"Salt of Life" - Set to Premiere in New York: A Film by Italian writer-director-actor Gianni Di Gregorio

Another great film by Italian writer, director, and actor Gianni Di Gregorio, set to premiere here in the states with the first of many premieres in New York City. A film full of comedy, life lessons and reality and if you're Italian or even part..this film will have you laughing. Loved it.- Watch the trailer.

To learn more about this film: visit the film site -

http://www.zeitgeistfilms.com/thesaltoflife/about.html

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Italian Superstar JOVANOTTI Announces First Round of 2012 US Concert Dates

North American Label Association with ATO Records

Italy's best-selling singer, songwriter and rapper Jovanotti ( http://soleluna.com/ ) announces his first round of 2012 US concert dates and new North American label association with ATO Records. As Italy's ambassador to the global music scene, in 2011 the superstar Tuscan made the first-ever appearance by a new generation Italian language artist at a major US rock festival, performing at Bonnaroo on a stage curated by Gogol Bordello's Eugene Hütz. Jovanotti's scorching set in the Tennessee heat was unanimously lauded by American music fans, industry and critics, marking the artist as one of the discoveries of the storied event's 10th anniversary edition.

Jovanotti spent the rest of 2011 reaffirming his position as Italy's number one artist where his 12th studio album Ora (Now) debuted atop the the charts, going on to sell over 500,000 copies, accompanied by over 50 sold-out arena and stadium dates.

Slated for Spring 2012, Jovanotti continues a string of firsts with his debut album for ATO Records, ( http://atorecords.com/ ) the noted artist-focused label home to a diverse roster of acts including Rodrigo Y Gabriela and Primus. The career retrospective will feature new material for the American market and is being produced by Ian Brennan (Tinariwen). In March Jovanotti sets the stage offering a preview of what's to come in 2012 with a coast to coast swing of club shows in select cities with his transatlantic band.

Kicking off on March 10, Jovanotti will make his long-awaited Miami debut at the city's newest hotspot Grand Central. Well-known as a pop-star throughout Latin America in the 1990's, an appearance at Colombian mega-star Juanes' 2009's Paz Sin Fronteras concert in Havana, Cuba sparked a re-discovery of the Jovanotti throughout the region. It also revealed a connection between the artist and the new generation of Latin-Alternative acts including Bomba Estereo, Los Amigos Invisibles and Ana Tijoux, who grew up on Jovanotti's music and now shared the stage with him on recent US shows. In the first half of 2012 recorded collaborations between Jovanotti and Paz Sin Fronteras founders Juanes and Spanish superstar Miguel Bosé will be released worldwide.

On March 12th and 13th, Jovanotti returns to his adopted home town of New York City offering a pair of intimate club shows at Brooklyn's Music Hall of Williamsburg and Manhattan's Bowery Ballroom. Before his own downtown headline show on March 13, Jovanotti will head uptown to make a 1 song guest appearance with TV On The Radio at Carnegie Hall, as part ofThe Music of The Rolling Stones' Hot Rocks 1964-1971 concert line-up. This will be Jovanotti's debut performance on the prestigious Carnegie stage.

From March 14 through 16th, Jovanotti heads to Austin, Texas and the SXSW Music Festival, where he is expected to be reunited with musical friends and collaborators such as Michael Franti, among others. Jovanotti closes his Stateside sweep on March 17 in Los Angeles at the historic El Rey Theatre. Summer festival dates to be announced.

Saturday | March 10, 2012 | 8pm: Miami, FL
GRAND CENTRAL
697 N Miami AV (Downtown)
Tickets: $30
http://www.grandcentralmiami.com/upcoming-events7/396-jovanotti-performing-live

Monday | March 12, 2012 | 9pm (Doors 8pm): Brooklyn, NY -- SOLD OUT
MUSIC HALL OF WILLIAMSBURG
66 North 6th St
Tickets: $25
http://www.musichallofwilliamsburg.com/event/81379/

Tuesday | March 13, 2012 | 9pm (Doors 8pm): New York, NY
BOWERY BALLROOM
Support: Chicha Libre
6 Delancey St
Tickets: $25
http://www.boweryballroom.com/event/87027

