory foreveryone.

The Mass, which is the heart ofFesta Italiana, will be held onSunday, July 22 at 11 a.m. in theMarcus Amphitheater.

Anyone interested in singingwith the Festa Choir is cordiallyinvited to contact the director,Michael Kamenski at 414/453-1928or by e-mail at [email protected] (please use“FESTA CHOIR” in the subjectline).

By Bob RuggieriThousands of worshipers are expected to converge upon the Marcus

Amphitheater on the morning of Sunday, July 22, to attend the Mass whichis one of the key components of Festa Italiana. The main celebrant thisyear is Father John M. Belmonte, S.J., Ph.D., superintendent of schools forthe Joliet, Ill. Catholic diocese. He is the former principal of MarquetteUniversity High School in Milwaukee.

Vivian Balistreri ([email protected]) and Sal Lo Coco ([email protected]), co-chairs of Festa’s Mass Committee, said that the Mass willbe followed by the traditional procession to the north end of the grounds fora benediction ceremony. The Sicilian Band of Chicago and the band of LaSocietà San Giuseppe.of Milwaukee will take part in the procession.

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

many years by Anthony Vella. “We’re very grateful for Anthony’s dedicatedparticipation, which spanned nearly 20 years, and are delighted to haveJoe out front this year,” said Balistreri. “We’d welcome more drummersleading the way, and invite persons interested in participating in futureyears to contact us.”

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

Adding to the traditional nature of the occasion is the music used duringthe Mass. It is distinctly Italian music compiled by Dr. Marisa Gatti-Taylor, who also teaches Italian pronunciation to members of a volunteerchorus assembled especially for the Festa Mass. The choir is under thedirection of Michael Kamenski, music liturgist at St. Sebastian’s CatholicChurch and conductor of the Menomonee Falls Symphony Orchestra.

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

Collecting food donationsThe gates to the Marcus Amphitheater will open at 10 a.m. Those

attending are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which will becollected at the entrances by representatives of the Hunger Task Force. In2011, 3,000 pounds of food were collected, up from 1,000 pounds in 2009,the first year of the project.

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

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

Cash donations welcome to defray Mass costsOnce again, cash donations to help defray the costs of the Mass are

being accepted. Last year, donors contributed $1,500. This year, Lo Cocosaid, the Mass Committee would like to see that figure surpass the $2,000mark. Persons who are interested in making a tax-deductible cash donationto the Mass should contact Mary Ann Maglio at the ICC at 414/223-2194 orBalistreri or Lo Coco.


Festa Mass: A celebration of faith,family and tradition

Organizers make plea to help feed the hungry through donationsof non-perishable food to Hunger Task Force

Independent and AssistedLiving apartments currently

available.

To all Members of the ItalianCommunity Center and allour guests of Festa Italiana:

Please consider bringing a non-perish-able food item to Festa Italiana onSunday, July 22nd. The ICC is workingwith the Hunger Task Force and ourgoal is to collect 10,000 pounds offood for local families. Please see thear�cle on the Festa Mass for moredetails. Thank you and I look forwardto seeing you at Festa.

– Gina SpangVice President

ItalianCommunity

Center

Rehearsal scheduleannounced for Festa Choir

Have somethng to sell? Let our

readers know about it with an

ad in our next issue. For infor-

mation on ad sizes and costs,

please call (414) 223-2180 or

send an email to

[email protected].


Fr. John Belmonte to be principalcelebrant of Festa Mass

By Bob RuggieriFather John M. Belmonte, S.J.,

Ph.D., the former principal ofMarquette University High Schoolin Milwaukee, will be the main cel-ebrant at Festa Italiana’s Mass onSunday, July 22. As has becomecustomary, thousands of wor-shipers are expected to convergeupon the Marcus Amphitheater forthe 11 a.m. Mass.

“The opportunity to preside atthe Festa Mass is a great honor,”said Belmonte. “As Italian-Americans we emphasize ‘fede’ and‘famiglia,’ that is, ‘faith’ and ‘fami-ly.’ The Festa Mass brings togeth-er for me both faith and familygiven my long association withMilwaukee as a student atMarquette University, a Jesuit atMarquette High and the manyfriends I’ve come to call family fromthe Italian-American community inMilwaukee.”

The gates to the MarcusAmphitheater will open at 10 a.m.Following the Mass, all are invitedto march in the procession to thenorth end of the festival groundsfor a benediction ceremony.

About Fr. BelmonteBelmonte is superintendent of

schools for the diocese of Joliet, Ill.He was named to that post in Julyof 2010. For the six years prior tothat, he was principal of MarquetteUniversity High School inMilwaukee.

In October of 2007, Belmontewas honored by the WisconsinChapter of the Justinian Society ofLawyers as their Italian of theyear. In May of 2010, he receivedthe Leonardo da Vinci Award forExcellence in Education from theOrder Sons of Italy in Chicago.

Since 2001, Belmonte has served

as chaplain of the Chicago Chapterof the Sicilian club of Ciminna,Sicily, known as “La Societa’ delSantissimo Crocifisso.” In 2011,the club honored him with thePadre Delle Grazie Award for dedi-cated religious leadership and serv-ice.

Since 1991 he has been a chap-lain to the Ain Karim Shelter inRome, Italy.

Belmonte was born in Chicago.After graduating from ArlingtonHeights High School in 1981, heattended Marquette University inMilwaukee. He graduated with abachelor of arts degree in 1985.That same year he joined theSociety of Jesus.

In preparation for ordination tothe priesthood, he completed histheological studies at the PontificalGregorian University in Rome. Hegraduated magna cum laude with abaccalaureate in Sacred Theologyin 1995.

He then studied at WestonJesuit School of Theology inCambridge, Mass. where, in 1997,he completed a licentiate in SacredTheology with distinction, with aconcentration in Sacred Scripture.

In 1999, he enrolled in the doctoralprogram in Educational Leadershipand Policy Studies at Chicago’sLoyola University. He completedhis doctorate in 2006, with distinc-tion.

Fr. John M. Belmonte

Ted Catalano, Mass &Procession Committee member andusher recruiter, has issued a callfor at least 15 new ushers to stepup and volunteer for this year’sFesta Italiana Mass on Sunday,July 22.

To be an usher, you must be atleast 16 years old. The only otherrequirement is that you attend abrief instructional meeting at theItalian Community Center onMonday, July 16 at 7 p.m. At thattime, information on the duties ofan usher during the Mass and the

procession, which follows the Mass,will be discussed.

Catalano requests that new ush-ers sign up with him early andthen follow through on their com-mitment. To volunteer as an usheror for more information, callCatalano at 414/305-9769.

At least 55 ushers are neededevery year for the Mass, which hasdrawn up to 15,000 people.Catalano said he has about 40 dedi-cated ushers who show up auto-matically each year.

Call put out for Festa Mass ushers

Do you have or know a childreceiving his/her First HolyCommunion this year? The FestaItaliana Mass & ProcessionCommittee is inviting all 2012First Communicants to participatein the 2012 Festa mass and proces-sion on Sunday, July 22.

For more information, pleasecontact Shannon Drezek by phoneat 608/577-6353 or by e-mail:[email protected].

Deadline to sign up is June 30.Children are not required to be ofItalian descent to participate.

Attention First Holy Communicants!


Can’t wait for Festa Italiana?

Then, get your advance admissiontickets now.

Festa officials have set the price

for an advance admission ticket at$10. That’s a $3 savings over the2012 gate admission price.

One way to get your advancetickets is to order them online byvisiting www.festaitaliana.com. Festahas set up a secure ordering systemthrough PayPal.

You may also buy advance tick-ets in person at the ItalianCommunity Center, 631 E. ChicagoSt., Milwaukee, or for credit cardpuchases, call 414/223-2194. Youcan also use the form that accompa-nies this article to order youradvance admission tickets.

A list of the advance ticket out-lets as of presstime for this newspa-per is published below. More out-lets may be added.

The 35th annual Festa Italianatakes place Thursday, July 19through Sunday, July 22 on theSummerfest grounds. As hasalways been the case, children, 12and younger, are admitted to Festafor free when accompanied by anadult. The festival is open to thepublic from 5 p.m. to midnight,

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

Neither the advance nor gateadmission ticket includes a raffleentry. A separate story on Festa’s50/50 raffle can be found in thissection.

Festa advance ticket outletsThese Piggly Wiggly Stores inWisconsin:

123 W. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee

835 E. Green Bay Ave., Saukville

1234 Hwy. 175, Hubertus

W194 N16774 Eagle Dr., Jackson

1100 E. Commerce Blvd., Slinger

505 S. Cottonwood, Hartland

1300 Brown St., Oconomowoc

6111 W. Maquon Rd., Mequon

Tower Square, 2201 E. Rawson,Oak Creek

W61 N286 Washington, Cedarburg

W189 S7847 Racine Ave., Muskego

These Butera Markets in north-eastern Illinois:

3 Clock Tower Plaza, Elgin, IL

4761 Nagle, Harwood Heights, IL

550 W. Lake St., Roselle, IL

2732 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL

1175 W. Spring St., South Elgin, IL

4411 N. Cumberland, Norridge, IL

1500 Grand Ave., Lindenhurst, IL

1290 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, IL

1400 E. Algonquin Rd., Algonquin, IL

Italian Community Center631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee

Cafe La Scala631 E. Chicago St., Milwaukee

Angelina’s Deli15644 W. North Ave., Brookfield

Balistreri’s Bluemound Inn6501 W. Bluemound Rd.,Milwaukee

Balistreri’s Restaurant812 N. 68th St., Milwaukee

Canfora Bakery1100 E. Oklahoma Ave., Milwaukee

Carini’s La Conca di Oro3468 N. Oakland Ave., Milwaukee

Chase Towers Corporate Concierge111 E. Wisconsin Ave., Milwaukee

Glorioso’s on Brady1011 E. Brady St., Milwaukee

Nick’s Barber Shop1520 E. Capitol Dr., Shorewood

Nino’s BakeryN88 W16672 Main St.,Menomonee Falls

Reina International Auto/Vespa Milwaukee12730 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield

Sal’s On Oakland Barber Shop2912 N. Oakland Ave., Milwaukee

Sciortino’s Bakery1101 E. Brady St., Milwaukee

Tenuta’s Deli & Liquor3203 52nd St., Kenosha


Get your advance Festa tickets nowand save money

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


Festa parade to be better than everseparate article), are creating thegiant Pinocchio and whale from thePinocchio story that will process inthe parade. They are assisted bylocal sculptor Dennis Manley,owner of Demanco Renovation andan instructor at UW-Milwaukee,who retired in early June of thisyear after 26 years.

“We are so lucky to have him!He is helping me out of the good-ness of his heart,” said Jorgensen.“I am so lucky for him to share histalents with me. Dennis has asked

not to be compensated for the timehe will share with us. I can’texpress my gratitude enough, onbehalf of myself, North DivisionHigh School, the ICC, and all theFesta-goers!”

Manley began to consult on thePinocchio project, as the 8 to 10 footstructure required a stronger arma-ture and was beginning to collapsefrom weight. “Since then, he hasdecided to assist in this process andshare his talents,” said Jorgensen.

The Pinocchio figure and theaccompanying whale (which, at 14

feet or longer, will have an openingand closing mouth and will be car-ried by several people surroundedby painted fabric to represent theocean) will be completed this sum-mer by select students fromJorgensen’s classes.

The armature will be createdfrom chicken-wire, papier-mache,and plastered gauze. “We will beadding a pulley for the mouth ifpossible,” said Jorgensen. “Wewould love to add a spout that canspray water out of the top of thewhale, if not this year than next. If

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

Anyone willing to give a dona-tion to help reduce the cost of mak-ing these beautiful parade cre-ations may contact Gina Jorgensenat 414/380-0808 or at [email protected]. “The cost has dou-bled from what I have projected.We are building it so it can last formany years to come,” she said.“Thanks to the ICC and SusanChristiansen, who have funded thisproject!”

Honoring Milwaukee’sethnic heritage

In honor of Festa’s 35th anniver-sary, Christiansen has extended aninvitation to all of Milwaukee’s eth-nic festivals to participate inSaturday’s parade to represent themany ethnic groups that havemade this city the melting-potmetropolis that it is today.

“Since this is Festa Italiana’s35th anniversary, we want thisyear’s parade to be as spectacularas possible,” says Christiansen.“We think it would add a great dealof energy and enthusiasm to addcheerleading squads to shoutcheers celebrating Festa’s anniver-sary and Pom squads to performalong the way with red and greenpom-pons.”

The purpose of the parades, saidChristiansen, is to “celebratefamiglia, cultura and all thingsItalian!”

All children are encouraged toparticipate in the parade on bothdays. Parents whose children wouldbe interested in walking in theparade are asked to contact SusieChristiansen at 414/217-0174 [email protected]..

from page 3A

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

Festa Italiana. The float was designed and built by ICCmember Cosmo Carini and has been put to use in theFesta parade since 2009. (Times photo by TomHemman)


Festa to hold huge Saturday paradededicated to the memory of lateMilwaukee Mayor Henry Maier


Festa Italiana officials haveannounced that their 35th annualfestival is being dedicated in memo-ry of late Milwaukee Mayor HenryW. Maier. As part of the salute,Festa is holding a huge Saturdaynight parade in which other ethnicfestivals have been invited to par-ticipate.

In the 1960s, Maier envisioned aMilwaukee event similar toOktoberfest in Munich, Germany.He didn’t succeed with theOktoberfest concept, however, hedid orchestrate the creation ofSummerfest, which today is thelargest outdoor music festival of itskind in the world.

Maier’s vision also providedimpetus for the creation of FestaItaliana in 1978, the first ethnicgroup to host a festival celebratingits heritage on the Summerfestgrounds.

“Henry Maier loved parades,”said Paul F. Iannelli, FestaOperations Manager. “We areexpecting all of our ethnic partners– Germanfest, Irish Fest, PolishFest, African World Festival,Indian Summer and Arab WorldFestival – as well as Pride Fest rep-resentatives to join us for theSaturday night parade.”

Iannelli added, “We invite thecitizens of Milwaukee, who would

like to participate, to join us in ourtribute to Mayor Maier.”

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

About Mayor MaierHenry Walter Maier was born

Feb. 7, 1918 and died July 17,1994. He served in the WisconsinState Senate from 1950 until hiselection as Milwaukee mayor in

1960. He remains the longest serv-ing mayor in the City ofMilwaukee’s 166-year history. Afterbeing re-elected several times,Maier concluded his service asmayor in April of 1988.

During his time as mayor, healso served as president of both theUnited States Conference ofMayors and the National League ofCities. He was instrumental in pro-moting the establishment of thefederal revenue-sharing program,which brought billions of dollarsinto Milwaukee and other cities inthe 1960s.

Supporters credit Maier withpresiding over a city where streetswere cleaner and safer than thosein many other cities, in which thepolice and fire departments weregenerally considered honest andefficient, and where garbage wascollected on time and snow waspromptly plowed.

Possibly Maier’s proudestaccomplishment was the creation ofSummerfest, which came into beingin 1968 and was held at 35 differ-ent locations. The event was movedto Milwaukee’s lakefront in 1970,where it has remained and pros-pered.

“Maier oozed with enthusiasmabout Summerfest and the creationof the ethnic groups that came intoexistence several years later,”Iannelli said.

Summerfest and the ethnic festi-

vals became the jewels of summer-time activities in Milwaukee. Maieroften sang about his pride inMilwaukee and Summerfest at theevent’s opening ceremonies. In1969, he wrote the “SummerfestPolka.” These are the lyrics:

“Go to Milwaukee!How humming a city you’ll see

Sing in Milwaukee!Trah, lah, lah, lee.Prosit Milwaukee!

Toast Gaily and so Free.Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Milwaukee!

A happy place to be!”

Former Milwaukee Mayor, the lateHenry W. Maier

Home of the Italian Sausage SlidersRoman Potato Chips

Cheese Ravioli in Red SauceGarlic Focaccia Bread Sticks

CHECK US OUT!WE ARE LOCATED ON THE NORTH END

OF THE FESTA GROUNDSBOOTH #3.

