Tuscan Jeep Wine Safari- Travel Tuscany's Wine Country In Safari Style.

Wine Producer, Donatella Cinelli Colombini (maker of Brunello di Montalcino) operates a bed and breakfast in the province of Siena, where her company offers genuine Safari Tours of wine country in a Jeep.

To learn more about this amazing new way to travel and discover Italy's wine country read more about them.

For more on this story:

http://tinyurl.com/o5mpk8 Tweet

Italian Canadian Singer, Marco Calliari, Live at Famous NYC location, JOE'S PUB -May 18th, 2009.

Italian Canadian Singer, Marco Calliari, will be live at Joe's Pub in New York City on May 18th 7:30 pm. He'll be performing songs from the CD release of "Italia" presented by Putumayo World Music.

Check out his website and listen to some of his songs, amazing. He sings a few classics like "L'americano," which I love. He has a very beautiful and distinctive sound. His career is sure to take off, let's support him and check out his site and upcoming concerts.-- Better yet, go to Joe's Pub, its a trendy location with a beautiful atmosphere and if Marco is singing..its a perfect night!

Click here for ticket and concert/venue information:

http://www.putumayo.com/en/events.php?submenu=S1&type=Event

http://www.marcocalliari.com/

Also, check out Tony Mangia's interview with Marco on Sunday, May 17th for a preview of his music and life. The Tony Mangia Show - Radio: Italian Style airs live every Sunday from 3 PM-6 PM on "Brave New Radio" WP 88.7 FM and streams at http://www.wpradio887.org/ Tweet

Real Housewives of NJ- Bravo's Top Series Sparks Major Talk About Negative Portrayals of Italian Americans in the Media.

Who watched the Real Housewives of NJ last night? Well apparently a lot of people did, it was one of the highest rated 'Real Housewives' ever! So, what sparked the interest of so many to watch? Hmmmm. I admit, I watched. I watch the series for the other cities too and will admit its a bit of a guilty pleasure. I was concerned about this particular series in NJ, because of course a lot of talk emerged about the individual women and their Italian American backgrounds and immediate stereotype to a Soprano-esque style show. Now, I don't think these ladies live any differently than other affluent women who like to spend, gossip and hangout, as we've seen on the other "Real Housewives" cities. What Italian Americans should be concerned about is the fact that a network is capitalizing on not particularly saying Italian American, but attaching a stigma to New Jersey Italian Americans, of which some of these women happen to be. OK, so what if someone has a shady background and they decide to do a reality show, do you have to promote show as if it were the Sopranos? Of course they do, the stigma sells.

Let's discuss for a second-- the Sopranos was a drama, fictional series. Tony Soprano is not real. OK, now that we have that out of the way, I have to say...putting a negative stereotype or insinuating negative connections sells that network viewers and big bucks in advertising. The cast mates and the viewers are going to be taken for a ride while network execs laugh all the way to the bank on the Italian American's expense. These women from New Jersey are just being themselves, but the work of creative producers/writers, editors and network executives creates the larger negative stereotyping picture that the masses get sucked into. Its a formula.

Again, remember this is my opinion, but its something to think about. Tweet

Award Winning Author, Dianne Hales, Writes An Amazing New Book About the Italian Language, "La Bella Lingua."

Award winning author, Dianne Hales has written one of the most beautiful and informative books I've read in a long time about the Italian language. Dianne, fell in love in Italy while vacationing there and was quickly captivated by the Italian language and its cultural history.

Dianne is a seasoned author with many successful books and articles in top publications in the country. When Dianne returned from Italy, she was determined to find, learn and expand her own knowledge about the Italian language, which led her to write her most recent book, "La Bella Lingua."

What I find personally so fascinating is that a non-Italian becomes so engrossed with the Italian culture and feels the incredible need to educate themselves on the language, traditions and culture. I am always so proud of the Italophile community.

As you dive deeper into the "La Bella Lingua" you not only learn about how Dianne came to understand the Italian language but how her dedicated research and love for the Italian culture played an important role in the way the book was written, researched and organized. To further add credibility, Dianne traveled and visited with top Italian academic institutions and experts to learn the true history behind the Italian language and its culture.

For me, I always find the "dialects" most interesting, and I actually learned in this book about the different dialects and words for simple things like, "child." What I know as a Calabrese, someone in Venice says differently, of course when we're all speaking informally, but when we're out in public, we speak our poetic and proper Italian language.

