Volume 3 – No. 03 2010 FESTIVAL Edition September 24, 2010

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Mercer County Italian-American Association Executive Board (08-24-2009)

(609) unless noted

Title Name Chair Contact President Cav. John Scarpati 631-7544 Vice President Frank Cirillo 396-7619 2nd Vice Pres. Michael Rossetti 977-0921 Treasurer Phil Vecere 882-6638 Secretary Louise Konjushok 586-0696 Attorney Brian J. Duff 570-8558 Trustee Gary Carbone 223-0892 Trustee Ed DiPolvere 586-2684 Trustee Danielle Scarpati-Carbone 223-0892 Trustee Gus Perilli 695-1849 Trustee Sally Van Fleet Trustee Joe Urbano (215)295-6322

Committee Representatives Admin. Assistant Nina VanDeleur 631-7544 Amusements Rich DeVito CP 586-3808 Beer / Wine Sales Christine Scarpati CoCP 396-7040 Bocce Ron Ungarini CP 883-7948 Columbus Day Events Pasquale Colavita Co-CP 883-0432 Bart Di Nola C0-CP Cultural Court John Prunetti CP 771-0687 Jeff Prunetti Co-CP 439-3000 Cultural Theater Cav. Gilda Rorro-Baldassari 587-7000 Entertainment Ann Lennon Co-CP 499-1532 Nina VanDeleur Co-CP 298-1356 Carl Carabelli CP x2 586-9010 Festival Entrance Ticket Sales Hamilton Knights of Columbus Festival Logo Merch. Sandy Rosetti-Shields 215-356-2086 Festival Photography Paul Donini 658-7940 Food Vendors Frank Cirillo CP 396-7619 Food Vendors Bill Hillman Co-CP 585-9310 In-House Publicity Nina VanDeleur CP 631-7544 Italian Heritage Memorabilia Anthony Chianese CP 586-0312 John Ricco Co-CP 586-7724 Local Fundraising Gino Melone CP 396-3412 Local Fundraising Marion Bolton Co-CP 396-2944 Local Fundraising Vince Colletti Co-CP 989-1298 Mass Cathy Di Costanzo CP 396-6226 Off Premises Fundraising Joe Sensi CP 203-8464 Signs & Banners Ed DiPolvere CP 586-2684 Gus Perilli Co-CP 695-1849 George Mirabelli Co-CP 396-1064 Site Operations Wayne DeAngelo CP 586-6877 Joe Povio Co-CP 587-4524 Sponsorship & Marketing Barry Chiorello CP 695-5007 Veterans Court Kathi & John Adie CP 581-9354 Volunteers Christine Scarpati Co-CP 396-7040 Volunteers Danielle Scarpati- Carbone Co-CP 223-0892 Waste Disposal John Scarpati Jr. CP 584-8907 Website Michael Rossetti CP 977-0921 Website Development Mike Aregnano 713-2670 NEWSLETTER Cav. Frank Gargione Editor 883-4778

Graphic Design Joe DeFelice Co-Ed 841-5427

Production Jack Beiger 890-2638

Newsletter Cav.Frank Gargione Editor 883-4778 Joe DeFelice Co-Ed 841-5427 Jack Beiger Print 890-2638 Lucy Gargione Distribution

MCIAFA Planning Calendar

Monthly Scheduled Events- On-going 2nd Monday … MCIAFA Agenda Meeting 7:00PM Last Thursday …Dinner Buffet Fundraiser 6-8PM ______________________________________________

August 26th Buffet Fund-Raiser with Boheme Opera Trio 6-8:00PM

September 23rd Festival Set up- Volunteers needed 24-26th 11th Annual MCIAFA Festival

October 1st Italian Flag Raising Municipal Bldg. Noon 6th Annual Columbus Ball 6:00PM 10th 6th Annual Columbus Day Parade 1:00PM Start Shady La. to Nottingham Fire House Italian Street FESTA follows parade 11th Parade Rain Date 1:00PM

General Contacts: E-Mail buongiorno2000@optonline.net Website: WWW.ITALIANTALIANAMERICANFESTIVAL.COM OFFICE MAIL: MCIAFA – 2421 Liberty St. - Hamilton, NJ 08629 PHONE: 609-631-7544