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Festa’s food vendors ready tosatisfy your Italian food cravings


No matter where you go on thegrounds of Festa Italiana, you’regoing to have the opportunity toavail yourself of a magnificent vari-ety of delicious Italian food pre-pared by some of the Milwaukeearea’s top restaurants, deli-catessens and bakeries.

There will be 32 vendors operat-ing more than 40 booths andportable trailers offering food andbeverages.

All of the vendors, except two,have had food operations at Festapreviously. The new vendors areTrattoria di Carlo, a prominentOak Creek restaurant, and MajorGoolsby’s, a popular downtownMilwaukee sports pub.

Among the offerings at theTrattoria di Carlo booth will bestromboli with spinach and roastedchicken or Italian sausage, spinachand black olives.

Major Goolsby’s will be offeringits American fare (hamburgers,cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches,bratwurst, hot dogs and sweet pota-to tots.)

The returning vendors in alpha-betical order are: Alioto’s ofWauwatosa, Angelo’s Pizza, BadgerCorn, Bella Caffè, BobalouEnterprises (Lemon Chill), Cafe LaScala, Carini’s La Conca d’Oro,Carrabba’s Italian Grill, CatalanoFruit, Fruit Cup and Lemonade,Cataldo’s, Cold Stone Creamery,Crocker Root Beer Barrels,Gelateria Italiana, Glorioso’s

Italian Market, Italian Sno, JohnnyV’s Classic Cafe, Koepsell’s FestivalPopcorn Wagons, Libiamo, Mille’sItalian Sausage, Nessun Dorma,Nino’s Italian Bakery, Nuts ForYou!, Papa Luigi’s, Pietro’s Pizza,Saz’s Festival, Sciortino’s Bakery,Sil’s Mini Donuts, UltimateConfections, Venice Club andWater Street Brewery.

What’s on the menu?Two of the most popular items

on the Festa food menu – Italiansausage sandwiches and pizza –will be available in multiple loca-tions.

Mille’s Italian sausage will oper-ate four booths – one on the northend of the grounds, one outside theCucina Showcase, one in the MillerLite Oasis area and one on thesouth end in the Briggs & StrattonBig Backyard area.

Cafe La Scala, which joined theFesta food vendors lineup last yearwith one pizza booth, will operatetwo booths this year; one in theHarley-Davidson area and theother on the north end of thegrounds. Cafe La Scala is the pub-lic restaurant at the ItalianCommunity Center.

Here’s a sampling of what othervendors will have available: cala-mari (squid), octopus, eggplantspiedini, beef speidini, Italiansausage sliders, ravioli, gnocchi(potato dumplings), arancini (riceballs), broccioloni (rolled meatstuffed with cheeses, herbs andeggs), sfincione (thick Sicilian-stylepizza), various chicken dishes, vari-ous pasta dishes, calzone, Italianbeef sandwiches, shrimp scampi,roasted corn, cannoli, biscotti, gela-to, ice cream sundaes, fresh fruitand much, much more.

BeveragesFesta visitors will have plenty of

opportunities to quench their thirstor cool off. There will be vendorsacross the grounds selling beer,wine, margaritas and martinis.The Roman Terrace (atop theHarley-Davidson Pavilion), operat-ed by Giuseppe Vella, DeanCannestra and Tony Piacentini,

will provide a full-service bar.Supplying the beer for Festa will

be Miller/Coors, makers of MillerLite, Miller Genuine Draft andMiller High Life. Miller/Coors willalso supply Festa with Peroni,Italy’s most popular beer.

LoDuca Brothers will be thewine supplier. LoDuca will be offer-ing wine samplings during Festa.(See separate article.)

Major Goolsby’s will be incharge of the martini and margari-ta bars.

Pepsi-Cola products, includingAquafina bottled water, will beavailable at all permanent boothsand at the Crocker Root BeerBarrel locations.

The King Juice Company will besupplying its new adult beverage,Calypso Spiked Island AdultLemonade to the bars serving beerand alcoholic beverages at Festa.Calypso Spiked Island Adult

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

Festa will serve as the site for alaunch party for the introduction ofthis new product.

Festa visitors will also find spe-cialty coffees, soft drinks, lemonadeand milk.

Complete menus will be postedat each location and in thebrochure available at Festa’s infor-mation booths. A sample menufrom each booth can be found inthis section of The Italian Times.

The Festa Food Committeereported that vendors will be par-ticipating in the festival’s “50/50”cash raffle and in the sale ofCorporate Day tickets.

Most completeItalian market in the

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Angelina’s Deli Coupon15655 W. North Ave.

$500 Offany $40oopurchase.

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Good through 7/31/2012.

Buona Fortuna eCongratulazione

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Attorney Henry G. PianoPiano Law Office

611 N. Broadway(414) 271-5959

Starting in early September, Tropic Banana willhave available all varieties of grape juice and wine

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New this year at Festa Italianawill be scheduled wine tastings.The tastings, called “flights,” willfeature some of the most famousand expensive wines of Italy alongwith some from Napa, Calif. thatare becoming world famous.

Among the latter will be winesfrom the Napa vineyard of MarioAndretti, the famed race car driver.

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

Lo Duca Bros., sponsor of wineconcessions at Festa, whichannounced the wine tasting events,reported that the educational andinformative “flights” will be led byFrank Mirenda.

Mirenda is a certified sommelierand, for the last 11 years, has beengeneral manager of the AndrettiVineyard. His presentations willinvolve seven wines.

Registration for the “flights” canbe purchased at any of the wine

booths at Festa Italiana for $20.There will be two wine tastingevents on Friday, July 20; three onSaturday, July 21; and two onSunday, July 22.

Space will be limited to 30 peo-ple at each session.

The menu at the wine boothsthis year will consist of the follow-ing wines from Italy: Pinot Grigio,Mamertino, Chianti from Tuscany;Pinot Noir from Verona; Moscatod’Asti from Cuneo; Lambrusco fromReggio Emilia; and the always pop-ular Mamertino from EmiliaRomagna. Wine will be $6 perglass.

This year, Festa’s wine boothswill be run by volunteer groups,with the profits going to FestaItaliana and to the ItalianCommuniy Center to support cul-tural activities and the buildingfund.

The volunteers come from theSt. Joan Antida AlumniAssociation, the Garibaldi Societyand the Order Sons of Italy.

New at Festa –Wine tastingsItalian and Napa Valley

wines to be featured Festa Italiana and its sponsorshave put together several oppor-tunities for you to attend the festi-val, July 19-22, for free or at areduced cost. Festa will take placefor the 35th time at Henry W.Maier Festival Park (theSummerfest grounds).

Pre-Festa dealsBuy an advance Festa ticket

online at www.FestaItaliana.combefore July 9 and save $3. Theadvance ticket price is $10 whilean admission ticket at the gatewill cost $13. People can buyadvance tickets at numerous out-lets in southeastern Wisconsinand northern Illinois. Please lookfor a separate story on those out-lets in this section. There’s also anadvance ticket order form in thissection that can be used for order-ing tickets. Please make sure yourorder is submitted before July 8 inorder to allow sufficient time toprocess your request.

Purchase one 12-pack or two 6-packs of Peroni Beer and receive aticket good for one free admissionto Festa. This offer is validthrough July 22, or while supplieslast. Tickets are redeemable atthe Mid-Gate only.

Everyday dealsIn celebration of Festa’s 35th

anniversary, those adults 35 yearsof age and having valid identifica-tion will receive free admissionFriday, Saturday and Sunday,July 20-22, from 3 to 5 p.m. at anyadmission gate.

On each of the four days ofFesta, children, 12 years andyounger, when accompanied by anadult, will be admitted for free.

July 19 dealsBring your Piggly Wiggly

Preferred Club Card to the Mid-

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

July 20 dealsFrom 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on

Friday, July 20, Festa Italianaand its VIP Day sponsors areoffering people with disabilitiesalong with their caregivers freeadmission. These free admissiontickets must be obtained inadvance. Look for a separate VIPDay story in this section that hasthe details on ordering VIP Daytickets. This free admission offeris sponsored by GoodwillIndustries, Milwaukee PublicSchools, Summerfest and theItalian Community Center.

Festa Italiana invites everyoneto the festival for free between11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. This freeadmission offer is courtesy of theItalian Conference Center andCafe La Scala, the public restau-rant at the Italian CommunityCenter.

From 3 to 7 p.m., present yourPiggly Wiggly Preferred ClubCard at the Mid-Gate or SouthGate and receive $6 admission toFesta. That’s a $7 saving over thegate admission price!

July 22 dealsFrom 10 to 11:15 a.m. on

Sunday, July 22 at the south gateentrance only, there will be freeadmission to Festa Italiana whenyou attend the Mass in theMarcus Amphitheater, which willbe followed by a religious proces-sion through the grounds. Pleasebring nonperishable food dona-tions for the Hunger Task Force.

Group and bus tour discountsFor information on large group

discounts to bus tour deals, pleasecontact the Festa Italiana office at414/223-2808 from 8 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday through Friday.

Festa Italianaadmission deals

and specials

BARTOLOTTAFireworks Company, Incorporated

P.O. Box 5 • GENESEE DEPOT, WI 53127

1-800-444-5705 • (262) 968-4178

"May Festalive forever."

As a benefit of membership inthe Italian Community Center,each member is entitled to one freeFesta Italiana ticket, which is goodfor admission to the festival anyone of the four days.

There are two ways for members

to obtain these member-only tick-ets.

Mary Ann Maglio is in charge ofdistributing the member tickets.Those members who wish to pickup their tickets in person can stopin at the ICC office reception deskweekdays between the hours of 7a.m. and 5 p.m. Mary Ann willhandle all requests from 7 to noon.Michelle Lefebvre will fill requestsfrom noon to 5 p.m. Be sure tobring your current membershipcard with you. You will be asked topresent the card.

Those members who cannot pickup their tickets in person can orderthem through the mail. You mustinclude a self-addressed,stamped return envelope.Ticket requests that do not havethe return envelope will not beprocessed. Mail orders must bereceived by Thursday, July 12 toallow sufficient time for processingand delivery to your residence.

The 35th annual Festa isThursday, July 19 through Sunday,July 22 on the Summerfestgrounds.

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

ICC members: Getyour free Festa ticket

Layton FruitMarket

Quality Always

BroadwayProduce

JoeProite

Gift Baskets for All Occasions

(414) 481-30081838 E. Layton Ave.

St. Francis, WI 53235

www.laytonfruitmarket.com


Be Sure to

Visit our Booth

At Festa

Italiana.

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CATERING & BANQUET HALLAVAILABLE

DINE-IN • CARRY OUT • DELIVERYSunday - Thursday, 4 pm - 9 pm

• Friday & Saturday, 4 pm - midnight.Closed on Monday.

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Get a Corey Hart AutographedPicture with a test drive!

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

2012 Ford Focus

$189

2012 Lincoln MKZ

$345**Plus title, license and $2000 down.

2012 Ford Fusion

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2111 N. Mayfair Rd., Wauwatosa(414) 937-5999

www.uptownmotorcars.com

Festa’s Piazza di Pompeii offersunique shopping experience

By Ginny BalistreriWe may have grown accustomed

to our department stores and shop-ping malls, but in many cities andtowns in Italy and other countriesof Europe and the rest of the world,outdoor marketplaces are still theplace for individuals and families toshop for groceries, clothing, readingmaterials, music and even art.

In the tradition of thoseEuropean marketplaces, JudyMenos, manager of the FestaMarketplace, has assembled anarray of vendors from around thecountry to give Festa visitors ataste of Italy’s great marketplaces.Don’t miss the chance to pick up aspecial gift for someone you love,including yourself. You’ll findeverything from jewelry to travelpackages in the Festa Piazza diPompeii, located in theWilliamsburg area of the festivalgrounds

Judy has been recruiting ven-dors for the Piazza since the dayafter last year’s Festa to bring thebest and most desirable merchan-dize to the 2012 festival. At thetime this article was headed for thepresses, she and her assistantCathy Cupertino Poole and herhusband George Menos were stillidentifying and interviewing ven-dors who want to be part of theFesta marketplace. Overall, thePiazza attracts more than 50 ven-dors each year.

“I’m excited about this year’sPiazza,” Judy said. “People whocome to Festa like the convenienceof shopping where they can find

unique and otherwise difficult tofind merchandise and services.That convenience adds value totheir Festa experience.”

Judy added that there will bethe usual Italian memorabilia, liket-shirts, bumper stickers, aprons,visors, sunglasses, and hats, butalso an array of jewelry, handbags,clothing, books and services. “Weeven have vendors marketing timeshares and vacation homes inBranson, Missouri, and the Lake ofthe Ozarks,” she said. “I expectthat you’ll find whatever you’relooking for right here in the Piazzadi Pompeii. So put your shopping

and gift lists together before youcome to Festa.”Jewelry is a popular find at eachyear’s festival. The 2012 eventwon’t disappoint. “We’re going tofeature beautiful amber and silverjewelry, Egyptian jewelry and arti-facts, and hair jewelry, which isvery popular this year,” she said.“We also have wonderful costumejewelry.

“The festival is the place to findunique pieces you won’t often findin a department store.”

In addition, the Piazza will befeaturing children’s clothing for thefirst time. “Shoppers will appreci-

ate the wide selection of infant, tod-dler and children’s apparel,” Judyadded.

There will also be an impressiveselection of women’s sundressesand fashionable blouses, skirts,tops, and handbags for every sea-son. The choices are trendy andboth casual and dressy.

One of the vendors returning toFesta by popular demand will beselling soccer gear and memorabiliafor the sports enthusiast. Includedwill be a selection of jerseys, shortsand tops from every popular team.

For those who like to cook, therewill be vendors on hand with fooditems for sale, such as olive oils,balsamic vinegars, dipping sauces,herb blends, seasonings, and drinkmixes. And if you’re looking forinformation on topical issues likeholistic medicine, acupuncture, andvacation opportunities, you’re likelyto find it at the Piazza di Pompeii.

“This is just a partial list ofwhat we will be offering in thisyear’s Piazza di Pompeii,” Judysaid. “We even have book sellersincluding the author of the recentlypublished ‘Whatever Happened toSunday Dinner’ and the author of ahistory of Italy. You can pick up acopy of their books AND get theauthors to personally autographthem for you. They make greatgifts if you’re thinking ahead tobirthdays, Christmas and otheroccasions.”

Shopping in the Piazza diPompeii begins when the Festa“doors” open on Thursday and con-tinues until closing time Sundaynight. Be sure to check it out.

By Ginny BalistreriFor 35 years the Pompeii

Men’s Club has supported FestaItaliana and the ItalianCommunity Center through itsservice club activities at Festa.This year is no different. PompeiiMen’s Club returns to Festa withbooths marketing Italia sports-wear and other merchandise thathighlights Italian and Italian-American culture.

The club will host two boothsagain this year. One will be locat-ed near the Information boothinside the Main Entrance to thefestival grounds. The other willbe in the Piazza di Pompeii in the

Williamsburg marketplace.Chuck Lazzaro, 2012-2014

president of the Pompeii Men’sClub, said the club’s members willstaff the booths during the entirefour-day festival. Proceeds sup-port Festa, the ICC, and a widevariety of community charitiesand scholarship funds.

The booths are very popularwith visitors to Festa, notedLazzaro. “People will buy a shirtor hat with a Festa logo and putthem on immediately so they canwalk through the grounds sport-ing the ‘right look,’”

The gear also makes great

Pompeii Men’s Clubselling Festa and Italiasportswear for 35 years!