"La Bella Lingua" is a wonderful, educational read for anyone interested in learning more about Italy and its rich history behind the most sought after and romantic language in the world. Personally, I would buy this book for anyone traveling to Italy, its beautiful, well written and inspires you to learn, speak and understand the Italian language and culture.

You can buy "La Bella Lingua" on Amazon. : http://tinyurl.com/pyvcqy

Check out Dianne Hale's Site http://www.becomingitalian.com/ where she talks about her journey to learning and experiencing the Italian culture.

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Italian Americans Celebrate Mother's Day- Pavarotti Sings, "MAMMA."

Dedicated to our Italian Mothers. Tweet

Italian Mothers.

What is it about Italian mothers and their need to nurture, love, micro-manage, cook, clean, work, and keep everyone happy? My mother is 100% Italian, off the boat..so what ever characteristics we Italian-Americans talk about when it comes to our Italian mothers, I magnify it by a 100X's. My mother is an absolute force to reckon with, she's strong, smart, incredibly willful, savvy and sometimes funny. (maybe more than sometimes.)

You know, when you hear the stories of sons and daughters talking about their Italian mothers, mother-in-laws, its really quite true about their presence and will. Italian women are strong and always get what they want, so take an Italian woman and add children to the recipe and you have one protective, strong willed woman. Italian mothers have a way of giving love and making you feel like you're the most important thing in the world.

I'm not sure about other cultures, I guess a mother loves unconditionally, but there is something to be said about Italian mothers and their ways. My mother is loving, but can throw on the ever so traditional Italian mother guilt like no other. I know when she asks me for something, it really means something else. No one can understand the indirectness of a question better than a son or daughter of an Italian mother. Compliments come and go, because one day your the "bella mia," and the next day your "scema." Its just the way it is, which is funny. I mean, its great..no one can give and take greatness better than an Italian mother. Sundays are usually my days with my family and I see all the things my mother does so effortlessly, it always make me wish I can be just as cool as her. Don't get me wrong my mother and I butt heads often, but according to my siblings and father, its because we are very alike. I don't see it, but OK, whatever. --I can only imagine myself at my mother's age, what will I be like? Just like her? The thought. I need a glass of wine to do that. Anyway, where would we be without our overbearing, micro-managing, loving, guilt giving, strong-willed Italian mothers? My guess is, no where. She's my rock, and she doesn't even know it!

(Photo-Property of ItalianAmericanGirl.com Copyright 2008-2019)

This was originally posted on 5/9/09 

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"Domani 21 Aprile 2009 Artisti Uniti Per L'Abruzzo." Famous Italian Singers Come Together For Abruzzo Victims In A Beautiful Collaboration.

Thank you to TONY MANGIA, Italian American radio host, who keeps me posted on Italian music industry events and new music.

The Tony Mangia Show - Radio: Italian Style airs live every Sunday from 3 PM-6 PM on "Brave New Radio" WP 88.7 FM and streams at http://www.wpradio887.org/. The show is hosted by Tony Mangia. He spotlights the positive aspects of the Italian & Italian-American Experience. The Tony Mangia Show - Radio: Italian Style is the only show of its kind to be broadcast from New Jersey. Tweet

American Italian Cancer Foundation Hosting Event Tonight, New York City.

The American Italian Cancer Foundation is hosting a lovely tasting party and silent auction for the cancer foundation.

Celebrity, Sofia Milos, from CSI: Miami and The Border, will be in attendance along with major luxury retailers donating to amazing gift bags. The American-Italian Cancer Foundation cordially invites you to

Tasting Party & Silent Auction
Thursday, May 7, 2009, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Park Avenue Armory, 643 Park Avenue
New York, New York

Visit The American Italian Cancer Foundation website for tickets, and sponsorship opportunties. http://aicf.alpineclients.com/aicf/news_events/Tasting_Party__Silent_Auction/ Tweet

Italian American Girl Exclusive Interview With Italian-Australian Celebrity Comedian, JOE AVATI.

I had the honor this week to interview Italian-Australian comedic genius, Mr. Joe Avati. If you haven't seen or heard Joe Avati comedy yet, now is the perfect time to get familiar. His comedy is based on Italian-isms and growing up Italo-Ingles. He's often compared to being an Italian Jerry Seinfeld and for good reason, his comedy is truly based on his observations of his Italian up ringing.