Wednesday - Friday | March 14 – 16, 2012 | TBA: Austin, TX
SXSW MUSIC FESTIVAL
http://sxsw.com/music

Saturday | March 17, 2012 | 9pm (Doors 8pm): Los Angeles, CA
EL REY THEATRE
5515 Wilshire Blvd.
Tickets: $25
http://goldenvoice.com/shows/details/?id=34663

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Italian Singer Patrizio Buanne Live in Concert at Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ - February 24

New Jersey and New York fans get ready for an amazing performance by international singer Patrizio Buanne on February 24, 2012 at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank, NJ. Buanne will be performing and debuting songs from his new album..'Patrizio.'

I saw Patrizio perform here at the Count Basie Theatre last year and spent some time with him backstage, let's just say one of the best concerts I've been to and such a nice person. His energy on stage is so contagious and you can't help but stand in your seats to dance and sing along, (no matter where you're seated in the theater.)

I'm excited to see him perform again this year with the release of his new album there are some really beautiful songs, which I know his fans will love.

To purchase tickets to this performance, click here:

http://www.countbasietheatre.org/calendar/show/show.asp?id=43247217

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Official Information : Costa Concordia Tragedy - US EMBASSY TO ITALY ISSUES IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Due to the recent shipwreck tragedy of the Costa Concordia off the coast of Tuscany,Italy and with many Americans aboard --the US Embassy to Italy has issued important information with updates for those seeking information for loved ones aboard the ship. You can follow the embassy on Facebook or Twitter.

Click on the link for official updates:
http://italy.usembassy.gov/news-events/costa-concordia.html Tweet

Digital Diary of Basilicata : A Video Masterpiece of Italy

This is by far one of the most beautifully shot videos I've seen of Italy. 7 artists, 7 days travel in Basilicata, Italy - capturing the most captivating images ever. The project is called, http://www.cantforget.it/people/get-involved -

To learn more about this project visit the site: you can get involved. Tweet

Italian Merry Christmas - Buon Natale a Tutti!

Dear Italian American Girl readers, I wish you all a blessed and healthy Merry Christmas. Thank you for all your support and continued love throughout this year. Buon Natale.

Love-

Margaret

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Italian Singer, Giada Valenti Performing Christmas Show

Italian singer, songwriter and amazing performer, Giada Valenti is set to perform a Christmas concert on December 11, 2011 in the the beautiful Alumni Theatre at Caldwell College.

Accompanied by her full 4-piece band she will take you on a romantic musical journey singing hits fro the 60s, 70s and 80s, combined with a selection of Christmas favorites.

Christmas in Italy, featuring Giada Valenti

Sunday, December 11 at 3pm

Alumni Theatre @ Caldwell College

120 Bloomfield Ave, Caldwell, NJ

Premium Seating $45 (row 1-4)

General Seating $30 (all remaining rows)

For tickets visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/200898 or call 1-800-838-3006

Visit Giada's site on: http://www.giadavalenti.com/

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Behind The Scenes - Bertolli Meal Soups Commercial For 'Today' Show Cooking School

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The American Dream...My Mother Graduates College

Amazing Is --

-- When your 69-year-old mother graduates college. A woman, who came to the United States in the 1960's after marrying my father in Italy. Not only did she raise four children, but she was also the brains behind my father's businesses.

In most traditional Italian families, the women really aren't that dominant, but in the case of my mother, she wore the pants -- and quite honestly my father didn't mind - and he was quiet proud of her many times.

All the while, she handled the business, but yet growing up we still had hot meals on the table and had to stay in line with her rules. My mother like I've said before is one tough lady, you can't mess with her or tell her what to do. She's traditional in an UN-traditional Italian woman way.

My mother's dream was to pursue her education here in the United States; because she was unable to do it when she lived in Italy, then she got married, and then she had kids..so it seemed the time was never right. Around the same time, and partially because I was the youngest and off to college, I think my mom felt inspired so she signed up for college.

