Ferragosto Entertainment Line Up & Schedule – Bronx Little Italy

Schedule & Special Guests

See Schedule in Ferragosto Booklet

• Commedia dell’Arte – Street Performers
All Day

Commedia dell’Arte means “the art of comedy” and refers to a classic style of comedic entertainment that originated in Italy back in the 14th century and is still popular today. The classically trained actors that appear for us annually base their characters on the version used by actors throughout Italy in the 16th century.

• Invocation by Fr. Eric Rapaglia 11:30am

• Italian & American National Anthems performed by The Gio Venuto Band 12:00-12:30pm

• Jim Altamore – Tribute to Frank Sinatra 12:45-1:15pm

Jim Altamore is a versatile jazz singer of popular standards from what is known today as the Great American Songbook. His debut CD, “License to Swing”, is a collection of American standards set to a swing tempo. Inspired by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole and Bobby Darin, he stays true to their fashion and keeps the finger snapping, swing feel in songs like “Learnin’ The Blues”, “Route 66” and “Beyond The Sea.” Currently, Jim’s version of “Fly Me To The Moon” is being featured in Chazz Palminteri’s Broadway play “A Bronx Tale”. Jim has performed several times at the world famous Supper Club in NYC, and one of the highlights of Jim’s career was having the honor to speak and perform at a 3 day conference on Frank Sinatra held at Hofstra University.

• The Gio Venuto Band – Band / 1:30-2:15pm

The Gio Venuto Band has been in the entertainment business for over 40 years and owe most of their success to the once-famous Alex and Henry’s Catering Hall. The Gio Venuto Band, along with Alex and Henry’s, put CARNIVALE on the map in New York. From the classical to modern day music, every one of their performances has the audience asking for more. The Gio Venuto Band are constantly in demand in Belmont, as well as the entire tri-state area. The ingredients to their success is a taste of old and a dash of the new and a pinch of Gio Venuto. It is our honor and privilege to welcome them to Ferragosto 2012..

• Dominic Chianese – Singer 2:30-3:00pm

Dominic Chianese is a multi-talented performer with accomplishments ranging from the stage to the recording studio. He has the distinction of being the only actor to appear in the greatest mobster movie series (Johnny Ola in The Godfather: Part II (1974)) and the greatest mobster TV series (Uncle Junior on “The Sopranos” (1999)).He released his latest music CD in late 2000 on which he sings American and Italian standards. In 2002, he was featured in Adrian Lyne’s drama “Unfaithful”, starring Diane Lane, Richard Gere and Oliver Martinez. Some of his other movie credits include: And Justice For All, Fort Apache: The Bronx, All The President’s Men, Dog Day Afternoon and The Public Eye. In 2005 he was inducted in The Bronx Walk of Fame. Congratultions and Welcome Back Dom!.

**• The Duo Sound of Vetro Christopher Macchio & Elio Scaccio** 3:15-4:15pm

**• Vetro Duo featuring, Elio Scaccio**

A performing artist since early childhood, Elio Scaccio has been singing virtually his entire life. By the age of eight, he was already widely recognized as a gifted vocalist, appearing locally and regionally as part of an acapella troupe that included his two brothers. By the time he reached high school, Elio already had years of experience performing both familiar standards as well as classical pieces. While in college, he studied vocal jazz technique and performance. He continued his classical training at the renowned Peabody Conservatory of the Johns Hopkins University. At various times he recorded CDs with several professional touring bands. One hit single, with the band Canvasback, spent over three weeks at the top of the charts as the 1 requested song on pop radios station in Milan, Italy. Elio was classically trained under the supervision of the renowned opera tenor, Gran Wilson, and launched his first solo CD, Lettere D’Amore (Letters Of Love), in November, 2010. This pop-classical CD will feature original compositions written by the gifted artist, as well as Italian favorites. Performing for the first time in the duo Vetro..

**• Vetro Duo featuring, Christopher Macchio**

Inspired by the legendary tenor Mario Lanza, this local boy from Long Island began his serious operatic training at the age of 15 from the Munich State Opera legend John Kuhn. Since then he has trained with Metropolitan Opera greats Theodor Uppman and Elizabeth Roberts. In 2000 he had the principal tenor role in Bellini’s I Puritani at the New York City Opera. He has also performed at countless public and private venues including performances for the Vice-President of the United States, members of the United Nations, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and many other local celebrities and politicians.

• Lovebent – Band/Singers 4:30-5:00pm

Lovebent a band from Demarest, NJ, began as a project created by songwriter, Vin Adinolfi as an idea to create more than just a rock band, but a perspective for the new modern age and decade of rock and alternative top radio. The full band includes, Vin Adinolfi – Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar/Songwriter, Nick Adinolfi – Drummer/Background Vocals, Ben Krupit – Bass/Trumpet, Joe Bonasorte – Lead Guitar, Sara Martin – Keyboard, Adam Reich – Producer/Arranger. WELCOME TO YOUR FIRST FERRAGOSTO APPEARANCE!

• Pisa Italy’s, Moreno Fruzzetti – Singer 5:15-5:45pm

A native of Pisa, in the region of Tuscany, Moreno Fruzzetti has been entertaining audiences worldwide for over 30 years. His international career goes back to the early 70’s with the formation of the band “I Rogers” and the No.1 hit “Guarda.” Since then his repertoire has expanded to include music from the 40’s to the present along with classic and popular music from centuries past. With 18 albums recorded to date, he has fans from America to Australia.

• The Bronx Wanderers – Band / Singers 6:00-7:00pm

A true family affair, the Bronx Wanderers are led by lead vocalist “Yo Vinny” and his sons, Vinny “the kid” and Nicky Stix. Rounding it off is close friend Jimmy Fracasi, former member of “Larry Chance and the Earls”, and Johnny “JT” Tutino. Inspired by the neighborhood legend and Rock&Roll Hall of Famer Dion DiMucci, the Wanderers have appeared off-Broadway, on the big screen and at venues around the world. Their talents range from Doo Wop to Sinatra, from the Four Seasons to Bobby Darin and more. Born in the Bronx, they have always been here to support Ferragosto and the entire Belmont community. Don’t forget to check out their latest CD, ‘Not Afraid to Dream’ available online at www.TheBronxWanderers.com.