Joe has become one of the top ranking celebrity comedians in his native Australia, where he sells out shows in minutes. Avati delivers incredibly funny stories about his Italian family, which leave you laughing because you know deep down inside your family is the same!

Its amazing how even though we grew up Italian American and he grew up Italian-Australian, our stories really are the same, the Italian connection is strong and definitely funny.

Check out my exclusive interview with Joe Avati.

1. How did you start doing comedy and what prompted you to share your life stories about growing up “Italian?”


I STARTED PERFORMING COMEDY IN MY HONORS YEAR AT UNIVERSITY. I WAS ASKED TO PERFORM TO AN ALL ITALIAN REVIEW IN SYDNEY AND I THOUGHT IT WAS A GOOD THING TO THROW IN SOME JOKES ABOUT BEING ITALIAN SINCE EVERYONE THERE WAS ITALIAN AND THE PHONE NEVER STOPPED RINGING SINCE THAT DAY - SO TO SPEAK.



2. You’ve achieved so much success in Australia and Canada, do you find that in North America you have to shift your comedy to match the cultural differences of growing up Italian or is it true...“Your stories are their stories?”


THE ONLY THING I HAVE TO CHANGE ARE VERY MINUTE REFERENCES. FOR EXAMPLE IN NORTH AMERICA YOU SAY SHOPPING CART - IN AUSTRALIA WE SAY SHOPPING TROLLEY. OTHER THAN THAT ALL THE ROUTINES ARE THE SAME.


3. Would you say you agree with the media when they say “You’re the Italian version of Jerry Seinfeld?”


WELL THE MEDIA CALLED ME THIS FOR TWO REASONS - ONE WAS BECAUSE MY MATERIAL IS EXTREMELY OBSERVATIONAL LIKE JERRY SEINFELD AND NUMBER TWO THEY HAD TO COMPARE ME TO SOMEONE THAT THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE KNEW. THE ONLY WAY TO DESCRIBE WHAT I DID WAS TO COMPARE ME TO ANOTHER STAND UP COMIC AND AT THE TIME SEINFELD WAS THE MOST FAMOUS. I DON'T THINK THEY CALL HIM THE AMERICAN JOE AVATI.



4. Among your many achievements, you’ve also produced another comedy show called, “Il Dago” with other comedians from diverse cultural backgrounds; do you find that diverse cultures have similar upbringings? What makes “us” first/second generation kids the same?


ABSOLUTELY AND I THINK THAT THE SUCCESS OF MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING GOES TO SHOW THAT A LOT OF DIVERSE CULTURES HAVE THE SAME UNIVERSAL EXPERIENCE. WHAT MAKES US FIRST AND SECOND GENERATION KIDS THE SAME IS THAT OUR PARENTS CAME FROM THE "OLD COUNTRY" AND WENT THROUGH CERTAIN EXPERIENCES AND WE ARE THE ONES WHO HAVE WITNESSED THAT BUT BECAUSE WE LIVE AND WERE BORN IN THE ADOPTED COUNTRY WE ARE ABLE TO DECIPHER THESE DIFFERENCES AND COMMENT ON THEM. WE UNDERSTAND THE OLD COUNTRY AND THE NEW COUNTRY.

5. In your routines you tell such amazing, funny stories about your family, that I am sure are very similar to many Italian Americans, if you had the opportunity to do another big show here in the states, what material would you be most excited to do and why?

I LIKE PERFORMING THE ROUTINES ABOUT MY MUM AND DAD. I DON'T KNOW WHY BUT THEY GET THE BEST REACTIONS AND AS AN ENTERTAINER YOU ALWAYS LIKE TO PERFORM MATERIAL THAT EVOKES A GREAT REACTION FROM AN AUDIENCE, BE IT COMEDY OR MUSIC.



6. As an Italian Australian, were you just as interested in the past American Presidential elections the rest of the world?

WELL I AM NOT INTERESTED IN POLITICS PERIOD, AUSTRALIAN OR AMERICAN. I UNDERSTAND HOWEVER THAT MANY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN YOUR RECENT ELECTIONS FOR MANY REASONS.