The funniest moment was when I went with my mother to her university to sign her up, we went to the registrar's office and immediately the people would start asking me questions, but then I would have to say, "no, it's not for me, it's for her.." they were surprised, but in a good way. She managed to surprise many people with her drive.

My mother began taking one course here and there and then progressed into a full time student. She worked hard in every subject and come hell or high water; she always attended her classes. Let's say she was probably one of those annoying people in class who asks a lot of questions.. (LOL) I had the opportunity to meet some of her professors, who always made it very clear how fond they were of her and how amazing they thought her drive was for staying in college so long and being such a great student.

It took her close to 15 years to get her Bachelor's degree, but she did it.

Congratulations to my mother, the graduate. One of her American dreams came true.

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Best Italian Film - 'Cinema Paradiso' - A Look Back

The Best Parts

Cinema Paradiso

— MOVIECLIPS.com

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International Star and Italian Singer Patrizio Buanne Releases New Album 'Patrizio'

He's back and better than ever, international singer and Italian crooner, Patrizio Buanne released his latest album called 'Patrizio.'

One word,--- AMAZING.

Buanne has sold over one million albums worldwide, making him one of the most desired singers of our time. This album gives Patrizio Buanne a chance to show off his extensive voice range--He's not just a standard singer, you can really hear the soul, some pop, traditional and cultural vibes.

Patrizio says, "I'm not just an Italian guy singing Italian songs. It's important to give people the kind of music I am known for, but I also wanted to open myself up artistically and give them something else or rather something "more of me" that's why we called the album PATRIZIO.

In this new album Patrizio takes a different avenue on his style of singing and really digs deep into soulful standards. Famous standards, like 'Fly me to the Moon, and 'Crazy' are spectacularly sung by Buanne. His sound and delivery really infuse an inspiring and emotional sound into these songs.

I've seen Patrizio perform in person, and can tell you his stand out element as a performer and singer is his ability to convey passion and sincere emotion. Come on, the guy is Italian. (what do you expect) If his past success is any indication of the success of this new album, then he'll be on the American Music Awards before you know it. Patrizio Buanne is crossing over big time, with each feature we've been lucky enough to publish on him, his success and popularity are consistently growing. His fan base is completely committed to Buanne and will support him to make his cross over a success in the USA. We wish him the best on the release of this new album. I personally have a few favorites on this album especially, 'You're My Everything' - beautiful.

To buy Patrizio Buanne's new album 'Patrizio' visit his official site:
http://www.patrizio.tv/

Photo Credit - Amit & Naroop

Patrizio is scheduled perform at these events listed here:

http://broadwayworld.com/article/Buanne-Confirmed-to-Perform-at-Larry-King-Tribute-in-NYC-20111012#

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Photo Of The Day: Italian American Girl in Venice

A picture is worth a thousand words.... image yourself right in this picture, looking down this canal toward the next bridge... its absolutely breathtaking. Enjoy.

(This photo is property of Italian American Girl/ItalianAmericanGirl.com 2011 Copyright - You must ask permission to reuse.)

Venice, Italy

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Italian American Girl Featured On Bertolli Meal Soups 'Today' Cooking School

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Recently, I was invited by the Bertolli team to be part of their new 'Today' Cooking School series on MSNBC.

In this new cooking series, we met the Bertolli team, where we were given an opportunity to shoot this cooking segment along with other influential bloggers such as Jen Luby from Second City Soiree and Paula Jones from Bellalimento. There is nothing better than being able to be yourself and be part of a great project. Not only was I lucky enough to participate, but my sister, Maria was also a master in the kitchen in this segment.

The soups really were delicious and as an Italian American, who grew up with my mom's cooking, the soup was pretty authentic. So, I hope you love the series, watch it once or a million times, I love it! I'm so excited! Thank you to the Bertolli Team!

Watch other cooking school segments here:http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/34318224#44951128

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Il Volo - 'O Sole Mio - Teen Italian Opera Singers?

Wow, is all I can say-- these guys are seriously making a huge impact on the American music industry and audience. Teens who can sing opera and kind of look boy bandish? Oh yes, and they're right out of Italy; doesn't get any better.