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED – PLEASE !! The Festival is upon us and we need YOUR help: Ø people to assist in preparations (signs/displays, etc.) Ø people to help setting up at Festival site Ø people to sell RAFFLE chances (single and by the

book) before the Festival Ø people to sell RAFFLE chances at the Festival Please Email or call Danielle or Christine (see committees)

Please consider joining the RED SHIRT Team and

working toward making this the BEST FESTIVAL EVER You will meet up with a wonderful group of people.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Welcome to the 11th annual Mercer County Italian American Festival! I am very excited about this year’s festival because it has a number of new features that I hope this will make your visit more enjoyable and make you want to return for more than one day. This year, thanks to the efforts of the various committee chairs and their volunteers, with the support of the various sponsors and vendors we have made the following list of exciting improvements and some repeated successful features:

• We have enlarged the grounds to accommodate more

vendors and provide more open space for attendees • We have increased the number of ticket booths manned

by volunteers from the Hamilton Knights of Columbus • We have enlarged our memorabilia area • We have two wine tents featuring the wines of Sergio

Neri’s Hopewell Valley Vineyards • We have engaged a variety of entertainers to please all

age groups • We are happy to announce that most of the vendors

from previous years will return • The beautiful Fontana di Trevi will again be displayed • As usual, we will have the Mass on Sunday with the

participation of Monsignor Innocenzi and we have invited our Most Reverend Bishop Smith

• We have added a religious area in the Cultural Court displaying statues of several saints from local churches

But this is your festival also and we are therefore seeking input from the community to help us fulfill our stated objectives, which are repeated below for your convenience:

• To uphold, preserve and perpetuate interest in the culture, history, language and traditions of our Italian ancestors

• To encourage the economic and social development of the Italian American communities of New Jersey

• To promote the concept of Italian ethnicity as it pertains to the Italian Americans of New Jersey

• To encourage the documentation and preservation of the cultural heritage and traditions of the Italian Americans of New Jersey

• To achieve unification of the Italian Americans of New Jersey coming from the various regions of Italy

We are aware that there are different ways to achieve these goals and there are many varied opinions as to what is important to protect our heritage and culture. We are open to your suggestions and your participation to make the Festival better, bigger, and more representative of our common interest. In the hope of hearing from you, I thank you again for your participation and wish you the best time at the Festival! Cavaliere John Scarpati President Mercer County Italian American Festival

Rain or Shine… We Go

Join us as we celebrate our Italian and Italian American Heritage and Culture at the 11th Annual Mercer County

Italian American Festival, September 24, 25 and 26th

Food Piazza Italian restaurants, wine and beer, Enjoy Italian specialties from many of the area's best Italian

restaurants and vendors.

PNC Bank Italian Market Tent Numerous vendors with Italian and Italian-American hand

crafted articles for sale

Italian Heritage Pavilion View memorabilia, Over 200 Displays of Important and

Famous Italian-Americans who have made a contribution to our Country. Play BOCCE on the indoor Bocce Court.

Plus a touch of Rome in Mercer County, Toss a coin and make a wish in the famous "Trevi Fountain" benefits Ryan's

Quest.

TD Bank Cultural Theater Listen to guest speakers and watch cooking demos

Dining Tents Dine in covered seating areas

Provided by K McCoy Insurance Agency and Rose Hill Assisted Living Community

Dance Tents Dance to your favorite music on dance floors.

Senior Citizens Special Senior Citizens admitted free Friday until 4:30 pm.

Amusement Rides Enjoy amusement rides for the whole family with special Family Day prices on Friday and Sunday with coupon.

Entertainment Enjoy performances on two stages including the Roma Bank Stage and the Cabaret Tent. Entertainment includes Italian

folk dancers, big band music, traditional Italian music, Italian American favorites, opera, children’s entertainment

and national favorites.

Fireworks Spectacular On Saturday stay for our spectacular fireworks display.

Sunday Mass at 11:00 AM Sunday Mass with Bishop John Smith and Monsignor

Innocenzi honoring Italian-American war veterans and all veterans on the festival grounds.