7. You talk about growing up Italian, and obviously it’s a large part of who you are, do you think it’s important to stay connected to your roots, know the language and visit Italy often?


WELL ONE CAN ACTUALLY ENJOY MY SHOW WITHOUT EVER HAVING VISITED ITALY BECAUSE MY SHOW IS NOT ACTUALLY ABOUT BEING AN ITALIAN FROM ITALY. MY SHOW IS ABOUT BEING THE SON OR DAUGHTER OR GRANDSON OR DAUGHTER OF ITALIAN IMMIGRANTS. ITS ABOUT BEING ITALO -INGLESE. WHEN I GO BACK TO ITALY I ACTUALLY SAY TO MYSELF THAT I AM NOT ACTUALLY AN ITALIAN. EACH TIME I GO BACK TO ITALY I REALISE THAT I AM MORE AN AUSTRALIAN THAN AN ITALIAN. I TALK ABOUT THIS PHENOMENON IN MY SHOW.



8. If you wanted to convey a message to non-Italians about growing up Italian, what would it be?


ITS ABOUT FAMILY. AND JUST BECAUSE IT SEEMS LIKE WE ARE YELLING AT EACH OTHER WE ARE ACTUALLY HAVING A NORMAL CONVERSATION.


9. Other than comedy, what other profession or interests are you currently pursuing?


I AM A FULL TIME COMEDIAN AND PRODUCER. I USED TO BE A FOOD SCIENTIST DEVELOPING ICE CREAMS FOR A MAJOR FOOD MANUFACTURER. I AM ALSO A HOST OF A TV SHOW IN AUSTRALIA WHICH AIRS ON MAY 20, 2009.

10. Lastly, getting down to the most important question, When are we going to see you on this side of the world, what are you plans for another Joe Avati Tour in the USA?

NO IMMEDIATE PLANS. I HAVE TOURED TWICE ALREADY AROUND THE UNITED STATES.I WILL TOUR NEXT IF AND WHEN A PROMOTER OFFERS ME A TOUR. I LOVE THE CROWDS IN THE UNITED STATES BECAUSE THIS KIND OF COMEDY IS NEW AND 30 YEARS AND WE HAVE PIONEERED THIS GENRE OF COMEDY AROUND THE WORLD. ITS AN AUSTRALIAN THING TO DO TO LAUGH AT ONESELF AND TO THINK OF ONESELF AS THE UNDERDOG. THIS IS NOT A NORTH AMERICAN MENTALITY AND HENCE WHY NOT A LOT OF THIS KIND OF COMEDY HAS ARISEN FROM NORTH AMERICA WHICH IS A SHAME BECAUSE ITS VERY CONFRONTING BUT AT THE SAME TIME EDUCATIONAL. IT HELPS ONE ACCEPT WHO THEY ARE.

I would like to thank Joe Avati for taking the time to do our interview here on IAG, to find out more information on tours, CDs, & appearances , go to www.joeavati.com Tweet

Growing Up Italian American & Celebrating My First Holy Communion.

This past weekend, I celebrated my niece's first holy communion. Ok, but the picture on the left is actually me (being a joker) and my parents. Experiencing all these milestone occasions with my nieces and nephews now always put me through these reminiscing journeys, where I think back on how it was for my immigrant parents to adjust to the Americanized ways of celebrating occasions and answering to Americanized kids who demanded the American way.

So, I thought back to my communion and how my parents made it the best ever that I could imagine. I have amazing memories of that day and the unbelievable party they threw me in one of the best restaurants. Mind you my parents worked hard and were by no means wealthy, so throwing a party and not skimping on anything meant a lot then and now. I appreciate my parents for everything they did to make that day special for me. One other example I can recall too was so many of my American friends were getting Communion portraits done and I remember not asking my mother to do one because even as a kid I knew that would cost a lot of money. But, a few days before my Communion, my mother surprised me and told me I was going to get in my Communion dress and go to a professional photographer to get my portrait done. I was so excited!!!!

Its funny now, because my niece got hers done too this week and that made me think, what a big deal it was to get a such a special picture done and my mother who didn't know the ways of the American traditions made it happen for me. The party was beautiful and full of great people, who were my parents friends..of course no family because remember we have no immediate family here, but my mom and papa did everything that day to make it one of my best memories of growing up Italian American. Tweet

Celebrity Chef, Rocco DiSpirito Talks About Growing Up Italian American.