To hear more check out their channel here:

http://www.youtube.com/user/IlVoloVEVO Tweet

Calling All Italian Americans: Columbus Day Parade in New York City - 2011

Auguri to all Italian Americans celebrating Columbus Day. It's a very important day to my family, because it signifies the day my father arrived in America to start a new life. He came to the USA to live the American dream and we still hold onto the dreams my father had when he first came here in 1956 and now we honor those who have paved the way for all Italian Americans. Celebrate with pride!

Columbus Day Parade - New York City

On Monday October 10, 2011 the best parade in New York City (in my opinion) the Columbus Day Parade is set to begin at 11:30 a.m. and run till 3:00 p.m. The parade always includes a slew of Italian and Italian American performers, bands and participants from all over the country and including from Italy. I love watching the parade on television, because you really have a chance to get the specifics on where people are from based on the hosting conversations with either Maria Bartiromo and or Joe Piscopo - we'll see who hosts again this year.

The parade begins on Fifth Ave and 44th Street, get in early and claim your spots, gotta love New York City but the commute can be a pain, so check out the tips listed in the links below.

For more details visit:

http://gonyc.about.com/od/autumninnewyork/a/columbus_day.htm

OR

http://www.columbuscitizensfd.org/announcements/2011-columbus-celebration-schedule-of-events

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Happy Birthday - Italian American Girl Site Turns 3 !

Happy Birthday to the Italian American Girl site. It's been three years of hard work, making great connections and meeting the most amazing people. When I started the site, my goal was to share my love and passion for my Italian culture, which I have to say I didn't think my love could grow any stronger, but it has and it keeps me driven to deliver the best content I can about being Italian American.

As an Italian American, there are so many important traditions that need to be recognized, cultivated and preserved, so the Italian American Girl site has become the home where we can talk, connect and share within our community.

I can't thank everyone enough for all your support, love and encouragement. I think the most important element that has grown from the IAG site, has been the unbelievable community that lets me know what I'm doing matters. Love you all and I look to you to help me keep the site successful and continuously growing. Grazie...xoxo

Love-

Margaret

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Rick Steves: Florence, Italy: Michelangelo's David

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Raising Second Generation Italian American Children in the USA

A guest post this week from Italian American Girl's sister, Maria.....

As a first generation Italian American raising my children I feel so honored to share so many special traditions and cultural knowledge with them. Growing up in a first generation household I learned the importance of art, history, cooking, traveling and most importantly- family. As I became a mother myself it never was a question of passing on all the beautiful and intense things I learned growing up.

I spoke Italian with both my children from birth instilling the gift of a second language and the flexibility to learn more than one language by the age of two. My children travel yearly to spend their summer on the breathtaking southern Italian beaches of the Mediterranean, indulging in the local cuisine, life style and building life-long relationships with all my relatives. The beauty is that it is all very normal to them to see a diverse lifestyle than here in the states and become educated on the vast culture Italians have shared with the world.

Cooking is an integral part of my children being raised Italian American, we follow traditions year round and indigenous recipes and tastes are always on our menu, not to mention the luxury of home-made, healthy foods, which are delicious! The kitchen is our meeting place and all family meetings are conducted around the table, not to mention my children appreciate wonderful baked goods we make regularly to pair up with our “coffee,’ which is a staple in our home.

My children are exposed to organic gardening by my father daily and appreciate the love and dedication it takes to nurture a delicious fruit or vegetable, they share the experience of loving the earth and nature with their Nonno and Nonna.

But for us the most important part is family, we support each other through thick and thin, we eat together, we cry together, we laugh and love together. We never think twice to help each other out if one of us needs a hand, my children are taught to share and give love unconditionally, which comes naturally because we lead by example showering them with love and support.

I am so proud to share all these wonderful things with my children and know that it will have a positive impact on how they interact in the world as adults.