Super 50/50 Get tickets early, 2010 ticket sales should top $40,000

Directions & Lodging Go to our website directions page for the best way

to get to the festival and information on special deals on overnight lodging while visiting the festival. www.italianamericanfestival.com

*** October is Italian heritage month ***

Please come join MCIAFA in the celebration!

Annual Italian Flag Raising Friday, October 1st 12 Noon

Hamilton Municipal Building

6th Annual Columbus day ball Friday, October 1st 6:00pm

Nottingham ball room, Hamilton, nj

6th annual Columbus day parade Sunday, October 10th starting at 1:00pm

Begins at shady lane, ending at Nottingham fire house, mercer st. Hamilton, nj Rain date, Monday, October 11th at 1:00pm

Italian Street festa immediately following the parade In the parking lot of Nottingham fire house, mercer st. Hamilton, nj

Show your Italian heritage and pride, Please Come, bring family and friends! MCIAFA Italian Heritage Month Observance Committee

Cav. John Scarpati, President - Pasquale Colavita / Bart DiNola, Co-Chairs – Mike Rossetti, Treasurer

The Mercer County Italian American Festival Columbus Day Committee has chosen two outstanding members of the Hamilton Township Community, Rosa Spera, Proprietor of Rosa’s Ristorante and Anthony Nami, Owner and President of Prior Nami Business Systems.

Pictured left to right: Pasquale Colavita, Co-Chairman Columbus Day Parade and Ball, Anthony Nami, Owner & President Prior Nami Business Systems, Rosa Spera, Proprietor of Rosa’s Restorante, Cav. John Scarpati, President Mercer County Italian American Festival Assn.,John Bencivengo, Mayor Hamilton Twp, Co-Chairman Columbus Day Parade & Ball, Bart DiNola, Co-Chairman Columbus Day Parade and Ball

We would like to express our appreciation to the donors of various prepared-food items and also door prizes for our Monthly Dinner Fundraisers. Please show them your own appreciation when you visit their places of business

March 26, 2010 Anthony’s Pizza Palace 2769 South Broad Street Hamilton, New Jersey 08610 (609) 888-3936 Chiarello’s Deli & Catering 1624 Hamilton Avenue Trenton, New Jersey 08629 (609) 586-4635 Rosa’s Ristorante & Pizzeria 3442 South Broad Street Hamilton, New Jersey 08610 (609) 581-9053 April 29, 2010 Leonardo’s II of Lawrenceville 2021 Brunswick Pike Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648 (609) 396-4466 The Pizza Kitchen 4351 South Broad Street Yardville, New Jersey 08620 (609) 581-5815 May 27, 2010 Villa Mannino Ristorante & Pizzaria 73 US Highway 130 Bordentown, New Jersey 08620 (609) 298-9000 Scotto & Crimini Pizza 15 Sunnybrae Boulevard Dover Park Plaza Yardville, New Jersey 08620 (609) 585-9800

June 24, 2010 Amici Milano Restaurant 600 Chestnut Avenue Trenton, New Jersey 08611 (609)396-6300 Palermo’s Pizzeria & Ristorante 674 US Highway 206 Bordentown, New Jersey 08505 (609) 298-6771 Colavita Jewelers 209 Scotch Road Ewing, New Jersey 08628 (609) 883-1090 Trent Jewelers 16 Edinburg Road Mercerville, New Jersey 08619 (609) 584-8800 Mark Pratico Jewelers 876 White Horse Avenue Hamilton, New Jersey 08610 (609) 585-6363 July 29, 2010 Avanzato Jewelers 2440 Whitehorse-Hamilton Square Rd. Hamilton Square, New Jersey 08690 (609) 890-0500 Destinta Theaters Independence Plaza 2465 South Broad Street Hamilton, New Jersey 08610 (609) 888-4500