Italian American celebrity chef talks about growing up Italian American and the positive influence his mother had on his amazing culinary career. Rocco grew up watching his mother cook simple Italian dishes that he says were made with love. DiSpirito praises his mother for all her hard work and accomplishments when she came to America, and how she raised and provided for her family all throughout his childhood.

Rocco says, "This year, Mama turned 83, and she’s still my greatest teacher. She was given a great talent, one that she passed along to me. She also passed along the important duty that comes with any of God’s gifts to us—to share them. It’s why she cooked that frittata for her Rosary group. Why she worked as a lunch lady. Why she even gave away her secret meatball recipe in one of my cookbooks. It’s why I became a chef. I’m just following her lead."

For More On Rocco DiSpirito Talking About Growing up Italian American, check out this month's issue of GUIDEPOSTS.

http://www.guideposts.com/story/rocco-dispirito-mom-cooking

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Travel Channel's Samantha Brown in Florence, Italy.

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Upcoming Italian American Events.

This month is packed with great events for the Italian American community. Some of the most prominent organizations and entertainers are hosting star studded events with awards and honors to outstanding Italian Americans across the country. Check the list below for events if you're interested in attending:

-May 3rd Giada Valenti Performs at St. John's University For Abruzzo Quake Relief Fund. http://tinyurl.com/co95re

-May 16th- Italian American Museum is hosting their annual Gala Awards Dinner at Cipriani's in New York City. For more information: http://italianamericanmuseum.com/news/gala09.html

-May 19th- The National Italian American Foundation is hosting their annual East Coast Gala, where Italian American celebrities will be present to honor outstanding Italian Americans this year. For more information: http://niaf.org/events/2009/ec_gala/ec_gala_home.asp

-June 5th- The Order Sons of Italy Tri Valley Lodge #2829 Presents "A Cafe Night of Acappella and Dinner with CHOICE, Jersey City's Bad Boys of Acappella."
For Information- Visit: http://www.myspace.com/choicebadboys

-June 20th- New Jersey Bocce Invitational will be held in honor of supporting our troops. The event will take place in NJ. Italian American celebrities are slated to appear at this event. See here for more details. http://tinyurl.com/cptuha Tweet

Dating and Relationships..Is sharing your Italian American background an important factor?

This is the question that has haunted me really my whole life. Dating as American is hard, dating as an Italian-American is even harder. I can tell you the dating game is complicated and not so cut and dry. I've dated since my early or late 20s with a few relationships in between but no solid long term till now relationship. Many people think because I grew up in an Italian American household that my father was a tyrant with dating and no men were aloud around...blah, blah, blah..this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, my father is sort of the opposite of your conservative Italian father.

He believes, I should find someone that I really love, find a profession that I love, be prosperous, and do what I want, so the little wifey ideals are non-existent! Basically dating was never really an issue, I think it became more of an issue for me because I was exposed to different cultures at such a young age. I spent a lot of my summers in Italy, socializing and even dating. I will say dating an Italian man is most definitely different than dating and Italian American man. There are significant differences in the sense of social mannerisms.

For instance, Italian men are definitely more charming or all about the 'sweep you off your feet' tactic. The part in the movie 'Under the Tuscan Sun' where Diane Lane is on the beach with the Italian guy and he says "Francesca, I could swim in your eyes.." (I think)..that is really what an Italian man would do and say. I mean romance is alive there no doubt. Now, I'm not saying its not alive here in America but as Americans I really think we are different when it comes to the social mannerisms. Look, love is love and I'm not one to argue it or define it...I mean really what do I know. I don't know everything especially when it comes to relationships, but I will say the question of whether heritage makes a difference in a relationship is a big one.

I always say to my Italian cousins you guys really don't have to worry about meeting or falling in love with someone other than Italian because the majority of people where they live are true Italians, with the same ideals, religions and family upringing. Here in America, I have to be prepared to go out and maybe meet someone who has a different religion, upringing and total value system. I mean its hard. We end up questioning ourselves about 'is it only about the connection or does being with someone of Italian descent make a difference?' The answer to that question, might be non-existent. Something to think about. Tweet

Amalfi Coast, Italy.

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Twitter, Social Media Networking and Connecting With My Italian Roots.