SPECIAL DEALSIn celebration of Festa's 35th Anniversary, those 35 years of age receive free admission Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 - 5:00 pm at the Mid-gate with a Valid ID. Peroni Beer: Purchase ONE (1) 12-Pack or TWO (2) 6-Packs of Peroni and receive a ticket good for ONE (1) FREE Admission to Festa Italiana. Offer valid through July 22, 2012, or while supplies last. Tickets redeemable at the Mid-Gate. Children: Free Admission for kids 12 and under with an adult! Harley Museum: Present an Active Military ID at the information booth for admission passes to the Harley Museum. THURSDAY5:00 - 7:00 pmBring your Piggly Wiggly Preferred Card to the Mid-Gate for FREE Admission. FRIDAY11:00 am - 2:00 pmVIP Day - for those with physical challenges, along with their caregivers. Receive FREE Admission and HALF-PRICE on selected food items and soda. Sponsored by Goodwill and Summerfest.

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

3:00 - 7:00 pmBring your Piggly Wiggly Preferred Card to the Mid-Gate for $6 Admission . SUNDAY10:00 - 11:15 amMass gate opens at 10:00 am and closes at 11:15 am. However, Mass begins promptly at 11:00.South Entrance Only. FREE Admission to Festa when you attend High Mass at 11:00 am in the Marcus Amphitheater. Following Mass will be an authentic Italian religious procession through the Festa grounds. Please bring nonperishable food donations for Hunger Task Force.

FESTA HOURSThursday 5pm - midnightFriday-Sunday 11:30am - midnight

For more information on everything from group discounts and bus tours to entertainment and attractions, call 414-223-2808, 8 a.m. to 4 pm Monday-Friday, or go to FestaItaliana.com.

ENTERTAINMENTSURPRISE AWARD-WINNING NASHVILLE RECORDING ARTIST AND SONGWRITER to be announced exclusively on WMIL 106.1 on Monday, July 9!IDES OF MARCH, Chicago’s award winning classic rock bandBIG BAD VOODOO DADDY SWING BANDSAM LLANAS, singer, acoustic guitarist and songwriter, founding member of the Bo Deans

MARIO MANZINI Houdini Tribute Act, will entertain audiences with a family friendly show complete with illusions, magic, levitation tricks and dramatic escapes

LOUIS PRIMA JR. BANDILIANA INCANDELA

MICHEAL CASTALDOABBA ARRIVAL from Sweden returns after a standingroom only show last year

CHRIS MACCHIOMATT MORGAN

AARON CARUSOGIADA VALENTI

THE BRONX WANDERERS performing the greatest hits from the ‘50s and todayDICK CONTINO “the legendary virtuoso of the accordion”

DOMINIC MANTUANO, known for his cabaret style presentation of the classic songs of Mario Lanza

FRANK TENAGLIAJOHN CIOTTA

TONY SPAVONEPETER GUERIN, famous for his

eclectic blend of classic big band rock

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

FOOD

chefs from some of Milwaukee’s best restaurants.ROSSELLA RAGO, host of

“Cooking with Nonna” and the recent winner of the Food Network – 24 Hour Restaurant Battle,” Battle Italiano,” will be appearing at the Cucina Showcase Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22NICK STELLINO will return showcasing his awardwinning food

and Major Goolsby’sCANNOLI EATING CONTEST

RELIGION/HISTORICAL

Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Joliet, will be celebrating the Sunday mass at 11:00 a.m. and leading the procession following on Sunday, July 22 at the Marcus Amphitheater.

Society will present its new exhibit at Festa,

opportunity to learn about the traditions, triumphs and hardships of immigrant life for Milwaukee’s Italian community.

representing Italians in Milwaukee will be on display – the largest in the country

the Hunger Task Force. They will be collecting nonperishable food items on Sunday, upon entrance to Mass outside of the South gate.

ATTRACTIONS

sprint area, wheel chair drag race, BP sports lab, lung capacity test, heart rate test, BP Olympic trials area and four interactive gaming stations

Sunday, July 22 at 4:30 p.m. including music, games, prizes and giveaways

Saturday and Sunday

and a Bocce Ball tournament

famous singers, composers and conductors

JULY 19-22

It’s food. It’s family.

It’s Tradizione.


1. CARRABBA’S ITALIAN GRILLPENNE POMODORO $ 4.00CAESAR SALAD $ 4.00KID FINGERS WITH PENNE POMODORO $ 5.00NA HOMEMADE RED SANGRIA $ 5.00FRIED ZUCCHINI WITH ROASTED GARLIC AIOLI $ 5.50CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD $ 6.00MEZZALUNA RAVIOLI $ 6.00CALAMARI RICARDO $ 6.50CHICKEN MARSALA $ 6.50MEZZALUNA RAVIOLI DINNER $ 8.00CHICKEN MARSALA DINNER $ 8.502. NESSUN DORMACHEESE-FILLED BREADSTICKS (2) $ 4.50RICEBALLS, SPINACH-FILLED $ 5.00MEATBALL SANDWICH $ 5.50PORTABELLA PHILLY PANINI $ 6.25ARTICHOKE DIP $ 5.003. CAFE LA SCALA1/4 PIZZA $ 3.50WHOLE PIZZA $ 12.00TOPPINGS: CHEESE, SAUSAGE, PEPPERONI4. ALIOTO’SFRENCH FRIES $ 3.00GARLIC BREADSTICKS (4) WITHRED SAUCE $ 4.501 LB. ROMAN POTATO CHIPS $ 4.50ITALIAN SAUSAGE SLIDERS (2) $ 5.00THREE CHEESE RAVIOLI WITHGARLIC BREADSTICKS $ 6.00CHICKEN ROMANO SANDWICH $ 6.00WITH FRIES $ 7.50NA ARNOLD PALMER (16OZ) $ 3.00TEA (16OZ) $ 3.004A. NINO’S ITALIAN BAKERYFUDGE/MINT BROWNIES $ 3.00CHEESE OR LEMON GENOVESE $ 3.00CANNOLI $ 3.00CHOCOLATE CANNOLI $ 3.50ECLAIRS $ 3.50REGULAR OR AMARETTO CREAM PUFFS $ 3.50NAPOLEON $ 3.50ITALIAN COOKIES (1/2LB.) $ 5.50SFINGI (5OZ) $ 4.505. JOHNNY V’S CLASSIC CAFÉ FRIED EGGPLANT STICKS WITHMARINARA SAUCE & LEMON $ 5.75SPINACH MANICOTTI WITH WHITE SAUCE(VEGETARIAN), BREAD & BUTTER $ 6.00CHICKEN TENDERS WITHSEASONED FRENCH FRIES $ 6.50ITALIAN BEEF SANDWICH WITHSEASONED FRENCH FRIES $ 6.75MOSTACCIOLI WITH MEATBALLS,BREAD AND BUTTER $ 6.75GNOCCHI WITH FIRE ROASTEDTOMATOES AND CREAM SAUCE,BREAD AND BUTTER $ 7.00BAKED ZITI WITH SAUSAGE, MEATBALLS,BREAD AND BUTTER $ 7.006. TRATTORIA DI CARLOFOUR CHEESE LASAGNA POCKET W/VODKA PINK SAUCE $ 7.50FOUR CHEESE LASAGNA POCKET W/BOLOGNESE SAUCE & PEAS $ 7.50SICILIAN BOMB SANDWICH $ 7.50SICILIAN BOMB PIZZAIOLA SANDWICHW/RED SAUCE $ 7.50MOZZARELLA STICKS $ 6.50BREADED ZUCCHINI $ 6.50TOASTED CHEESE RAVIOLI $ 6.50STROMBOLIROASTED CHICKEN & SPINACH STROMBOLI $ 6.50ITALIAN SAUSAGE, SPINACH & BLACK OLIVES $ 6.507. LIBIAMO RESTAURANTSFINCIONE $ 4.50RICE BALLS $ 5.00CALAMARI $ 7.50CHICKEN SPIEDINI $ 7.00SHRIMP SCAMPI $ 7.508. MILLE’S SPAGHETTI FACTORYGARLIC OR CHEESE BREAD $ 4.00 WITH CHEESE $ 4.75MUSHROOMS (FRIED) $ 5.50ZUCCHINI STICKS (FRIED) $ 5.50CHEESE RAVIOLI (FRIED) $ 5.50MEATBALL SANDWICH $ 5.50SPAGHETTI WITH PLAIN SAUCE $ 5.50WITH MEATBALLS $ 6.25COMBO PLATE OF ZUCCHINI STICKS, CHEESE RAVIOLI & MUSHROOMS $ 6.75CHICKEN PARMESAN SANDWICH - $5.75

12. SAZ’SSOUR CREAM AND CHIVE FRIES $ 3.25MOZZARELLA MARINARA 2 STICKS $ 3.75 4 STICKS $ 6.75BATTERED WHITE CHEDDARCHEESE CURDS $ 6.00CHICKEN TENDERS $ 6.50SAMPLER COMBINATION(MOZZARELLA, FRIES, CURDS) $ 7.25SAZ’S PULLED PORK SANDWICH $ 8.00ITALIAN MEATBALL SANDWICH $ 7.00MAMA SAZAMA’S SIGNATURE LASAGNA $ 8.0013. BELLA CAFFEGOURMET BREWED COFFEE HOT OR ICED $ 2.50ESPRESSO $ 3.00CAPPUCCINO – HOT OR ICED $ 4.00LATTE – HOT OR ICED $ 4.00MOCHA – HOT OR ICED $ 4.50AMERICANO – HOT OR ICED $ 3.00CAFÉ AU LAIT $ 3.50STEAMER $ 3.50ITALIAN SODA $ 3.00HOT COCOA OR CHOCOLATE MILK $ 3.00HOT TEA – HOT OR ICED $ 2.50CHAI TEA – HOT OR ICED $ 4.50FRAPPE' BLENDEDESPRESSO DRINK $ 5.00ADD A FLAVOR $ 0.50VANILLA, HAZELNUT, CARAMEL, IRISH CREAM, RASPBERRY, SUGAR FREE VANILLABIG COOKIE $ 2.00CRAISIN ORANGE SCONE $ 3.00RASPBERRY FILLED ALMOND SCONE $ 3.5015. COLD STONE CREAMERYWAFFLE BOWLS $ 1.25DIPPED BOWLS $ 1.75COOKIE SANDWICHES COOKIE CRUMB YUM $ 4.00CAKE BATTER SPRINKLE $ 4.00KISS ’N’ TELL CHOCOLATE $ 4.00KID’S SIZE WITH CONE $ 4.00LIKE-IT $ 5.00LOVE-IT $ 5.50OH FUDGE $ 4.75MILK AND COOKIES $ 4.75SAVORY STRAWBERRY $ 4.75SMOOTHIES 2 TO MANGO $ 4.75 BERRY LEMONY $ 4.7516. PAPA LUIGI’SSICILIAN GARLIC BREAD HALF $ 2.50 FULL $ 4.50CHEESY BOSCO STICKS $ 3.50FRESH CUT ITALIAN CURLY FRIES $ 4.00SKEWED SHRIMP SCAMPI 10 PIECES $ 4.00 20 PIECES $ 7.00CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD $ 6.00BEEF SPIEDINI $ 7.00STUFFED LASAGNA CHEESE ROLLS $ 7.0017. CARINI’S LA CONCA D’OROSICILIAN PORK SANDWICH $ 7.00EGGPLANT SPIEDINI $ 7.00CALAMARI $ 8.00EGGPLANT PASTA $ 7.00RISOTTO ROLLS (2) $ 8.0018. MILLE’S FESTA SAUSAGEITALIAN SAUSAGE SANDWICH $ 4.5019. GLORIOSO’S DELICHEESE CALZONE $ 5.00SAUSAGE CALZONE $ 5.00MEATBALL SANDWICH $ 5.00ITALIAN BEEF $ 5.50PHILLY ITALIAN BEEF $ 6.0020. PETER SCIORTINO’S BAKERYCHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE $ 1.50BROWNIE $ 3.00ECLAIR $ 3.00REGULAR CANNOLI $ 3.00CHOCOLATE CANNOLI $ 3.50TIRAMISU $ 4.50ARANCINI (RICE BALL-MEAT) $ 5.00ITALIAN COOKIES (1/2LB.) $ 5.0027. ROMAN TERRACE COCKTAIL LOUNGEMIXED DRINKS $ 8.00SPECIALTY DRINKS $ 10.00ICED DRINKS $ 10.00MARTINIS $ 12.00WINE $ 10.0028. PETER SCIORTINO’S CAFFEBISCOTTI $ 1.50CASSATINI $ 2.50MINI SFOGLIATELLE $ 2.50REGULAR CANNOLI $ 3.00FUDGE BROWNIE $ 3.00SLUSHIE $ 3.00CAPPUCCINO/ICED $3.00

29. VENICE CLUBCHICKEN PARMESAN SANDWICH $ 6.25EGGPLANT STICKS $ 6.00BRUCIULUNI SANDWICHSATURDAY/SUNDAY ONLY $ 6.50COMBINATION (EGGPLANT,MUSHROOM, CAULIFLOWER) $ 7.50BRUCIULUNI DINNER SATURDAY SUNDAY ONLY $ 8.50ITALIAN SAMPLER (SAUSAGE,MEATBALLS, MANICOTTI) $ 8.55FRIDAY FISH FRY, FRENCH FRIES,COLE SLAW, TARTAR SAUCE $ 9.00ICE CREAM COFFEE OR ROOT BEER FLOAT30. CATALDO’S PEPPERONI PIZZA STICKS $ 4.00AMARETTO PUFFS $ 5.00MOZZARELLA MARINARA $ 5.00SFINGI $ 5.00SFINGI WITH CANNOLI FILLING $ 5.00ITALIAN CHICKEN TENDERSWITH SAUCE $ 6.50PASTA WITH MEATBALLS $ 6.50LASAGNA – SPINACH OR VEGGIE $ 7.0031. CAFE LA SCALA1/4 PIZZA $ 3.50WHOLE PIZZA $ 12.00TOPPINGS: CHEESE, SAUSAGE, PEPPERONI32. ANGELO’S PIZZACAPPUCCINO PUFFS $ 4.50POTATO ROMANO $ 4.50LASAGNA STICKS $ 5.50CALZONECHEESE & PEPPERONI $ 5.75SPINACH & CHEESE $ 5.75MEATBALL SANDWICH $ 5.50SICILIAN CHICKEN WINGS $ 5.75HOT ITALIAN SUB $ 6.75SICILIAN STEAK SANDWICH W/POTATO ROMANO $ 7.5037. PIETRO’S PIZZAMINI CANNOLI $ 1.75CANNOLI CAKE $5.50CHEESE BREAD $ 3.50SFINCIONE $ 4.25ARANCINI (RICE BALL) $ 5.25TOASTED RAVIOLI $ 6.50ROAST BEEF SANDWICH $ 7.00FRIED CALAMARI MARKETSEAFOOD SALAD (OCTOPUS, SQUID, OR COMBO) MARKET38. MILLE’S FESTA SAUSAGEITALIAN SAUSAGE SANDWICH $ 4.50MUSHROOMS (FRIED) $ 5.50ZUCCHINI STICKS (FRIED) $ 5.50MEATBALL SANDWICH $ 5.50SPAGHETTI WITH PLAIN SAUCE $ 5.50WITH MEATBALLS $ 6.25CHICKEN PARMESAN SANDWICH $5.7543A. ULTIMATE CONFECTIONDIPPED PRETZEL, MARSHMALLOW ORLICORICE $ 0.75CHOCOLATE COVEREDSTRAWBERRY $ 3.00JUMBO TURTLE $2.00PLAIN BAR OR TURTLE BAR 4 OZ. $ 3.50 6 OZ. $ 4.50ULTIMATE PRETZEL(CASHEW OR PECAN) $ 4.00BROWNIE MOUNTAIN OR DOUBLETURTLE SUNDAE 6OZ $4.50 9OZ $ 6.50STRAWBERRY FAMILY PACK $ 10.5044. MAJOR GOOLSBY’SHAMBURGER $ 5.50MAJOR HAMBURGER $ 7.50CHEESEBURGER $ 6.00MAJOR CHEESEBURGER $ 8.00BACON CHEESEBURGER $7.50MAJOR BACON CHEESEBURGER $9.50CHICKEN BREAST SANDWICH $ 6.50JUMBO BRAT $ 5.50JUMBO HOT DOG $ 4.50CRISPY COATED FRIES $ 3.50SWEET POTATO TOTS $ 5.5053. GELATERIA ITALIANAGELATO/SORBETTO, 1 SCOOP $ 3.75GELATO/SORBETTO, 2 SCOOPS $ 5.75AFFOCATO (GELATO + ESPRESSO) $ 4.75SPUMONI $ 4.75TARTUFO (TRUFFLE) $ 4.75BRIOCHE (ITALIAN ICE CREAM SANDWICH) $ 5.75LEMON, ORANGE, OR PEACH RIPIENO 1 FRUIT $ 5.7557. WATER STREET BREWERYSEE THEIR MENU AT FESTA 58. VENICE CLUB’S OWN FESTA SAUSAGEITALIAN SAUSAGE SANDWICH $ 4.50