Vito’s Pizza 1249 State Highway # 33 Hamilton, New Jersey 08690\ (609) 586-2888 Spigola Restaurant Route # 130 & Kuser Road Hamilton, New Jersey 08620 (609) 585-5255 August 26, 2010 Carella’s Hallmark 2503 Nottingham Way Hamilton, New Jersey 08619 (609) 586-5136 Papa’s Pizza 804 Chambers Street Trenton, New Jersey 08619 (609) 392-0359 Hogback Deli Route # 130 & Hogback Road Bordentown, New Jersey 08620 (609) 324-1210 The Hamilton Manor 30 Route #156 & Route #130 Hamilton, New Jersey 08620 (609) 581-6782 Doraldo’s Restaurant & Pizzeria 2465 South Broad Street Independence Plaza Hamilton, New Jersey 08610 (609) 888-2090 Boheme Opera of New Jersey P.O. Box 4157 Hamilton, New Jersey 08610 (609) 581-9551

9FNLX-PTJBY-F4HDF SPECIAL BUFFET TREATS

THURSDAY 08-26 AS WE HAD

ENTERTAINMENT BY BOHEME

MENU: FOOD + TENOR & SOPRANOS

Boheme Opera NJ featured three of its professional choristers who have sung with the Boheme Opera Chorus in recent seasons:

Sopranos Rachel Cetel and Jennifer Bergevin, and tenor Jared Salwen. Jared actually rose through the company ranks starting as a high school apprentice as a young volunteer chorister.

A fourth singer was featured on Thursday - soprano Sunji Kim - an emerging artist who was soprano soloist in the company's special staging of Handel's Messiah for the past two seasons, and is on the brink of a managed solo career.

Repertoire for the evening included arias from the Italian operas of Pergolesi, Mozart, Donizetti, Verdi and Puccini, plus art songs from the Italian collection.

An overflow crowd of some130+ gave were delighted with these great artists.

MCIAFA Scholarship Award

It came to our attention that one of our own, Alexis Adie, is a very talented and academically-gifted child. Alexis is the daughter of our dedicated Military & Vet-erans Chairpersons, John & Kathi Adie. Alexis is the recipient of the President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence for maintaining an average of 92 or above in all subjects for the past three years. She’s been distinguished as a participant of John Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth. She was her class valedictorian and had achieved the highest average scores this year for 5 of the 7 main subjects. She had recently achieved a composite score of 99 for two years running on a national standardized test which translates into scoring higher than 99% of all children in the country her age. She has been sought after by many private schools and in the fall she will be attending Stuart Country Day School of the Sacred Heart, a prestigious Princeton academy.

In addition to Alexis’ academic achievements, she is active in community service. At our festival, she dedicates herself to the Cell Phones for Soldiers tent working long hours to promote the cause. She extends that dedication to the community and provides many local businesses and organ-izations the on-going resources for promoting Cell Phones for Soldiers. She has volunteered for the food pantry at St. Raphael’s Parish on many occasions and is presently a volunteer at the Hamilton CYO camp, working with 3-4-year-olds. While Alexis has achieved much in her young life, both academically and socially, she has remarkably accomplished all of this while battling a serious case of Lyme disease for the past 18 months. We were very pleased to present this scholarship from the Mercer County Italian American Festival Association and introduce to you, our very own, Alexis Adie. We wish Alexis continued success.

Scholarship Award At June meeting held at our Heritage Building Cav. & President John Scarpati presented to Michael Manion, a 2010 Graduate of Ewing High School, a scholarship check in conjunction with the West Trenton Italian American Club. Mr. Manion was chosen by the West Trenton Italian American Club as this year’s recipient due to his outstanding scholastic achievements.

Pictured left to right: Mike Rossetti, MCIAFA 2nd Vice President Cav. John Scarpati, President MCIAFA Michael Manion, and John Prunetti, President West Trenton Italian American Club

Special Award for Amici Club Scholarship Projects

Pictured above for the presentation are Mike Rosetti MCIAFA 2nd VP, Joe Paglione -Founder of Amici Della Lingua Italaliana, Bruno LaMarca – Amici President, Cav. John Scarpati -MCIAFA Founder/President, Louis Amico – Amici Treasurer, and Frank Cirillo MCIAFA VP

MCIAFA MEMBER ARTIST BILL PLANK AND THE GALILEO PROJECT Plank Art Designs will again be participating in the Mercer County Italian-American Festival scheduled for September 24, 25 and 26, 2010. As members of the Festival Association, Bill and Helene have been helping to make this year’s festival better than ever. The Da Vinci Flying Machine will again be on exhibit, and there are more new designs for prints, notecards and mugs based on new paintings Bill has completed this year.