The power and reach of technology is so amazing today that connecting with someone half a world away is just a key touch away. (literally) Blogging, Twittering, Facebook, Skype, I mean the possibilities are endless when using social media tools to find or connect with any topic, person, or just to have plain old conversations. If you're like me and like to talk to your Italian family overseas then you're already aware how social media tools can make your connection fast, easy and cheap.

Personally, I am an avid Twitter (er). I have a live feed on the bottom right hand side of IAG. So at any given time of the day, you can find my latest Twitter updates moment to moment. For those of you who don't know Twitter, its a social media tool that allows you to write a brief status or message whether its to say hello to your friends, talk about where you are or about to do, or to share an article or information with your immediate audience.

You can connect with anyone from anywhere in the world. Its simply amazing. In doing my usual Twittering, I was lucky enough to connect with a young journalist from Reggio Calabria, Italy, who runs a great information site about Reggio Calabria. He along with other journalists, cover everything from international and local news, politics, technology, life and all things Italian.

The site is called, Libera Reggio, if you're from Reggio Calabria, and read Italian, stop in on their site its really quite informative and gears toward a savvy demographic. So, in connecting with my new Calabrian friend, I think he was amazed at the fact at how I cherish my heritage and Calabrian roots by which he determined through reading my posts and viewing pics I have posted here on Italian American Girl. Its obvious isn't it?

After making this awesome connection and finding a new Calabrian friend, I think I will have to coordinate a TweetUp in Reggio Calabria this summer. Technology is amazing. Check out this great article from Libera Reggio right here, of course with a mention about meeting me, Italian American Girl.

http://tinyurl.com/c5x47x

You can find me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ItalAmerGirl

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Want To Move To Italy? Learn the Basics On Making The Switch.

Living in Italy could be one of the greatest things you ever decide to do in your life. I've lived in Italy for months at a time since a very young age, so I know the exhilarating feelings that come with a new take on a different country. Everything from language to shopping to silly everyday chores are very different than how we accomplish them here in the USA. Some people move to Italy with the intention of not coming back, while others dabble with living abroad and devote a full year to living Under the Tuscan Sun. (just saying.)

I will say, that having an experience overseas can open your eyes to a lot of differences, benefits and obviously wonderful culture. The only down side to moving to Italy, is the job market. If you move to Italy thinking you'll get a job, think again. Its not that easy to land a job unless someone knows someone who knows someone who is the cousin of someone. (really-) But now that we are in a slumping economy on this side of the pond, its really the same job market here in the states, so we're in the same boat at the moment.

To live in Italy requires an open mind, heart and thought process. Here in the US, we rely so much on technology, government, mainstream media and instant gratification, whereas in Italy these things are present but using your human nature comes first and appreciating simplicity still has a place in the world. It sounds nice, but if you have no patience, then Italy isn't for you. Italians take their sweet ass time when it comes to everyday life.

So, to help you understand what moving to Italy is like and living the Italian lifestyle, I want to share these blogs with you. I've become "virtual" friends with many intriguing expats in Italy, who are always so friendly and share their personal stories and topics with such passion. I read these blogs as often as possible. So if you're thinking about moving to Italy, start reading a bit about what life is like and how the transition works. Take a look around!

http://www.bleedingespresso.com/

http://my-bellavita.com/

http://nikkitaly.blogspot.com/

http://burntbythetuscansun.blogspot.com/

http://www.msadventuresinitaly.com/blog/

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Tribute "Roman Holiday"- Audrey Hepburn & Gregory Peck.

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Giada Valenti Performing Benefit Concert At St. John's University For Abruzzo, Italy Quake Victims.

Singer, songwriter; Giada Valenti will be performing a benefit concert this May 3rd, 2009 at St. John's University in NY. Her concert proceeds will be donated to the Italian quake victims.

Giada will be performing songs from her new show, “Tribute To Love.” It's truly a unique and entertaining show that appeals to the romantic in all of us. Giada's great storytelling and emotional vocal skills takes her audience on a virtual trip through the most romantic places on earth, as she performs timeless songs with beautiful melodies and lyrics that will touch your heart.

The Abuzzo Earthquake Benefit Concert is organized together with the Italian Heritage & Culture Committee - NY, Inc. and the Italian Cultural Center of St. John's University Scholarship Program.