-Maria

**Photo- Copyright 2011 Italian American Girl - you must ask permission to use any and all photos on ItalianAmericanGirl.com - Grazie

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Popular Italian Rock Star - Zucchero Set To Debut North American Tour

(New York, NY) -- Zucchero ("Sugar") is Italy's most beloved rock star and one of the top Italian artists worldwide, having sold 40 million records over three decades. As a singer-songwriter, guitarist and keyboardist, Zucchero has collaborated with the royalty of international rock, blues, R&B, jazz and classical music – from Bono, Sting and Eric Clapton to Miles Davis, John Lee Hooker and Solomon Burke to Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli. On October 4, 2011, Decca Records releases the North American edition of Zucchero's Chocabeck, a recording that is simultaneously a concept album about his roots in traditional village life and a milestone in his exceptional international career. Chocabeck – co-produced with Don Was (the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan) and Brendan O'Brien (Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen) – includes English lyrics by Bono, Iggy Pop and Roland Orzabal of Tears for Fears. Chocabeck will also be released as an all-Italian, stand-alone album on October 4th.

Zucchero's autumn/winter tour on behalf of Chocabeck includes a handful of dates in select cities across North America including Toronto, Montreal, Detroit, Chicago, New York and Boston to name a few (for a complete list see below). Asked to describe Zucchero, his longstanding collaborator Bono said: "My friend Zucchero has had Italy singing and dancing for years. . . His boyish smile makes him the most charming man in Italy, that smile that just runs all over his face. But the voice is the sound of aged oak, like an old, oak-aged whisky. . ."

I think it's pretty exciting to have one of Italy's famous Italian popular rock artists here in the states.. I say rock, but what makes Zucchero so unique is the way he can rock out and infuse a blues vibe. One of the greats.


Catch one of Zucchero's concert here in the USA and Canada:

ZUCCHERO FALL 2011 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR:

Friday, 10/14 St. Catherines, ON Brock Center For The Arts
Saturday, 10/15 Toronto, ON Massey Hall
Sunday, 10/16 Montreal, PQ St. Denis Theatre
Tuesday, 10/18 Ottawa, ON Centre Point Theatre
Thursday, 10/20 Edwardsville, IL Southern Illinois University
Saturday, 10/22 Chicago, IL Park West
Sunday, 10/23 Cleveland, OH Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Tuesday, 10/24 New York, NY Beacon Theatre
Thursday, 10/27 Cranston, RI RI PAC
Friday, 10/28 Collingswood, NJ Scottish Rite
Saturday, 10/29 Boston, MA Berklee Performance Center

For more information and tickets:
http://www.zucchero.it/eng
http://www.deccarecords.com

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Photo of the Day: Reggio Calabria, Italy

Reggio Calabria, Italy -- a great photo from the hill top on the country side closest to the beach. With all extreme weather we are experiencing here on the East Coast in the United States, this image can let you visualize calm and beauty.

@Copyright ItalianAmericanGirl.com 2011 - Italian American Girl -- You must ask permission to reuse this and all images on the IAG site. Grazie.

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Podcast Interview On 'Tandem With The Random' Show With Italian American Girl -

I'm sharing this great interview I did with a fellow journalist; Brian Kelley founder of "Tandem with the Random" podcast show. Brian and I went to Rider University and shared many communication classes together. Brian contacted me via Twitter and he informed me that he was following me on Twitter and asked if I remembered him? I said, "Of course!" -- So from there, we coordinated a podcast interview focusing on cultural blogging and the history and launch of the Italian American Girl site. Thank you Brian!

Listen to this amazing interview here:

http://tandem.wordpress.com/2011/08/22/tandem-with-the-random-014-08-22-2011/#comment-485

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Il Divo - Hallelujah (Alelujah)

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What You Don't Understand About The Italian American Family..

Today is one of those days where I have to express what I'm feeling when it comes to family. Many people or maybe I should say non-Italians might not understand the bond or understand why we do certain things or sacrifice a lot of our selves for our family members.