ALSO AVAILABLE ON THE GROUNDS BADGER CORN ROASTED CORN ON THE COB $ 3.50LEMON CHILLCHEESE CUPS $ 0.50LICORICE ROPES $ 1.50ASSORTED CHILL FLAVORS $ 4.00STUFFED GOURMET PRETZELS $ 4.00CATALANO FRUIT PIECES OF FRUIT $ 1.00FRESH SQUEEZED ORANGE JUICE $ 2.75 CHERRIES $ 3.00 GRAPES $ 3.00GATORADE $ 3.50TROPICANA DRINKS $ 3.50FRESH FRUIT CUP $ 3.75VEGETABLE PLATTER $ 4.50CATALANO LEMONADE FRESH SQUEEZED LEMONADE $ 3.50 FRESH SQUEEZED

DIET LEMONADE $ 3.50CROCKER ROOT BEER BARRELSCOFFEE $ 1.00HOT CHOCOLATE $ 1.50FLOATS 16 OZ. $ 4.00 32 OZ. $ 6.00HAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE OF MILWAUKEEHAWAIIAN SHAVE ICE WITHASSORTED FLAVORS $ 3.50KOEPSELL’S POPCORNLICORICE ROPE $ 1.50SNOWCONE 7 OZ. $ 2.00 14 OZ. $ 3.00 20 OZ. $ 4.00COTTON CANDY STICK $ 3.00 BAG $ 6.00POPCORN, PLAIN OR BUTTERED SMALL $ 3.50 LARGE $ 7.00LA TRINACRIASALTED PEANUTS $ 1.50CALIA $ 2.75SEMENZA $ 2.75PISTACHIOS $ 5.00NUTS FOR YOUROCK CANDY SUCKERSEACH $ 1.00CINNAMON ROASTED ALMONDS OR CASHEWS SMALL $ 4.00 MEDIUM $ 7.00 LARGE $ 11.00SALTED ROASTED CASHEWS OR ALMONDS SMALL $ 4.00 MEDIUM $ 7.00 LARGE $ 11.00SIL’S MINI DONUTSSMALL BAG DONUTS (6PC) $ 2.00LARGE BAG DONUTS (12PC) $ 4.00DIPPIN’ DONUTS $ 5.00SIDE OF ICING $ 1.00FAMILY PACK (36PC) $ 11.00

THE BEST FOOD.

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


JULY 19-22

MILLER STAGE12:00 PM – NOYZ BOYZ AND THE GYRLZ

(FRI, SAT, SUN)1:30 PM – MICHEAL CASTALDO (FRI, SAT, SUN) 3:00 PM – RUSSO BROTHERS (FRI, SAT, SUN) 4:30 PM – BRONX WANDERERS (FRI, SAT, SUN) 6:00 PM – TONY SPAVONE 7:30 PM – MATT MORGAN9:00 PM – THE BARBEEZ (THURS)9:00 PM – BIG BAD VOODOO DADDY (FRI)9:00 PM – ARRIVAL – ABBA TRIBUTE BAND

(SAT, SUN)10:15 PM – FIREWORKS10:30 PM – BRONX WANDERERS

SPIKED ISLAND STAGE12:00 PM – ELEGANT GYPSIES (FRI, SAT, SUN)1:30 PM – GRACE MCDONNELL (FRI, SAT, SUN)3:00 PM – DOO WOP DADDIES (FRI, SAT, SUN)4:30 PM – CHRIS MACCHIO (FRI, SAT, SUN)6:00 PM – AARON CARUSO (THURS, FRI, SAT)6:00 PM – CHARISSA MROWKA (SUN)8:30 PM – MOUNT OLIVE (THUR)8:30 PM – IDES OF MARCH (FRI, SAT)7:30 PM – OLD DOMINION (SUN)8:30 PM – SURPRISE COUNTRY ACT (SUN)10:15 PM – FIREWORKS 10:30 PM – DOO WOP DADDIES (THURS, FRI, SAT)

T.J. BARTOLOTTA1:30 PM – JAYNE TAYLOR - FRI, SAT & SUN3:00 PM – PETER GUERIN– FRI, SAT, SUN4:30 PM – ALFIO – FRI, SAT, SUN6:00 PM – DOMINIC MANTUANO7:30 PM – TRADZIONE VIVENTI8:45 PM – OLDIES BUT GOODIES SPECTACULAR10:15 PM – FIREWORKS10:30 PM – OLDIES BUT GOODIES SPECTACULAR

PIGGLY WIGGLY CUCINA SHOWCASETHURSDAY5:30 PM – LODUCA BROTHER'S WINE

LOU BRUNO & JIM LODUCA6:30 PM – LEREVE PATISSERIE & CAFÉ

PATRICK MURPHY & ANDY SCHNEIDERFRIDAY12:00 PM – RYAN BRAUN'S GRAFFITO

JOE MCCORMICK1:00 PM – PFISTER HOTEL

BRIAN FRAKES2:30 PM – MOZZALUNA

ALFREDO D'AMATO4:00 PM – BRAVO CUCINA ITALIANA

TONY EVANS5:30 PM – CARMELLA'S

JOE JENNARO6:45 PM – THE VENICE CLUB

JUSTUS SMITHSATURDAY11:45 AM – BUCA DI BEPPO

STEVE PERLSTEIN1:00 PM – WILD EARTH -

POTAWATOMI BINGO & CASINO AUDREY VANDENBURGH

2:00 PM – MAGGIANO'S LITTLE ITALY MICHAEL WATSON

2:45 PM – DRAW NAMES FOR CANNOLI CONTEST

3:00 PM – CANNOLI EATING CONTEST SPONSORED BY SCIORTINO BAKERY

4:00 PM – NICK STELLINO SPONSORED BY DAVINCI PASTA

5:15 PM – RISOR RISTORANTE BARTOLOTTA MILES BORGHGRAEF

6:45 PM – ROSSELLA RAGO COOKING WITH NONNA

SUNDAY1:00 PM – TRIPOLI COUNTRY CLUB

DAVID MAGNASCO2:00 PM – MIA FAMIGLIA ITALIAN

RISTORANTE & STEAK HOUSE TOMAS WHITE, JR.

2:45 PM – DRAW NAMES FOR KID'S PIZZA MAKING CONTEST

3:00 PM – KID'S PIZZA MAKING CONTEST AGE 4-9

3:30 PM – KID'S PIZZA MAKING CONTEST AGE 10-16 SPONSORED BY DUO SORELLI

4:15 PM – ROSELLA RAGO COOKING WITH NONNA

5:30 PM – ZIN UNCOMMON CALIFORNIA ITALIAN JESSE SOUSA

6:30 PM – NICK STELLINO SPONSORED BY ELECTROLUX

BRIGGS & STRATTON BIG BACKYARD1:30 PM – HADLEY BAND (FRI, SAT)1:30 PM – ZOJA PERFORMANCE GROUP (SUN)3:00 PM – ILIANA (FRI, SAT, SUN)4:30 PM – JOHN CIOTTA (FRI, SAT, SUN)6:00 PM – FILIPPO VOLTAGGIO7:30 PM – TOM SORCE BAND (THUR) 7:30 PM – MARIO MANZINI HOUDINI

(FRI, SAT, SUN)9:00 PM – CHARISSA MROWKA (THUR)9:00 PM – LOUIS PRIMA JR. BAND

(FRI, SAT, SUN)10:15 PM – FIREWORKS10:30 PM – SAM LLANES, FORMERLY OF THE

BODEANS (FRI, SAT)

U.S. CELLULAR STAGE1:30 PM – BENEDICTION (SUN)1:30 PM – FESTA REGIONAL RENAISSANCE

DANCERS (FRI, SAT) 3:00 PM – DICK CONTINO (FRI, SAT, SUN)4:30 PM – FRANK TENAGLIA (FRI, SAT, SUN)6:00 PM – OPENING CEREMONY (THUR)6:00 PM – SANDRA MANDELLA7:30 PM – DICK CONTINO9:00 PM – GIADA VALENTI10:15 PM – FIREWORKS

DOMINIC H. FRINZI MEMORIAL OPERA TENT THURSDAY6:30 PM - SPARLING THEATRICAL PRODUCTIONSFRIDAY1:30 PM - LECTURE: THE LIFE OF GIACOMO

PUCCINI BY KAY SPARLING3:30 PM - YOUNG OPERA APPRENTICES5:30 PM - KERRY HART & FRIENDS7:00 PM - NOTTURNOSATURDAY3:30 PM - LECTURE: THE LIFE OF GIACOMO

PUCCINI BY KAY SPARLING5:30 PM - KAY SPARLING,

DRAMATIC SOPRANO7:00 PM - NOTTURNOSUNDAY3:00 PM - MILWAUKEE MANDOLIN ORCHESTRA5:00 PM - MILWAUKEE MANDOLIN ORCHESTRA6:30 PM - SOUTH SHORE YOUTH

OPERA ENSEMBLE

Schedule subject to change.

It’s food. It’s family.

It’s Tradizione.


Festa making gondolas twiceas much fun this year


Last year marked the return ofgondola rides at Festa Italianaafter several years’ absence. Festapurchased a 36-foot long gondola,obtained the services of four able-bodied gondoliers, and went on toprovide an enjoyable, and, in oneinstance, a romantic experience for

numerous gondola passengers.This year, Festa is bringing

along a second gondola, a 24-footmodel, courtesy of the Vella familyof Peter Sciortino’s Bakery fame.The Vella family purchased thisgondola from the Treviso family,whose sons handcrafted gondolasand provided them for the ridesthat were offered at Festa severalyears ago.

Like last year, Festa will offergondola rides each day of the festi-val, Thursday, July 19 throughSunday, July 22, from shortly afterthe opening until after the nightlyfireworks show. The loading dockwill be in the same location, on thenorth end of grounds abutting theSummerfest lagoon.

Costs have been set at $25 for asingle individual or a couple exceptduring the fireworks show. Forthose who want to ride the gondo-las during the pyrotechnics display,the cost will be $45 for a singleindividual or a couple. People canmake their reservations at a boothon the loading dock.

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

Returning to fill the roles of gon-doliers will be Sal Galioto, TonyEmmiti, Patrick Lonzo andAnthony Frigo. These gentlemenplay lovely recorded Italian musicduring the rides and sometimessing to their passengers.

Throughout history, a ride on agondola has known to evolve

romance. Last year that provedtrue on the Saturday night of Festawhen a young male passenger pro-

posed marriage to his young femalecompanion during a ride, Jennarosaid.

With veteran gondolier Sal Galioto at the helm, Roxanne and WayneSytkowski of Franklin enjoyed a relaxing ride in the Summerfest lagoonon a warm Friday evening at Festa Italiana 2011 . Gondola rides returnedto the Festa lineup last year after several years’ absence and proved to bequite a popular attraction. This year, Festa officials have added a secondgondola to the offerings, which should make the wait between rides short-er. Galioto served as gondolier when Festa first offered gondola rides inthe 1990s and early 2000s, under the operation of the Treviso family.(Times photo by Tom Hemman)

These were three of the gentlemenwho served as gondoliers at lastyear’s Festa Italiana and arereturning to fill the same roles thisyear. From the left: Patrick Lonzo,Tony Emmiti and Anthony Frigo.Not shown is Sal Galioto, who isseen at work in the other photo onthis page. (Photo by Tom Lonzo)


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

By Colleen JurkiewiczNationally-renowned contempo-

rary swing revival band Big BadVoodoo Daddy is coming to Festathis year for the first time. Theywill be performing courtesy ofMajor Goolsby’s at the Miller LiteStage on Friday evening at 9 p.m.and are sure to be a powerful drawfor Italians and non-Italians aswell.

The band is best known for theirsingles “Go Daddy-O”, “You & Me& the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight(Baby)” and “Mr. Pinstripe Suit.”They memorably played at the half-time show of Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999.

Originally from southernCalifornia, the band is comprised ofScotty Morris (lead vocals and gui-tar), Kurt Sodergren (drums andpercussion), Dirk Shumaker (dou-ble bass and vocals), Andy Rowley(baritone saxophone and vocals),Glen Marhevka (trumpet), KarlHunter (saxophones and clarinet),Joshue Levy (piano, arranger),Tony Bonsera (trumpet) and Alex“Crazy Legs” Henderson (trom-bone).

They appeared as themselves ina club scene of the classic 1996Vince Vaughn movie Swingers.They have released seven albums,including Big Bad Voodoo Daddy(1994), Americana Deluxe (1998),and How Big Can You Get?: TheMusic of Cab Calloway (2009).

Recently they have collaboratedwith the Los Angeles Philharmonic,San Francisco Symphony, andAtlanta Symphony on various popsprograms across the nation.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy

I Want to BuyYour Old Musical

Instruments.Looking foraccordions,concertinas,guitars, banjos,mandolins, violins,saxophones & amplifiers.

Call Tom(414) 333-3221



The Ides of March, a band thatstarted in the basement of aBerwyn, Ill. home in October 1964and rose to international fame withthe hit single, “Vehicle,” is comingto Festa Italiana in Milwaukee forthe first time.

The band will perform Fridayand Saturday, July 20 and 21, at8:30 p.m. on the Calypso SpikedIsland Stage.

From their humble beginning,the Ides of March, led by JimPeterik, scored a Top 40 hit in 1966with “You Wouldn’t Listen.” Thegroup remained very popular inChicagoland and the Midwestthroughout the ‘60s, but failed toachieve national recognition until1970 when the single “Vehicle” wasreleased and rose to #2 on theBillboard Hot 100.

That single became the fastestselling single in Warner Bros.Records history. “Vehicle” went onto sell over one million copies andwas awarded a gold disc inNovember 1972. The followingalbum, also entitled “Vehicle,”reached #55 nationally.

A follow-up album, “CommonBond,” featured the single “L.A.Goodbye,” which was a #1 regionalhit.

In the late 1970s, Peterikformed the band Survivor and co-wrote all of their platinum hitsincluding “Eye of the Tiger,” whichreached #1 on the Billboard Hot100, “The Search is Over,” “High onYou,” and “I Can’t Hold Back.”

Peterik also began a career ofwriting collaborations which result-ed in many platinum hits for otherartists, most notably “Hold onLoosely,” “Rockin’ Into the Night,”“Fantasy Girl” and “Wild-EyedSouthern Boys” for .38 Special and“Heavy Metal” for Sammy Hager.

Since the 1990s, with Peterikback in the fold, The Ides of Marchhave been performing not onlytheir own hits but many of thesongs that Peterik performed orwrote for other groups.

According to the group’s website

(theidesofmarch.com), “This isn’t asedate “oldies” act; much the oppo-site actually. In concert, the Ides ofMarch remains a vital, powerhouserock and roll band whose typical90-minute concert usually last twohours, and the encores are alwaysthe strongest songs of the night.The secret of the band’s longevitymight rest in the fact that they allhave remained best friendsthroughout the years, with not ahint of ego-trip to be found.”

Chicagoans are familiar withthe group performing the NationalAnthem for the Chicago Cubs,Bears, Bulls, Fire and White Sox.The band was honored by theirhometown of Berwyn by declaringthe street running in front of theirhigh school “Ides of March Way.” Aclose relationship with the pastor ofChicago’s Holy Name Cathedral

has instituted a tradition of featur-ing the Ides of March singing at theChristmas Eve Mass.