WHO: GIADA VALENTI

WHAT: ABRUZZO EARTHQUAKE BENEFIT CONCERT

WHERE: LITTLE THEATRE AT ST. JOHN’S UNIVERSITY
8000 Utopia Parkway, Queens, NY 11439
(free parking!)

WHEN: SUNDAY, MAY 3 AT 5PM

TICKET: $20 (regular seating)
$35 (premium seating, includes reception following the show)

For more information, contact:
Perla Entertainment - jj@perlaentertainment.com Tweet

Andrea Bocelli Performing This Summer, June 18, 2009 At Madison Square Garden in New York.

Check MSG for Ticket Info:

http://www.thegarden.com/tickets/?event_type=1#leftcolumn Tweet

National Italian American Foundation Organizing Benefit For the L'Aquila Earthquake Relief Fund at Italian Wine Merchants in New York City.

A Wine Benefit for the L'Aquila Earthquake Relief Fund has been organized by the National Italian American Foundation at Italian Wine Merchants in New York City on Friday- April 17, 2009.
The evening will include wine, food and special guests. Tickets will sell out, link onto the site for ticket purchase below! Support and help our Italian family.

Date: Friday, April 17, 2009
Time: 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Admission: $75.00** (donation minimum)
Purchase: http://www.iwmstore.com/L-Aquila-Earthquake-Relief-Fund-Benefit

Address: Italian Wine Merchants
108 East 16th Street(between Park Avenue South and Irving Place )
New York , NY 10003 Tweet

Buona Pasqua, Happy Easter...

Happy Easter to all my Italian American friends and family. This time of year we are reflective on our faith and traditions by sharing with our families. I think Easter has always had a lasting impression on me since I'm a child. The best memory I have of Easter is being in Italy one year and waking up early in the morning and my Uncle and Aunt waiting for me down stairs with a super sized chocolate Easter egg. As a kid, your eyes pop out of your head, because here we don't have these sized eggs normally, unless you shop at an Italian speciality store. By far the emphasis on family, religion and sharing meals together has always remained a beautiful memory of Easter.

This year, with the tragedy in Italian and all the victims of the earthquake, I will pray for all those suffering and wish their families the best. To you, my Italian American friends, I wish you as well a wonderful Easter weekend. Buona Pasqua.

More Info On Italian Easter Traditions: http://goitaly.about.com/od/festivalsandevents/a/easter.htm

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L'Aquila Relief Efforts Event on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at the Cipriani Club 55 in New York City.

Commissione Giovani New York, Commissione Giovani New Jersey, in collaboration with “The Sunday” and Cipriani are hosting this fundraising event to benefit the victims of the Italian earthquake this past Sunday.

We invite you and your friends to join us this Thursday night, April 9th, as we raise funds to help the survivors recover and begin to rebuild their lives.

Location: Club 55 at Cipriani 55 Wall Street New York, NY, 10005

When: Thursday, April 09, 2009 from 07:00pm to 10:30pm

Admission: $25.00 minimum donation

Cipriani will offer drinks and hors d'oeuvres throughout the evening in its new Club 55 to all those making the minimum contribution. All proceeds from this event will benefit the victims of the earthquake.

For further information contact commissione_giovani_usa@yahoo.com

For Donations through Paypal go on http://www.thesundaynyc.com and click on the Donate Button. Tweet

Madonna, Italian American Celebrity, Gives To the Victims of the Italian Earthquake.

Famous Italian American celebrity, Madonna has pledged an undisclosed large amount of money to the victims of the earthquake in L'Aquila. Madonna was quoted as saying. ""I am happy to lend a helping hand to the town that my ancestors are from."

I commend her for being one of the first influential Italian American celebrities to step forward and help the victims of this tragic event in Italy.

Here's more on the story:

http://tinyurl.com/c7mdns

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How You Can Help the Victims of the Italian Earthquake.

These past few days for the people of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region of Italy have been devastating. Many have endured tragedy along with losing their homes. Tents were set up by the local government and make shift hospitals were resurrected in the streets in order for the injured to receive care. We hope and pray that rescue workers will continue finding those trapped, as they've done an incredible job already.

If you want to help, the National Italian American Foundation has set up a relief fund for your convenience.

https://www.niaf.org/relief/Relief_info.asp

(Photo-Epa)

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