I grew up with the belief that you always help or support your family. In my family we aren't one of these units that each family member lives across the country or in another country, but rather we live close in proximity and at times are sometimes up each other's a@@. I admit --I do complain that in my family we lack boundries, but really do boundries exist in Italian families? For example, if I'm in my sister's neighborhood, nine times out of ten I don't call before I show up, I just knock on her door and she opens it. Then we have coffee, even if she was busy.

Lately, more than one of my family members have been going through some tough times, and I have to say rather than just going about my business, we all come together and form a strong support system for each other. If you ask anyone outside of my family, they might say you should each do your own thing and not worry about what the other is doing, unfortunately (and I say this sarcastically) that does not exist.

I love my family, and no matter what -- we are here for each other, a strong support system on all ends. No outside influences can throw us off track from the real love and support we give each other. I know this to be true of our Italian family, perhaps it may exist with other cultural families as well, but I know for certain this is our Italian cultural and traditional belief. - family is everything.

Copyright 2011 - PHOTO of Italian American Girl ItalianAmericanGirl.com -2011 = you must ask permission for reuse of any and all photos on this site.

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CANZONIERE GRECANICO SALENTINO- Performing North American Tour 9/15-10/6/2011

Leading Italian Musical Group
CANZONIERE GRECANICO SALENTINO
bring the power of Taranta to North America for the first time
11 city debut concert tour of the US and Canada announced for September 15 – October 6, 2011

Italy’s fascinating dichotomy of tradition and modernity come together in the music of Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino. ( http://www.canzonieregrecanicosalentino.net/ )

Hailing from the Puglia region, the seven piece band and dancer are the leading exponents in a new wave of young performers re-inventing Southern Italy’s Pizzica Taranta musical and dance traditions for today’s global audience. Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino’s North American tour brings the concert experience of The Notte Della Taranta festival to US and Canadian populations for the first time.

This music is so meaningful to me, I basically grew up listening to this in my house. Every time we would go to Italy, we ended up going to festivals where these types of musical groups played this one of a kind music. It's true it's a genre of music that has become a lost tradition. When we do see the bands play my mother, father and aunts would join in with other people in the groups and start dancing, and playing the tambourines. I may be a modern Italian American in the tri-state area but I am a true Calabrese with hard core traditions. Thank God..

Not to mention, they still blast this music at home occasionally and in the car. I'm so excited for this unknown genre here in the states to have a chance at being exposed to Italian Americans. It truly is history.

Here is list of concert dates:

Thu, 09/15/11 New York, NY New York Gypsy Festival
http://www.nygypsyfest.com/

Fri, 09/16/11 Madison, WI Madison World Music Festival
http://www.uniontheater.wisc.edu/worldmusicfest/

Sun, 09/18/11 Chicago, IL Chicago World Music Festival
Mon, 09/19/11 Chicago, IL Chicago World Music Festival
http://worldmusicfestivalchicago.org/

Wed, 09/21/11 Cedar Rapids, IA Landfall 2011
http://legionarts.org/

Thu, 09/22/11 St. Louis, MO Washington University
http://rll.wustl.edu/italian

Fri, 09/23/11 Bloomington, IN Lotus World Music & Arts Festival
Sat, 09/24/11 Bloomington, IN Lotus World Music & Arts Festival
http://lotusfest.org/

Sun, 09/25/11 Boston, MA Club Passim (Cambridge)
http://www.clubpassim.org/

Wed, 09/28/11 Toronto, ON Small World Music Festival
http://www.smallworldmusic.com/

Fri, 09/30/11 Montreal, PQ Maison de la Culture Frontenac
http://www.accesculture.com/emplacement/maisondelaculturefrontenac

Sat, 10/01/11 Montreal, PQ Maison de la Culture Ahunstic
http://mcahuntsic.com/

Sun, 10/02/11 Montreal, PQ Maison de la Culture Rivieres des Prairies (Cégep Marie-Victorin Salle Désilets)
http://salledesilets.collegemv.qc.ca/accueil/index.shtml

Wed, 10/05/11 Philadelphia, PA World Cafe Live
http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=4047

Thu, 10/06/11 Washington, DC National Geographic
http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/

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Italian American Girl: Making Giambotta- Vegetable Stew

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