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

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

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One of the world’s most popularand best selling ABBA show bands,Arrival from Sweden, is comingback to Festa Italiana for the sec-ond straight year for performanceson Saturday and Sunday, July 21and 22 on the Miller Lite Stage at 9p.m.

Founded in 1995, Arrival hastoured in more than 35 nations,appearing on television and radioshows and playing sold out arenasand other venues.

The group, which has beendescribed as “the best and most

authentic ABBA show band,” per-forms all of the legendary ABBAhits: “Dancing Queen,” “MammaMia,” “Does Your Mother Know,”“Take a Chance,” “SOS,” “TheWinner Takes It All,” “SuperTrouper,” “Money, Money, Money,”“Waterloo,” “Honey, Honey,”“Fernando,” “I Do, I Do, I Do,”“Chiquita,” “Knowing Me, KnowingYou,” “Summer Night City,”“Thank You for the Music,” “LayAll Your Love on Me,” “Gimme,Gimme, Gimme” and many more.

Arrival works with designerOwe Sandström, who designed and

also owns all of the original ABBAstaging clothes. Arrival is the onlyband worldwide with the exclusiverights to make exact copies of thedesign-protected staging clothes.

Arrival is also the only group

that has been given an unreleasedABBA song directly from BjöurnUlvaeus and Benny Andersson ofABBA.

The song, “Just a Notion,” issoon to be released worldwide.


Arrival: The ABBA Tribute Band back atFesta by popular demand

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

By Colleen JurkiewiczEscape artist Mario Manzini

will bring his internationally-renowned “Tribute to Houdini” actto Festa Italiana this year, per-forming at 7:30 p.m. at the Briggs& Strattion Big Back Yard Stageon Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,July 20-22.

Missouri-based Manzini isknown as “The Guinness WorldChampion Escapologist,” a title hehas proudly held for more than 25years. His family friendly show isembellished with plenty of illu-sions, magic, levitation tricks, anddramatic escapes. Assisted often byhis wife, Victoria, as well as mem-bers of the audience, Manzini’sshow will feature a “metamorpho-sis escape,” as well as escapes fromshackles, straightjackets, chains,various wooden crates and knots,and more. He often invites local police officersonto the stage during his act andwows the crowd with his ability tobreak out of their handcuffs.

He also performs the famousHoudini Water Torture Cell trick,

where he escapes from an airtight,rope-secured sack after having hiswrists, ankles, and feet bound byaudience members using handcuffsand tire chains. The HoudiniTribute act is Manzini’s most popu-lar show.

Manzini considers himself to beone of very few authentic escapolo-gists left in the United States. Hesays it is a dying art.

“There really are not that manyreal escape artists – maybe two orthree in the whole country,” hesays. “The ones that claim to beare usually magicians who usetrick handcuffs. I use the realthing.”

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

The Houdini Tribute act is onlyone of the shows in Manzini’srepertoire. He is also known for hiscomedy, Elvis impersonations, andfirebreathing. Called one of the“top Fire Eaters and Breathers” inthe world today, Manzini has per-formed with the Ringling Brothersand Barnum & Bailey Circus atMadison Square Garden in NewYork City.

“It’s not so much about being thebest escape artist,” he says. “It’sabout making the show as interest-ing as possible. You have to beable to relate to the audience andget them involved. They have to beon my side and want me to getout.”

Manzini is encouraged by theprevalence of the ItalianCommunity Center in Milwaukee.He says he admires the ICC’sefforts to keep the Italian culturealive.

“It’s important to keep those tra-ditions,” he says. “Where I comefrom, in New York City, Little Italyis fading away. It’s sort of sad. Soit’s great to see traditions beingpreserved.” Mario Manzini

Mario Manzini – Houdinitribute act – coming to

Festa for first time

Saluti Festa Italianafrom

We are pleased to be a part ofFesta Italiana. Look for us in Booth #29

in the Harley-Davidson Area.Enjoy our famous French Fried Eggplant

along with your other Italian favorites.Lunch, Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Dinner, from 4 p.m., seven days a week.Celebrate a family tradition of

fine dining since 1949!(262) 786-8323

1905 N. Calhoun Rd.Brookfield, WI 53005

Private Banquet Facilities available forgroups of 15 to 300.

THE WISCONSIN CHAPTEROF THE JUSTINIAN SOCIETY

OF LAWYERSan affiliate of the

National Italian American Bar Association

CongratulatesFESTA ITALIANAon 35 great years!

For membership information contact:Attorney Christine Davies D’Angelo - President

D’Angelo & Jones, LLPN14 W23755 Stone Ridge Drive,

Waukesha, WI 53188(262) 523-4321 • www.dangelojones.com


These acts are making their Festa debutMichèal Castaldo, who released

his fourth album, a CD titled “OliveYou – Classic Italian Songs to Feedthe Heart and Soul” on Jan. 31, isbooked for his first Festa appear-ance.

Born in the Calabria region ofItaly, Castaldo was raised since hewas three years old in Toronto,Canada and now resides in NewYork City. Trained in opera,Castaldo performs as a classicalcrossover pop artist, whose music isalong the lines of Andrea Bocelli,Josh Groban and Il Divo. Besidesbeing a singer, he is an award-win-ning songwriter, producer andarranger. He has served as a pro-

ducer/mixer and songwriter for six-time Grammy award winner JoseFeliciano and has recorded withtrumpeter Chris Botti.

Samples of Castaldo’s music canbe heard through his website,www.michealCASTALDO.com orwww.Amazon.com andwww.iTunes.com. One of his latestvideos, “Il Mondo,” can be viewedon YouTube.

From May 22 to June 3,Castaldo toured in Italy andPoland. After his Festa shows, July20-22, he is scheduled to perform atan Italian festival in Rockford, Ill.on Saturday, Aug. 3.

Michèal Castaldo AlfioAustralian native Alfio will per-

form on the T.J. Bartolotta StageFriday, Saturday and Sunday at4:30 p.m. This is the first FestaItaliana appearance for the singer,who has just released his album,Tutta Italiana, this March.

Having been described as “JoshGroban meets Andrea Bocelli,”Alfio studied in Parma, Italy. Hisfirst album, Tranquilità, was metwith resounding success interna-tionally. His second album wasreleased in 2009. Named ClassicRewinds, the album paid tribute toartists who have influenced himand other Italians all over theworld. The playlist featured suchclassics as “Papa Loves Mambo,”“Buona Sera” and “The ImpossibleDream.” Tutta Ialiana, his thirdalbum, is an all-Italian-languageCD including classic favorites aswell as tunes composed by Alfiohimself, including “Voce Pura,” atribute to Luciano Pavarotti.

In 2010 he performed for RudyGiuliani and Nancy Pelosi at theNational Italian AmericanFoundation’s gala to honor MartinScorcese, Jack Valenti, and EllenPompeo. Alfio

Iliana

Michèal Castaldo

Chicago-based singer IlianaIncandela, who simply goes by thefirst name “Iliana,” is making herdebut at Festa Italiana. She’ll beperforming Friday, July 20through Sunday, July 22 at 3 p.m.on the Briggs & Stratton Big BackYard Stage.

A singer, dancer, and actress,Iliana can often be seen performingwith her father, singer EnzoIncandela. She wowed Milwaukeeaudiences in October of 2011 as theopening act for the ICC-sponsoredperformance of Il Volo.

Incandela was the 2010 ItaloAmerican National UnionFoundation David Award winnerfor Achievement and ProfessionalPromise in the Field ofEntertainment. She had the honorof being named the 2010-2011Columbus Day Queen by the JointCivic Committee of ItalianAmericans.

Iliana

See Us at Festa Italiana!

SalutiFesta

Italianafrom

Catalano’sFruit & LemonadeMilwaukee, WI

(414) 476-8962Mary Ann, Tony, Laurie, Mark,

John and Tony, Jr.

Look for our FruitBowls at Festa!

Serving SoutheasternWisconsin since 1884


Louis Prima Jr. Band,direct from Las Vegas

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

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

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

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

Charissa MrowkaFesta audiences will be able to

see a rising country star this yearas teen sensation Charissa Mrowkamakes her debut at the festival.The 16-year-old singer, songwriter,guitarist and recording artist hasdreamt of becoming a country starsince childhood and is well on herway to achieving that goal.

Mrowka released her EP record-ing with Guitar Girls Records andher single “Hold on and Breathe”has enjoyed popularity on manyradio stations across the country.Another single, “Miss Misery,” hasenjoyed viral success on the inter-net.

She has performed at the Houseof Blues, Nashville Palace andGenesee Theatre.

Old Dominion is made up of fourVirginians, one Michigander, andone bearded keyboard player whoseplace of origin remains a mystery.The chemistry that occurs whenOld Dominion takes the stage canonly be achieved through years ofcheap hotels, dirty clubs, and longvan rides across the country form-ing a bond that somehow adds upto great music.

Based in Nashville, they havemanaged to carve out their ownterritory as well as play music andwrite songs for some of today’s topcountry recording artists, including

Steve Holy, Chris Young, TaylorSwift, Randy Houser and more!

Although they have been togeth-er many years, Old Dominion justfinished putting the final toucheson their debut EP full of heart-breaking rock and summertimeparty music.

This group will be serving as theopening act for Festa’s surprisecountry artist, who will beannounced on Monday, July 9. OldDominion will perform at 7:30 p.m.on the Calyspo Spiked IslandStage.

Charissa Mrowka

The Louis Prima, Jr. Band

Old Dominion

Old Dominion

Watch for an announcement on a special country act performing atFesta Italiana on Monday, July 9. Visit www.FestaItaliana.com for

details. This will be a free show with a regular paid admission.

Entertainment is subject to change.


Many of your favorites are back foranother Festa engagementDick Contino

Giada Valenti

The Bronx WanderersDick Contino, “legendary virtu-

oso of the accordion,” returns forhis 33rd appearance in the 35 yearsof Festa Italiana in Milwaukee.

Famous for his musical stylingsof such classics as “Lady of Spain”and “Tico Tico,” Contino, whoturned 82 earlier this year, residesin Las Vegas with his wife, Tonia,and still performs regularly acrossthe nation.

Festa Italiana is only one of sev-eral Italian festivals where he isscheduled to perform this year. Hisrepertoire is eclectic, ranging fromItalian songs such as “Come Backto Sorrento” and “ArrivederciRoma“ to standards like “Lady ofSpain“ and “Swinging on a Star.”He possesses a virtuosic technique(often incorporating extremelyrapid fingering, glissandos, and

bellows shakes) and is also askilled jazz improvisor.

Back in the Festa Italiana line-up for the fourth consecutive yearare the Bronx Wanderers, knownas “The Ultimate Tribute Band.”While the band leans heavily ontheir renditions of the rock and rollclassics of Frankie Valli & TheFour Seasons, Dion Meucci, Dion &The Belmonts, Tommy James &The Shondells, The Rascals,Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5and other legends, the BronxWanderers also perform theirremakes of some of today’s top hit-makers.

Prior to their Festa shows, July19-22, the Bronx Wanderers havenumerous engagements across NewYork and Massachusetts. One ofthe group’s biggest shows afterFesta will be Sept. 27 and 28 at theSouth Point Hotel & Casino in LasVegas.

The band includes Yo’ Vinnie,Vinnie “The Kid,” Nicky “Stix,”Jimmy Fracassi and Jon Tutino.They have recorded two CDs.

For more on this group, visit:www.thebronxwanderers.com.

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

The internationally-renownedsinger was born and raised inVenice and got an early start onher impressive musical career.Singing and playing the piano sincethe age of seven, Valenti has touredprofessionally since the age of 12and studied jazz with Americanstar Dawn Mitchell.

In 2005 she released a critically-acclaimed album called ItalianSignorina featuring her version ofthe legendary song “Caruso,” whichhas been named by iTunes as oneof the 50 best songs in the Italianlanguage. She has been featured onthe red carpet at the New YorkCity Columbus Day Parade everyyear since 2005, debuted her popu-lar show Tribute to the EuropeanDivas to great acclaim in 2007, andin 2009 sold out the Hilton Casino& Resort in Atlantic City.

Valenti is currently touring theUnited States and Europe perform-ing her show “Tribute to Love.” Shehas recently appeared on Italian

television channel Rete4 in theshow Sognando Italia (Dreaming ofItaly). The episode chronicledValenti’s life and success in theUnited States, as well as how shestays true to her Italian roots.

Come and see us at Festa Italiana, July 19-22, at Booth #4A

Nino’s Italian Bakery & Deli, Inc.N88 W16683 Main St.

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051Phone: (262) 502-1997

Fax: (262) 502-9600

Catering • Fresh Subs & Soup Daily • Fresh Italian Breads & PastriesDaily • Cakes for all occasions, including Wedding Cakes

Tony & Nina Sgroi and Daughters

When visiting our booth at Festa, try our tasty new sfingi (fried dough rolled in sugar).

WE ARE CELEBRATING OUR 20TH YEAR AT FESTA ITALIANA!Bring this coupon to Festa, on Saturday, July 21, stop by our booth from 5 - 7 p.m. and have afree piece of cake to help us celebrate this special occasion. One coupon per person, please!

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

Stop by ourstands at Festa!

CROCKERENTERPRISES, INC.d.b.a.ROOT BEER BARRELS

Bob: (763) 425-4256Jim: (763) 425-0700

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NUTS FOR YOU!CINNAMON ROASTEDALMONDS, PECANS,

CASHEWS, DELUXE MIXAND SALTED NUTS.

Look for us in the MillerLite Area & along Tony

Machi Avenue in theBriggs & Stratton Area.

Follow the Aroma!.

By Bob RuggieriWhen vocalist Sandra Mandella

performs at Festa Italiana, it’ll be ahomecoming in more ways thanone. Working with her as hermusical director will be her long-time friend, Bobby Chirafisi.

Both are native Milwaukeeansand both are second-generationmusicians with deep roots inMilwaukee’s Italian performingarts community. Sandra’s father,Tony Mancuso, who sang profes-sionally under the name NinoMancuso, was lead tenor with theFlorentine Opera Company. Hermother, the former Mary Jennaro,sang in the Florentine chorus. Shewill be 94 years old in August.

Bobby’s mother, the formerFrances Doria, was a featured lyricsoprano with the Florentine andwas often featured in duets withNino Mancuso. Frances’ sisters,Josephine and Angeline, weredancers in the company.

Sandra’s first collaboration withBobby was in 1971, when he wrotean arrangement for her while shewas working with the BuddyMontgomery Trio. Over the years,the two have collaborated on anumber of occasions.

Sandra, a Festa Italiana regularsince 1994, honed her craft in thejazz clubs of Milwaukee andDetroit. She has appeared withsome of the big names in showbusiness, has performed with theDetroit Philharmonic, and has beena featured attraction at the DetroitJazz Festival. She has performed

throughout the U.S. and abroadand is a seasoned veteran in therecording studio, having recordedmore than 60 radio and TV com-mercials. Her latest CD, “OneBreath Closer,” is widely available.

Bobby, a pianist and arranger,worked for many years with housebands of the major resorts in LasVegas. He has performed at majorvenues in Europe, South Africa andthe Far East. He earned his bache-lor of music degree from theWisconsin Conservatory of Music in1973 and later that summer led hisown band on the Miller Stage –when it was still a tent – atMilwaukee’s Summerfest.

Before her engagment at Festa,Mandella will be singing at theItalian Community Center in itsCourtyard Music Series program onMonday, July 16. For that show,she will be accompanied by theTom Sorce Band.


Congratulations toFesta Italiana

on 35 wonderful years!

Sponsor of the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Showat Festa on Friday night, July 20.

Enjoy all the great entertainment, �ireworksand family-fun activities that Festa has to offer.Stop by our booth in the Briggs & Stratton BigBack Yard Area for our world famous burgers,

brats and hot dogs.Major Goolsby’s

340 W. Kilbourn Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53203(414) 271-3414

Visit us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/pages/Major-Goolsbys

Vocalist Sandra Mandella and directorBobby Chirafisi are coming home for Festa

Right: Sandra Mandella and BobbyChirafisi

Frank TenagliaBorn in South Philadelphia,

tenor Frank Tenaglia trained inclassical voice at The PhiladelphiaCollege of Performing Arts and atTemple University. Tenaglia wenton to perform with the GreaterMiami Opera Company in its pro-ductions of Madama Butterfly, IlTrovatore, The Barber of Seville,La Premiata Fedelta, Idomeneoand Beauty and the Beast, allunder the direction of MaestroJoseph Illick.

Tenaglia has participated, beena finalist, and/or been awardedprizes in major competitions con-ducted by the prestigiousMetropolitan Opera Council, TheLuciano Pavarotti InternationalCompetition, The PucciniFoundation, The Opera FlorhamCompany, N.A.T.S. – The NationalAssociation of Teachers’ SingingArtists Professional DivisionAwards and The Drexel MusicAward. He is the first recipient ofthe Jay Spect Award, a three timeSergio Franchi Scholarship recipi-ent and has won The Mario LanzaInstitute Award also three times!

Tenaglia has been a frequentperformer in Festa Italiana’s enter-tainment lineup since the 1990s.

Aaron Caruso, classically-trained opera tenor, will be appear-ing at the Calypso Spiked IslandStage 6 p.m. all four days of FestaItaliana.

Caruso specializes in singingclassical Italian arias with a twist.Known as a combination ofPavarotti and the Rat Pack, he issure to bring a fantastic energy tothe stage. He has studied operaunder the tutelage of MaestroVeccia in Rome and New York City.

Caruso’s romantic act focuses onpresenting classic opera in a new,entertaining way, and he keeps theaudience on their toes by switchingfrom arias to Broadway classics to

beloved pop tunes. He has recently performed to a

sold-out audience at Carnegie Hallin a tribute to Mario Lanza and hasappeared at the New York CityColumbus Day Parade, as well asin many casinos in Reno, AtlanticCity, and Connecticut.

A veteran of Italian festivals, hehas appeared all over the countryat gatherings that celebrate Italianheritage.


Filippo Voltaggio Matt MorganModern-day crooner Filippo

Voltaggio’s last name means “volt-age” in Italian, and he will be backto electrify the Briggs & StrattonBig Back Yard Stage at 6 p.m.every night of Festa. He lastappeared at Festa two years ago.

The son of Italian immigrants,Voltaggio was raised in SouthernCalifornia on the Italian language,food, and music – especially opera.Always encouraged by his parentsto perform for guests, Voltaggiowas a singer from a young age.Though he pursued and was suc-cessful in a career at IBM, hestayed true to his artistic roots byperforming in Community Theater,operas, and his own concerts.

He left the world of business toemcee his own show as theNational Radio Host of “LifeChanges with Filippo.” He eventu-ally became a singer and saw greatsuccess, received countless acco-lades, and sold out shows all overthe country.

“He’s setting the world of music

on fire,” wrote the Burbank Leaderafter his debut. “Filippo Voltaggiosizzles with high energy in his per-formances, personally, vocally, andmusically.”

Voltaggio is a nine-time winnerof the Sergio Franchi VocalCompetition, a three-time NationalItalian-American Foundation grantrecipient, a Eugene O’Neill CabaretSymposium Fellow, and a two-timenominee for Entertainer of theYear by the Southern CaliforniaMotion Picture Council.

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

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New York City opera tenor MattMorgan will make a grand returnto Festa Italiana this year withperformances on the Miller LiteStage at 7:30 p.m. all four nights.Morgan has performed with theAmerican Symphony Orchestra,the National Chorale, and the BardMusic festival.

An accomplished actor, he hasalso appeared in several stagemusicals across the nation. He hasmost recently performed with theJacksonville Symphony orchestrain their production of The Pirates ofPenzance as well as the SyracuseOpera in The Mikado, La Rondine,and The Judgment of Midas. Hehas also filmed his own televisionspecial for PBS at Avery FisherHall.

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

across the country and his CDs andDVDs are popular both domestical-ly and internationally.

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enthralling audiences worldwidefor years as an entertainer, singerand percussionist. From AtlanticCity to Las Vegas, Hong Kong andSingapore to Europe andScandinavia, Ciotta has managedto find his way into the hearts ofevery nationality and culture, nomatter how diverse.

Whether he’s performing inEnglish, Italian, Spanish orGerman, Ciotta’s emotion-chargeddeliveries and broad appeal movemembers of the his audiences rightto the heart.

This year, Ciotta will be per-forming Friday through Sundayafternoons at Festa Italiana. Hiswebsite is www.johnciotta.com.


Dominic Mantuano Christopher Macchio

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Returning to Festa for the sec-ond straight year will be New York-based opera tenor Chris Macchio,who recently released his newalbum entitled “Dolci Momenti”(Sweet Moments).

Born in Long Island, Macchioaspired to be a lawyer until hissinging ability became apparentduring high school. He studied atthe Manhattan School of MusicConservatory under MetropolitanOpera coaches Bob Cowart andElizabeth Roberts, as well asMunich State Opera legend JohnKuhn.

His performances include IPuritani with New York City’sOpera Nova Company and WestSide Story with Creative Ministriesin Long Island. He has performedfor such luminaries as the VicePresident of the United States,Governor of Massachusetts, andRudy Giuliani. He has been namedthe official National Tenor ofUNICO.

Macchio is now focusing on hissolo performance and recordingcareer. In 2010, he became a found-

ing member of the quartetBell’Aria, a group that focuses onbringing the musical heritage ofItalian-Americans to the main-stream musical audiences. Thequartet was created by the sameteam that created the world-famous Celtic Woman show.

The tenor voice of DominicMantuano will once again be heardat Festa Italiana. The man whobills himself as “America’s Tenor”will be appearing at the Milwaukeefestival for the fourth year in a row.

Mantuano, who says he hasbeen singing in one form or anothersince the age of four, has releasedthree albums – “Second Star to theRight,” “Opera to Broadway” and“The Arias.”

Once he was introduced to thevoice of the late Mario Lanza,Mantuano began to fashion his ownvoice in that image. In his cabaretshow, he presents the Lanza selec-tions in their original keys.

A former firefighter and EMT,Mantuano competed in the 1999World Championship of PerformingArts. After five days of competitioninvolving 1,500 men and women

from 30 countries, Mantuano wasnamed the first Grand ChampionPerformer of the World.

For more information, visithttp://theamericantenor.com.

Tony SpavoneRestaurateur and singer. That,

in a nutshell, describes TonySpavone, who will be performing atFesta Italiana at 6 p.m. daily onthe Miller Lite Stage.

A native of Naples (Campania),Italy, Spavone emigrated to theUnited States in 1965 and workedat his father’s restaurant inChicago. But singing was, and con-tinues to be, one of his great loves.He received classical training invoice at the Conservatory inChicago and later returned to Italyfor additional training to perfecthis Neapolitan style of singing.

Examples of that style can beheard on the four albums he hasproduced: “Core N’ Grato,” “CantaNapoli,” “Neapolitan Classics” and“Smile.” The list of selections oneach CD can be found at thesinger’s website,www.tonyspavone.com.

On occasion, Spavone serves asboth restaurateur and singer. Heoften entertains diners at TonySpavone’s Restaurant inBloomingdale, Ill.

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celebrating80th year

La Voce Italiana (The ItalianVoice), a weekly newspaper inPaterson, N.J., is celebrating its80th year of publication in 2012.

The newspaper is publishedby Emilio Augusto PublishingCompany. Its editor and pub-lisher is Cesarina Augusto Earl.Joseph Catanese serves as cul-tural, political and senior editor.


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Peter Guerin Doo-Wop DaddiesPeter Guerin is a show business

veteran, a native of Chicago whowas dubbed “Chicago’s MidnightIdol” by the Chicago Tribune. Hiscritically acclaimed and award-win-ning revue remained in Chicago’s“Top 10 Must See Shows” for years.

He is considered to be among ahandful of artists who took part inthe groundbreaking, original trib-ute concept. His tribute to ElvisPresley was one of the first. As thestory goes, Presley – who had seenGuerin’s performance and wasasked about it by the Las VegasSun – said, “He’s the only one whodoes me and does me justice.”

If you visit Graceland, you willfind a plaque dedicated to Guerinfor 20 years of continuing Presley’slegacy.

But Guerin doesn’t limit hisshow to his Presley impression. Hefeatures a wide variety of musicidentified with some of the toprecording stars of all time. Formore, visit www.peterguerin.com.

Sammy LlanasMilwaukee audiences are likely

to be well-acquainted with SammyLlanas, singer, songwriter, acousticguitarist – and hometown boy. Heis performing on Friday andSaturday, July 20 and 21, at 10:30p.m. at the Briggs & Stratton BigBack Yard Stage.

Along with his high schoolfriend, Kurt Neumann, Llanas co-founded the rock band TheBoDeans in Waukesha in the1980s. Legendary producer T-BoneBurnett took them under his wingand they released their first album,Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams in1986. In 1987, Rolling Stone maga-zine voted them the Best NewAmerican Band. Throughout the‘80s and ‘90s the band would haveTop 40 hits and would release 10albums altogether.

Llanas left the BoDeans in 2011and released his album 4 a.m. lastOctober. This summer he is touringthe Midwest showcasing the dis-tinctive voice audiences have lovedfor decades.

The Doo-Wop Daddies, based inMilwaukee, capture the demandingvocal styles of doo-wop music withunsurpassed excellence. That’s onlythe beginning. The Daddies don’tmerely recreate this classic genre,but have redefined it and made ittheir own 21st century doo-wop.

The group’s live shows attainthat ideal unity of masterful per-formance and entertainment.Combining elements of vintage andcutting edge musical technologies,the Daddies produce an excitingtheatrical show that remains faith-

ful to the doo-wop style.The Doo-Wop Daddies’ lineup

includes Mike Sturino, MikeWelch, Ryan Clark, Mark Lansing,Tom Riepenhoff, Lee Stephens, LeeWanek and Terry Casey.

The group performed at theICC’s New Year’s Eve party and itsRock and Roll Blast this pastJanuary. Look for the Doo-WopDaddies on the Calypso SpikedIsland Stage each night of FestaItaliana, July 19-22 at 10:30 p.m.and afternoons, July 20-22, at 3p.m.

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Performers at Festa Italianasince they were 4 and 8 years old,Dominic Russo, now 20, and hisbrother, Nick, now 24, are return-ing with a brand new show, Fridaythrough Sunday at 3 p.m. on theMiller Lite Stage.

They will be performing withtheir talented band, The Paesans,and their own dance troupe, LaBella Ballerina Russo. These enter-tainers bring the party to Festawith a big band sound and non-stopaction.

Doing shows that are tailor-made for Italian festivals, theRusso Brothers have caught on atother Festas around the country.

They have appeared in St. Paul,Minn. as headliners at an Italianfest in September 2011. They con-tinued on to sunny Florida thispast April to perform at Tampa’sFesta in Historic Ybor district.Locally, the boys have appeared onthe “Jayne Taylor Show,” a commu-nity access cable show, and recent-ly at Wauwatosa’s “Tosa Tonight”in Hart Park. All of these appear-ances happen while the boys arefull-time students. Nick studies atMarquette University’s School ofDentistry while Dominic studies atthe University of Minnesota-TwinCities, Carlson School ofManagement.

Jayne Taylor

Mt. Olive

Singer/songwriter Jayne Taylor,who is making her fourth consecu-tive appearance at Festa Italiana,has been singing in major theatersthroughout Wisconsin for the pastfour years. She has also been onnumerous TV stations includingFox 6 Wake Up and Today’s TMJ 4,as well as radio stations through-out the state including, AM920 TheWolf and WMSE.

Last September, Jayne was hon-ored to be selected to sing theNational Anthem for the Brewersgame at Miller Park Stadium to acrowd of 35,000 people. She wasalso asked to sing the NationalAnthem for the annual VeteransDay Banquet at the MilwaukeeCounty War Memorial Center forthe second consecutive year.

Last November, Jayne put onher own successful ChristmasShow at the Sunset Playhouse, inElm Grove, to a sold-out crowd.

Jayne, a 2012 WAMI nomineefor “Female Vocalist of the Year”, iscurrently working on her secondCD, which will include some of herfavorite romance language songs,including Italian.

Her TV/cable show, “The JayneTaylor Show”, which she tapesevery month, is still very popular

with viewers and can be seen onFridays at 6 p.m., 11 p.m., andSaturdays at 10 a.m. In addition toher busy schedule, Jayne is a full-time college student and hasrecently made the Dean’s list.

Her website is jaynetaylormu-sic.com.

Milwaukee’s favorite coverband, Mt. Olive, will rock theCalypso Spiked Island Stage atFesta on Thursday, July 19 at 8:30p.m.

The group performs annually atSummerfest’s Miller Lite OasisStage, the Wisconsin State Fair,and a score of church festivals all

over the Milwaukee area. Theycomposed the victory song for theMilwaukee Admirals hockey team.

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


Oldies But Goodies SpectacularThis multi-talented band was

formed by vocalist Kim Marie about15 years ago after she completedseven years in Las Vegas and a gigfor Chevrolet at New York City’sLincoln Center and in various citiesaround the country.

Kim Marie said her goal in form-ing the band was to gather themost talented Milwaukee areamusicians from bands popular inthe 1960s, and and regenerate thenostalgic feel of the ‘60s rock androll era in Milwaukee.

Joining Kim Marie today arevocalists Tony Clementi and ChuckTravis, keyboardist Brian Lorde,drummer Bruce Cole, lead guitaristTom Sorce, bass guitarist BobSanders, saxophonist Mike Miller,trombonist Jay Allison, and trum-

peter Mike Betts.The Oldies But Goodies

Spectacular will be performingnightly on the T.J. Bartolotta Stageat 8:45 p.m. and after the 10:15p.m. fireworks show. There will belots of room for dancing.

Grace McDonnellReturning to Festa this year

will be Milwaukee’s own GraceMcDonnell, already a Festa veter-an at the age of 15. This will be herfifth appearance at the festival.She will be singing at the CalypsoSpiked Island Stage on Friday,Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

The junior at Brookfield CentralHigh School has previously per-formed with the Florentine OperaCompany and has done recordingsfor Hal Leonard Productions. Shesings in her high school choir andhas appeared in her high school’smusicals as well as serving as classvice president this past year.

She still finds time for privateperformances and singing thenational anthem for a variety ofevents.

“I’m very excited to be perform-ing for my fifth year in a row atFesta,” she said. “I am thankful tobe able to surround myself with themany professional and talentedpeople I continue to learn and growfrom.”

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Tom Anthony with the Tom Sorce BandOne of the top drawing groups to

perform in the Italian CommunityCenter’s “Courtyard Music Series”in the summer and the “CabinFever Music Series” this past win-ter, Tom Anthony with the TomSorce Band, has an opening nightengagement at Festa Italiana,Thursday, July 19 at 7:30 p.m. onthe Briggs & Stratton Stage.

Vocalist Tom Anthony has longbeen a fixture on the Milwaukeearea music scene. Backing him areTom Sorce (guitar), Joel Freisinger(keyboards) and Brian Ford(drums), Anthony presents the bestof the rock, pop and rhythm andblues era.

Anthony is famous for his LasVegas-style show, singing the hitsof Elvis, Buddy Holly, Bobby Darin,Everly Brothers, Frankie Valli, RoyOrbison and even some of today’sbiggest hit makers such as MarcAnthony, Brooks & Dunn andDwight Yoakam. The latest CD by

the Tom Anthony Group is “JustFor You.”

After Festa, Anthony and the

Tom Sorce Band have a 10-day longengagement at the Wisconsin StateFair. They are also playing at sev-

eral area church festivals.For more information on the

group, visit www.tomanthony.net.

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Have you had your Hadleytoday? You can have Hadley Fridaythrough Sunday, July 20-22, atFesta on the Briggs & Stratton BigBack Yard Stage at 1:30 p.m.Hadley, a three-piece funky rockband, is appearing at Festa for theseventh straight year.

According to the group’s pressagent, Hadley is “putting the rockin rocky” with music that is “fun,loud, fast and sexy.”

Band members are Jeff Scanlonon guitar, JJ Slick on bass andChris the Chemist on drums. JJSlick is actually J.J. Zizzo, the

grandson of Festa OperationsManager Paul Iannelli and hiswife, Rose.

Hadley The BarbeezThe Barbeez have been one of

the Milwaukee area’s premieredance rock bands for years, playingthe music of the artists who helpedto shape the music video era andbeyond.

The Barbeez will be performingat Festa Italiana on Thursday,July 19 at 9 p.m. on the Miller LiteStage. Prior to Festa, the grouphas an engagement at Summerfeston Thursday, July 5.

They’ll be playing at theWisconsin State Fair and otherlocal festivals throughout the sum-mer.

The Noyz Boyz& Girlz

This Milwaukee-based 10-piecehorn band, known for its rockin’rhythm and blues, is under thedirection of Jerry Miller. The NoyzBoyz & Girlz will serve as theopening act on the Miller LiteStage on Friday through Sunday,July 20-22.

Bartolotta’s Fireworks nightly

at Festa Italiana. Look for a

complete story in Secrtion B.


Tradizione Vivente: Keeping traditionalive through Italian folk dance

By Susan (DeSanctis)Christiansen

Tradizione Vivente – The ItalianDance Group of Milwaukee, Inc.has been in existence for over 60years. The dance group wasformed many years ago so that itsmembers might spend time withthose dear friends and family fromthe “old country.” The originalmembers of the group have sincedeparted, only to leave behind atreasured legacy.

Today, the dance group strivesto keep alive the traditions thatwere passed on to them from theirancestors. Tradizione Vivente (orLiving Tradition in English), cur-rently consists of 35 to 40 members.The group’s members range in agefrom 13 to 50+ years old. Throughvibrant performances, they cele-brate authentic folk dancing, cos-tumes, culture and music of Italy.

It has been their honor to travelthroughout the United States per-forming for various events, such asfestivals, weddings, benefits,anniversaries, religious functions,Italian conferences, and all othertypes of events both near and far.In Milwaukee, they are proud toparticipate in local events, such asthe International Holiday FolkFair, and, of course, Festa Italiana,where they have been pleased toperform since its inception 35 yearsago.

2012 has provided some really

memorable experiences and someexciting upcoming opportunities.

One of their absolute favoriteperformances was at “A Taste ofItaly” at the Italian CommunityCenter, with the smells from thedelicious food and the upbeat soundof their music.

Tradizione Vivente performed atinternational dinners for both UW-Parkside and Carthage College.They genuinely enjoyed represent-ing Italy and sharing their heritagewith the students at both schools.The student coordinating theParkside event is from Calabria,and said that Tradizione Vivente’sperformance “reminded her ofItaly.” The ultimate compliment.

The dance group also supportedtwo of its members, Rebecca andJohn Paul Carvalho, and represent-ed the Italian culture by perform-ing at the Greendale High SchoolTraditional and Digital ArtsFestival. The Greendale TADAFestival was a multi-cultural folkfair, offering various ethnic foodsand cultural booths, as well as per-formances by different nationali-ties.

Recently, a small group ofdancers performed for the WisItaliabanquet held at O’Donoghue’s Pubin Elm Grove. They are especiallyproud that the dance group’s ownpresident, Gina Jorgensen, is nowthe Milwaukee representative forWisItalia. Congratulazione, Gina!

In June, Tradizione Viventeproudly processed through theneighborhood streets on the eastside, after mass at St. Hedwig, aspart of the Three Holy Women’sparish festival!

To help get the Italian communi-ty excited about Festa Italiana’s35th annual celebration, joinTradizione Vivente at ItalianHeritage Day on July 1st at theMilwaukee Brewers game. As apreview of their spectacular showat Festa, Tradizione Vivente will beshowcasing some of their dances toinspire the crowd and get them “inthe Italian spirit”. Although theyhave excitedly performed at ItalianHeritage Night for the ChicagoWhite Sox, being here in our ownhometown of Milwaukee will beeven more rewarding.

And finally, it has been a pleas-ure to accept a request to traveland perform for the YoconaInternational Folk Fair this upcom-ing August in Mississippi. This is anationally recognized event wheregroups from around the world areinvited to perform. TradizioneVivente will perform and teach atthe Mississippi schools during themornings, tour such unforgettablesights as the Delta Blues Museum,Morgan Freeman’s Ground ZeroBlues Club, William Faulkner’shome and the Blues Archive duringthe day, and will perform duringthe evenings at the ClarksvilleEXPO Center, Tupelo CivicAuditorium and the stunning

Gertrude Ford Center.They hope to continue to share

their love of Italy through dance inthe state of Wisconsin, andthroughout the rest of the country!The dance group has been vigorous-ly practicing every week at theICC, preparing for their mostimportant performance of all, FestaItaliana. They will performapproximately 10 dances, repre-senting the many splendid regionsof Italy – even involving the audi-ence in the Tarantella at the end ofthe show. You won’t want to misstheir spectacular show at the T.J.Bartolotta Stage each evening at7:30 p.m.

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

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Aug. 15 in ItalyJust in time to give them-

selves a break from the summerheat, Italians will celebrate theancient feast of Ferragosto onAug. 15.

Since the seventh century,this national holiday has coin-cided with the Feast of theAssumption in the liturgicalyear of the Roman CatholicChurch, but the celebrationsdate even further back thanthat.

In the era of the RomanEmpire the festivities wereknown as Feriae Augusti andmarked the end of the summeragricultural season. AncientRomans celebrated by spendingweeks indulging in feasting andrevelry to honor the gods.Women were encouraged tomake sacrifices to Diana, god-dess of the hunt.

The enthusiasm with whichmodern-day Italians commemo-rate Ferragosto would maketheir Roman forebears proud.The day itself is a national holi-day and celebrated nationwide,but for many the celebrations gofurther than that. Beginning onAug. 15 scores of businesses allover the nation of Italy will closefor several weeks as proprietorsand employees alike flee thecities to relax with their familiesal mare or in campagna (by thebeach or in the countryside).For Italians it is a perfect oppor-tunity to spend time withfriends and loved ones, as wellas to escape the August heat ofthe populated cities.

By Bob RuggieriMusic is a major component of

Festa Italiana, with performersscheduled on six stages and in anopera tent. But if someone doesn’twant to go to the music, there’s avery good chance the music willcome to them

Three local groups – the SicilianSerenaders II, the ItalianSerenaders and the ElegantGypsies – will be strolling thegrounds sharing their music andoften inviting their listeners to singalong. Information about the threegroups appears below.

Sicilian Serenaders IILook for three men in red vests,

carrying instruments and singing,and you’ll find yourself in the pres-ence of the Sicilian Serenaders II.Those three men are PeterBalisterieri on guitar; TomPappalardo on accordion; and TedPappalardo on mandolin.

They represent the second gen-eration of the group, which wasfounded in the early 1950s by theirfathers, Frank Balistrieri and JoePappalardo, both of whom aredeceased.

The current Sicilian Serenadersperform in the Milwaukee areathroughout the year. You mayhave seen and heard them at theItalian Community Center’s “ATaste of Italy” this past April.

Italian Serenadersof Milwaukee

This duo has a link to the origi-nal Sicilian Serenaders in the per-son of accordionist John Carini. Heplayed for two decades alongsidethe late Frank Balistrieri, whoplayed guitar and sang. When theItalian Serenaders play at Festa,Carini will be joined by guitaristRon Erskine.

Carini, a native of Porticello inItaly’s Sicily region, has been play-ing accordion since he was 14 yearsold. During his career, he’s writtenbig band arrangements and musicfor jingles. Erskine’s wife, the for-

mer Domenica DiSalvo, is also anative of Porticello.

Carini and Erskine startedworking together in the early1980s.

Elegant GypsiesClassically trained musicians

Jim Waller and Holly TrimbornSchuh have been performingtogether since 1997. The selectionof the Elegant Gypsies name wasprompted by their wide musicalrepertoire. While their focus atFesta will be Italian music, they

also play classical, jazz, ancientCeltic, Mediterranean and Klezmermusic, along with American stan-dards.

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

While Waller and Schuh willspend quite a bit of time strollingand playing, they will not be doingso at noon Friday, July 20 throughSunday, July 22. At that time,they will be performing on theCalypso Spiked Island Stage.


Festa Regional & Renaissance Dancers:Cultural performers and ambassadors for Festa

Serving as both cultural performers and ambassadors for Festa Italiana are the members of the Festa Regional & RenaissanceDancers. This all-female unit hasbeen part of the festival since itsearly years.

All of the young women are 14 to21 years of age and are from anItalian ancestry. They wear sashesrepresenting the different regionsof Italy and perform traditionalItalian folk dances each day of thefestival and serve as greeters atspecial events during Festa.

The group’s roster includesAlyssa LaBarbera, GinaLaBarbera, Valerierose Agnello,Sam Sardina, Ali Ciatti, NoraOlson, Anna Olson, Bianca Torres,Lilana Guillermo, ConcettaGuillermo, Leah Alexander, MaggieRay, Lucia DeLeo, Alyssa Frye,Bianca Gheller, Nina Caruso andJulia Bosari.

Alyssa LaBarbera, coordinator ofthe group, said “We are always look-ing for new participants and if anyyoung woman would like to join,they should contact me.”

LaBarbera can reached at414/339-7409 [email protected].

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

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

By Bob RuggieriA variety of programming is

scheduled this year in the DominicH. Frinzi Memorial Opera tent. Itranges from live performances bysome of the area’s talented profes-sionals and young students with astrong interest in opera to concertsby one of the nation’s oldest orches-tras to lectures about an Italiancomposer whose operas are amongthe most frequently performed.

All this will happen in a newlocation. The Opera Tent will beset up in the cultural area on thenorth end of the grounds. It will benear the art and cinema tent.

Kay Sparling, a dramatic sopra-no who has performed internation-ally, is the coordinator of the pro-gramming for the opera tent.Sparling said that, in addition tothe activities already mentioned,visitors to the tent can expect tofind listening posts; displays ofopera memorabilia from severaldecades; opera playing on monitors;and hosts on hand to answer ques-tions about Italian opera and thegreat Italian opera stars.

Following is the schedule ofevents:

Thursday, July 19• 6:30 p.m. — Sparling

Theatrical Productions. This isa branch of Sparling Conservatory,Jefferson, Wis., that presents operaand musical theatre concerts,Broadway revues, pop concerts,plays, operas and lectures.Students enrolled in SparlingConservatory have the opportunityto audition for company produc-tions.

For this performance, there willbe 10 singers.

Friday, July 20 • 1:30 p.m. — Lecture —

Sparling will present a lecture onthe life of Giacomo Puccini, compos-er of such frequently-performedoperas as La Bohème , Tosca ,Madama Butterfly and Turandot.

• 3:30 p.m. Young OperaApprentices – These are sixregional singers between the agesof 17 and 21 who are training to beprofessional opera and classicalperformers.

• 5:30 p.m. – Kerry Hart &Friends – Mezzo-soprano KerryHart received two awards at theWisconsin District MetropolitanOpera Auditions and also receiveda Downbeat Award for her work asa jazz singer. Joining her will besoprano Melissa Kelly Cardamone,who has vocal performance degrees

from Lawrence University and theEastman School of Music; baritoneDoug Clemons, who has appearedin Skylight Music Theater andMilwaukee Opera Theatre produc-tions; and tenor Ian Toohill, who in2010 won a first place award in theWisconsin National Teachers ofSinging competition..

Saturday, July 21• 3:30 p.m. —- Lecture.• 5:30 p.m. Dramatic sopra-

no Kay Sparling – Sparling hasperformed opera and sacred workson numerous opera, concert andrecital stages in the U.S. andEurope. Recent performancesinclude two Verdi and Puccini galasin Verona and Modena, Italy. Shewas the soprano soloist for a NewYork City diocese Sept. 11 memori-al service.

• 7 p.m. – Vivace – This is agroup of classically-trained localsingers. They will be singingItalian favorites from opera toItalian street songs.

Performing will be sopranoSarah Lewis Jones, who was a stu-dio artist with the FlorentineOpera Company during the seasonin which Elmer Gantry was pre-sented and in which she was thefeatured soprano in the Keely fami-ly; mezzo soprano Jillian HansenBruss, who has performed here andabroad, including Norway andDenmark, in opera, oratorio andthe concert stage and teaches pri-vate voice at UW-Parkside; tenorJoseph Graziano, who has per-formed with the Florentine OperaCompany for several seasons,singing in their outreach programsand who has been a featured soloistthroughout the Midwest; and bari-

tone Doug Clemons, who has per-formed with the Skylight Theater,Milwaukee Opera Theatre and theDoor County Opera Festival.

The singers will be accompaniedby Anne Van Deusen, a freelancepianist and music director in theMilwaukee area.

Sunday, July 22• 3 p.m. – Milwaukee

Mandolin Orchestra – TheMilwaukee Mandolin Orchestra isthe oldest fretted instrument musicorganization in the United States.It was organized in Milwaukee in1900 and has been in continuousoperation in this city ever since.

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

Italian tunes and will be joined byvocalist Rick Kieffer.

The MMO appeared twice onGarrison Keillor’s internatioinallybroadcast radio show, “A Prairiehome Companion.”

For the unitiated, fretted instru-ments have ridges set on the finger-board that determine the pitch ofthe note. For exmple, mandolinsare fretted; violins are not.

• 5 p.m. – MilwaukeeMandolin Orchestra.

• 6:30 p.m. – South ShoreYouth Opera Ensemble. Thisensemble was formed in 2002 byJulie Maurer, who is its director.Initially, the group was meant toprovide Maurer’s voice studentswith increased opportunities to usetheir training and showcase theirtalent. While that still remainstrue, South Shore’s primary pur-pose today is to educate and inspireyoung singers, musicians and audi-ences through the art of opera.

In the beginning, most SSYOEmembers were from south shorecommunities. Today, members arejoining from throughout the metroMilwaukee area. Performers arebetween the ages of 14 and 30.

Maurer, a mezzo-soprano, is agraduate of St. Norbert College,where she received a bachelor’sdegree in music education with avocal/choral emphasis.

The opera tent is named inhonor of the late Dominic H. Frinzi,an opera devotee. He served on theboaad of directors of the FlorentineOpera Company. He served severalterms as president of the ItalianCommunity Center of Milwaukee.

Kerry Hart The Milwaukee Mandolin Orchestra

Kay Sparling

Vocalists Benjamin James and Rebecca Carvalho are seen here during aperformance by the South Shore Youth Opera Ensemble in last year’sWednesday night Courtyard Music Series at the Italian CommunityCenter.

Jillian Hansen Bruss

By Ginny BalistreriAs Chef Mario Batali says dur-

ing the introduction to his show,The Chew, “There are people whoare Italian, and there are peoplewho want to be Italian.” Jeff Thielisn’t Italian by birth, nor does heaspire to be Italian. He just isItalian … by way of his longtimeassociation and friendship with theItalian Community Center andFesta Italiana.

Jeff, an Account Executive forR&R Insurance, Waukesha, hasbeen part of the ICC and Festafamily since the ICC moved to itscurrent location and he became theCenter’s property and casualtyinsurance broker. According toBetty Puccio, Festa SponsorCoordinator, it didn’t take long foreveryone to adopt the good-naturedThiel as one of their own. ThenR&R Insurance, independentlyowned by Ken Riesch, president,turned the tables and adoptedFesta Italiana, not just as a client,but as a prominent sponsor of theannual festival. It has been amutual admiration society eversince.

“We are very pleased toannounce that R&R InsuranceServices (The Knowledge Brokers)is returning this year as one of thesponsors of the 35th annual FestaItaliana,” said Puccio. “We have aunique and special relationshipwith Jeff Thiel and all the folks atR&R. They understand our mis-sion and our business. And theyare always there to help us designsolutions to our most pressinginsurance needs.

“Festa Italiana is a communitypartnership,” she added, “and R&Ris a key partner in our ability tobring entertainment, food and fam-ily fun to the festival. We couldn’tdo it without their continued sup-port.”

R&R Insurance Services hasbeen serving SoutheasternWisconsin since 1975 and is nowone of the largest independently

owned insurance agencies in theMidwest. It offers its clients anarray of products and services tomeet their unique business, person-al or health insurance needs. Thecompany’s stellar reputation in theinsurance industry gives it eliteaccess to top-rated national andregional insurance carriers and theflexibility to match each client withthe best carriers.

This has been especially key toFesta Italiana. There are few com-panies that will insure festivals.With his connections in the indus-try, Jeff Thiel found a carrier thatonly insures festivals. Festa hasbeen insured through them eversince.

Headquartered in Waukesha,R&R Insurance Services has officesin Beaver Dam, Menomonee Fallsand West Bend. The company wasnamed Small Business of the Yearin 2002 by Small Business Timesand is listed as one of the InsuranceJournal’s Top 100 IndependentAgencies in the nation.

Thiel is an example of the highlevel of professionalism that R&R

Insurance demands of its represen-tatives. Jeff has been a CharterProperty and Casualty Underwriter(CPCU) since 1991, a designationhe likens to being a CPA. He hasbeen a member of the WisconsinIndependent Insurance AgentsAssociation since 1989 and has heldnumerous officer and board posi-tions over the years, including pres-ident in 2004. He’s currently work-ing toward another certification asa Workers Compensation Advisor.But despite his busy schedule, healways seems to make time for hispaisani at the Italian CommunityCenter and Festa Italiana.

“Phil Purpero failed to attend aboard meeting one year and, bydefault, I had to take care of theICC’s insurance programs,” Jefflaughed. “He knew me and askedme to meet to discuss their proper-ty and casualty insurance needs.We’ve been business partners eversince.”

Jeff said that things were differ-ent then. The ICC and FestaItaliana were growing and all oftheir needs for coverage werechanging fast. Those conditionspresented unusual insurance chal-lenges.

Jeff recalls tracking down indi-vidual Festa vendors at their placesof business or on the festivalgrounds to make certain they wereappropriately covered for liability.He laughed while remembering thefirst year Festa brought in gondo-las. “I had to track the ownersdown on the Milwaukee River toget their certificates of insurance,”

he explained. “That particularbusiness was from Florida, and itsowners were under the impressionthey were fully covered. I contact-ed their insurance agent in Floridawho verified they were only coveredin Florida. From that moment on, Ihad to work with the agent andowners to make sure we got theproper certificates of insurance intime for the start of Festa. We tookit down to the wire.”

Jeff added that things havechanged over the years with a widerange of business policies and pro-cedures now in place. Plus he does-n’t have to chase down vendors toget their certificates of insuranceany longer. “I just pick up my cellphone or email them,” heexplained. “But occasionally westill run into something uniquethat we never encountered before.That’s because Festa is alwayschanging and growing to attractnew audiences.”

He recalled one recent year


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

Jeff Thiel


In celebration of the 35thanniversary of Festa Italiana,Giovanni Santagati, president ofSantagati Travel, is offering aspecial “Anniversary Tour” thatwill take you to Italy’s beautifulLake Country.

Other special tours will also beoffered. The Santagiti Travel Tentwill be located on the north end ofthe Festa grounds. Giovanni willbe on hand to introduce you to the“Anniversary Tour” and answerall your questions on Italy, aswell as worldwide tours.

Giovanni was raised in Milan,Italy, and knows all the intricatedetails of all the regions of hisbeloved country. Giovanni sayshe loves Milwaukee and all thewonderful people he as metthrough Festa and the ItalianCommunity Center. After hismarriage to Gina Zambito thispast June 15, Giovanni and Gina

will reside in Milwaukee.The “Anniversary Tour” will be

hosted by Giovanni and Gina.Gina is the daughter of Joe andAnn Zambito, and all have beenICC members and Festa volun-teers for many years.

Santagati Travel offers anarray of tours throughout Italy.You can sign up for a specialdrawing of some wonderful prizesby stopping by the SantagatiTravel tent to meet Giovanni andGina. Wish them “BuonaFortuna” on their recent mar-riage.

On meeting Giovanni last yearand hearing about the“Anniversary Tour,” Betty Puccio,past president of the ICC said, “Iwas ready to sign on the dottedline. Giovanni has a real passionfor all that is Italian and hewants to take you on his journey.”

If YOU want to see Italy…See it through the eyes of

an Italian!Special ‘Anniversary Tour’ being

offered by local tour agency

presents. “We hear all the timethat someone ‘needs to buy’ a shirtfor their grandfather in anotherstate, a red, white and green apronfor their next barbecue, or Italiababy clothes for the new babies inthe family. These customers makeour service lots of fun.”

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

regional or culturally appropriatelogos and humorous sayings.Shirts and most other apparelitems come in both men’s andwomen’s sizes and many carry thetraditional colors – green, whiteand red – of the Italian flag. Thisyear the club is also featuring thevery popular Italia blue soccer jer-seys.

“We hope everyone who comes toFesta will visit our booths at theMid Gate and the Piazza diPompeii,” said Lazzaro. “The pro-ceeds support wonderful causesand you’ll fit right in to the spirit ofFesta when you’re wearing one ofour shirts or hats.”


• NO LONGER ASSOCIATED WITH SCHMIDT & BARTELT/GUARDALABENE & AMATO.

• Personally providing the servicesyou have come to expect at yourchurch, chapel or at theHarder Funeral Home.

• Funeral planning & pre-planningat your residence or at the funeralhome.

• Pre-planning and Title 19expertise with a cost guarantee.

• Longtime member of theItalian Community Center.

• Proud sponsor of the FestaItaliana Mass since 2002.

18700 W. Capitol Drive

HarderF u n e r a l H o m e

“Three generations of myfamily serving yours.”

www.Guardalabene.comPhone: (262) 781-8350

Cell: (414) 588-0836“As dictated by the laws of the State of

Wisconsin, all pre-paid funeral trusts areallowed to be transferred to another funeral

home at any time. I would greatly appreciate theopportunity to discuss transferring your trust tome from Schmidt & Bartelt or any other funeral

home. I would, of course, honor all the terms andwishes as originally agreed upon. It is a very

simple process that only requires your signatureon a transfer form which I would provide. In

addition, there likely could be a savings to youbecause of Harder’s more reasonable charges.”

JAMES T. GUARDALABENEASSOCIATE

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

when somebody shot a cannonballinto the air. “My first thought was,do we have coverage for that,” hesaid with a chuckle. “That’s whatmakes working with the ICC andFesta always interesting.”

What else makes the ICC andFesta so special to Jeff and thestaff of R&R Insurance Servicesthat they have been coming back asa corporate sponsor for the past 10years? “It’s the people,” he said.“My biggest thrill is in the peopleI’ve come to know. We’re friends as

well as business partners.” Jeff, his wife Cindy, and their

kids, Natalie, 22, Haley, 20, andConnor, 17, who live in Merton,plan to be at Festa, just like everyyear. “I’m there on opening day,and the family comes down withme on Saturday,” he said.

“We love Festa. The people, thefood, the entertainment and thefireworks are just outstanding,” headded. “I’m proud of our partner-ship. And now I am just as proudto learn that I’ve been adopted asan honorary Italian.”

By Colleen JurkiewiczAny Festa attendee who has vis-

ited one of the fairground’s manybars has probably been impressedby the prompt and friendly serviceof the staff there.

They may not know it, but theyhave Jerry Cohen to thank for that.Cohen has owned Major Goolsby’sat 340 W. Kilbourn Ave. in down-town Milwaukee for 45 years. Formore than a decade Cohen andMajor Goolsby’s have providedFesta with bartenders and bar sup-plies and management.

“The goal is to have all the bar-tenders be part of the Italian fami-ly,” said Cohen.

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

Friday night at the Miller LiteStage.

Booking this nationally-knownband is a big feat for Festa and issure to draw a large and diversecrowd to the fairgrounds.

“Because of Jerry we were ableto get them,” said Betty Puccio,Festa Sponsorship Manager.“Without his sponsorship we could-n’t have done it. They’ll absolutelybring a large crowd; they’re a verywell-known group.”

Jerry Cohen has been a longtimesupporter of Festa Italiana.

“We enjoy Festa; we enjoy thepeople and the fun, we love doingthat,” he said. “We meet so manydifferent people. It’s a great pleas-ure to be down there. These festi-vals are such an important part ofour Milwaukee culture and we loveto support that. We’re very lucky tobe able to be involved in this impor-tant part of our city’s traditions.”

“A lot of us at Festa have alwaysembraced Jerry Cohen as one of ourown even though he’s not of Italian

heritage,” said Puccio. “We haveadopted him and brought him intoour circle as one of our closefriends.”

And Cohen has proved to be afaithful friend to the Italian com-munity.

“He believes in promoting ourheritage,” said Puccio. “He’ll alwaysbe a good friend of Festa.”

Pat Murphy, vice-president ofMajor Goolsby’s, said the feeling ismutual.

“We really like and enjoy work-ing with everyone at Festa. We feellike part of the Festa family.”

For the staff of Major Goolsby’s,operating as a family is imperative,said Murphy.

“When you’re part of the Goolsbyfamily you work as a team. We likewhat we do.”

from page 45A

Thiel and R&R Insurance:Partners with Festa and ICC

Pompeii Men’s Club sellingsportswear for 35 years at Festa

from page 22A

Festa delRedentore 2012

in VeniceResidents and visitors to the

city of Venice in the northernVeneto region of Italy will enjoythe annual Festa del Redentorethis year on July 14 and 15.Like most summertime festivalsin Italy, this celebration is atribute to the unique culture andhistory of religious devotion inthe region.

In accordance with tradition,at dusk on July 14, boats filledwith thousands of sightseers andfestival-goers enjoying tradition-al Venetian cuisine will begin topopulate the famous St. Mark’sBasin in Venice. At 11:30 p.m.,a magnificent fireworks displaywill begin and the skyline ofVenice will be illuminated untilwell past midnight. After thefireworks display, it is traditionfor the youth of the city to awaitdawn on the Lido di Venezia(home of the annual Venice FilmFestival).

The next day religious cere-monies take place at the Chiesadel Santissimo Redentore (morecommonly called Il Redentore), abeautiful example of earlyPalladian architecture along theCanale della Giudecca. Thechurch was built in thanksgiv-ing for the end of Venice’s 16th-century bout of the Plague, anevent which the Festa delRedentore is also meant to cele-brate. The celebratory weekendends in a uniquely Venetian way– with a sequence of gondolaraces.

One of the pleasant diversionsat Festa Italiana is a game or twoof bocce, the Italian version of bowl-ing on the green.

The game continues to grow inpopularity because people of allages and physical abilities can play;bocce sets – 8 balls and a pallino(target ball) – are widely available;and the game can be played virtu-ally anywhere there’s open space.

At Festa, grass bocce courts ofregulation size are set up. Thisyear, the bocce courts are returningto the area behind the Flags ofFesta, just south of the CucinaShowcase.

Catholic Financial Life is serv-ing as the presenting sponsor ofbocce at Festa this year.Supporting sponsors are Palermo’sPizza, U.S. Foods, GeneralCasualty Insurance and New YorkPizza Delivery (NYPD).

The price to play bocce remainsthe same as it has been for the lastseveral years: $2 per person per 12-point game.

Open bocce courts for Festaattendees’ enjoyment will be avail-able from 5 to 9 p.m. on the festi-val’s opening day, Thursday, July19; from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday, July20; from noon to 9 p.m. onSaturday, July 21; and from

approximately 6 to 9 p.m. onSunday, July 22.

The courts will be used for aSpecial Olympics bocce tournamenton July 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

On Sunday, Festa’s 35th annualbocce tournament will be heldstarting at 2 p.m. Assuming theentire tournament field is filledwith 32 teams, the event could goon until 6 p.m. or a little later.

Bocce manager Dan Conley saidhe is looking for volunteers all fourdays during the open bocce periods.Volunteers would collect playerfees, serve as referees and providegeneral supervision of game activi-ties.

Persons who would be interestedin volunteering can contact Conleyat 414-272-8249. Volunteers receivefree admission and free parking.


Saluti da

FRENCH BREADS & ROLLS

ITALIAN COOKIES & CANNOLI

CASSATA CAKES & CAKES FOR ALL OCCASIONS

EUROPEAN PASTRIES & PARTY TRAYS

DELI & LUNCH SPECIALS

414-486-7747

1100 EAST OKLAHOMA AVE., MILWAUKEE

1/2 MILE WEST OF 794 OKLAHOMA EXIT

Visit us on Facebook.

Play bocce during your visit to Festa

Here are the members of the Miller High Life team, which won the 2011Festa Italiana Bocce Tournament. From l to r: Eric Dale, AnthonyCatalano, Mike Lang, Don Devine. In front of the scoreboard is SalCatalano. Miller High Life is expected to defend its title in this year’stournament on Sunday, July 22. Look for a tournament registration formon the back page of this section. (Times photo by Colleen Jurkiewicz)

Looking for greatItalian food in acasual setting?

Pasta, pizza, dailyspecials and a

whole lot more?

Youʼll find it all at

CafeLa

ScalaAnd every Fridaynight, an all-you-can eat fish fryfrom 4:30 pm

631 E. Chicago St.Milwaukee

A block west of Summerfest

Dine-in, Carry-out,Delivery

(Downtown & 3rd Ward)

414/223-2185www.LaScalaMilwaukee.com


The Villa TerraceDecorative Arts Museum

presents

Villa ItalianaNotte di Famiglia

Sunday, Aug. 265:30 - 8:30 pm

Alfresco DiningJoey Buona’s Italian CuisineWord Games • Art Ac�vity

Proceeds benefit MuseumPreserva�on & ProgrammingReserva�ons required by Aug. 20

@ [email protected] call Ann @ 414/278-8295

$25/museum members,$35/non-members, $10/childrenVilla Terrace Decora�ve Arts Museum,

2220 N. Terrace Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53202

www.cavtmuseums.org

Wanted...• 32 Bocce teams consisting of 4 players each.• Entry fee of $50.00 per team.• The first 32 pre-paid teams will make up our tournament

roster.• This is a single elimination tournament with a consolation

round (guaranteeing all teams will play at least two games).• Trophies & Prize Money will be awarded to the 1st & 2nd

place teams from the winners’ bracket. 3rd place will go tothe winner of the consolation bracket and includes a cashprize.

• 1st place - $500, 2nd place - $200, 3rd place - $100.• Other prizes and drawings throughout the event.

Please complete the form below and send a check or moneyorder to:

Dan Conley, Tournament Coordinator, at1676 N. Cass St., Milwaukee, WI 53202

Make checks payable to Italian Community Center.ONLY ONE CHECK PER TEAM PLEASE.

COMPLIMENTARY SUNDAY FESTA ADMISSION TICKETS WILL BEMAILED TO THE TEAM CAPTAINS UPON RECEIPT OF THE TEAM“PRE-PAID” REGISTRATION FORM. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS

$52 THIRTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL.For questions or more information, call

414-272-8249 or 414-759-5991.Come join us & help celebrate our 35th anniversary. Thank you!

REGISTRATION FORM

Team Name: _____________________________________________

Team Sponsor: ___________________________________________

Team Captain: ___________________________________________

Address: _______________________________________________

Phone # _______________ Email address: ____________________

Player #2 _______________________________________________

Player #3 _______________________________________________

Player #4 _______________________________________________

Festa’s Location: Summerfest GroundsBocce Court Location: Straight back from theMid-Gate (Chicago St. entrance) between the

fountain & Flags of Festa area and thelakefront. Next to the Children’s Area.

the italian times - july 2012 part 1

Documents

festa italianawould

festa italiana xxxvhuge

italian festival

essence offesta italiana

section ajulyaugust

italian community center631

milwaukeesexclusive

family traditions