A special festival exhibit will feature the painting “Galileo – The Starry Messenger.” The painting was done in response to a resolution which Congress recently passed in commemoration of scientific contributions by Italian scientist Galileo Galilei and the 400th anniversary of the first use of the telescope for astronomical observations. Prints of the image were sent to Washington D.C. to help encourage the resolution’s approval by Congress.

A few new paintings pay tribute to great Italian singers such as Frank Sinatra. Bill’s handiwork can be seen in other areas of the Festival – from T-shirt designs to recently restored statues for a special religious exhibit inside the cultural pavilion.

Part of the show does not end with the festival dates either. The Flying Machine will be taking flight, or rather, taking part in the Columbus Day Parade in October, thanks to a recently-renovated trailer.

The photo shows Bill and Galileo, together among the stars.

Come join one of the largest and fasting growing Associations in Mercer County! Membership is FREE and you will be put on our mailing list automatically. We just ask that you help promote our heritage and events. If you would like to be active, here are some of the activities you may want to participate in:

Please check next to where interested: o ___Office Work

o __Join a Committee

o ___Help with On-Site Operations at Festival o ___50/50 On-site sales o ___Help at Other Events at MCIAF Center o ___Help at Monthly Dinners

o ___Maintenance Help at MCIAF Center o ___Columbus Day Parade o ___Vendor

Name:__________________________________ Address:________________________________________ Occupation:______________________________City:__________________State:______Zip:___________ Telephone: (home)_______________(work)_______________ E-mail ______________________________

FOR FOR MORE INFORMATION, WRITE OR CALL: Cav. John Scarpati, President

MCIAFA 2421 Liberty St. Hamilton, N.J. 08629 – phone 609-631-7544. Website: www.italianamericanfestival.com E-mail: buongiorno2000@optonline.net (CHANGED) We are a non-profit 501-3-C organization dedicated to promoting Italian-American Heritage and Culture

Donations are tax deductible and are appreciated.

Wont you please help to fulfill the mission of MCIAFA….. “To Preserve and Promulgate our Italian Heritage and Culture”

Don’t… “do nothing and Let it Disappear” ----- Volunteer for Festival 2010

Free Associate Membership Application Form

Mercer County Italian American Festival Association

SPECIAL PROMOTION AND VALUE FOR 2010 FESTIVAL SUPER 50/50

The Mercer County Italian American Festival Association is promoting the sale of its annual 50/50 fundraiser. In addition to our member support, we are offering area businesses the opportunity to advertise during this event. The donation ranges from $100 - $1000. This level of participation will entitle the donor to have the individual name, family name, memorial to a deceased loved-one or business name prominently displayed on a board in the center of the festival. Also, the amount donated will be matched with the value of 50/50 tickets. In other words, if you donate $100, you will receive $100 in tickets. Additionally, your business card ad will be duplicated on many hundreds of placemats that are used at the Heritage building during numerous functions throughout the year. The ad board will also be displayed in front of the Heritage building for several months after the festival end. To take advantage of this opportunity, reserve your place on this prestigious list and have a chance at a jackpot, please call Joe Sensi at (609) 203-8464, or mail your check and ad information to MCIAFA, P.O. Box 2862 Hamilton, NJ 08629. By participating in and supporting the festival this way, your business is making a strong statement in promoting the heritage of the Italian-American community, ensuring the success of the festival and guaranteeing its continuation for future generations. Good luck everybody! …… Joe Sensi

Abbott & Costello Show

After Dark Band

All That Jazz Dance Academy

Angelo-The Italian Cowboy

In a tribute to Paterson, New Jersey native and accomplished Italian American, Lou Costello, the Mercer County Italian American Festival is proud to have 'The Abbott and Costello Show' with Gil 'Bud' Palmer and Lou Sciara. The pair joined forces in 1992 when they each won first place in an Abbott & Costello look-a-like contest sponsored by Shanachie Entertainment, producers of the 'Abbott & Costello Show' videotape series. Bud and Lou with host Michael Townsend Wright from the 'Uncle Floyd Show' will be performing all of the memorable Abbott and Costello routines including the hilarious 'Who's On First?'

The After Dark Band has been providing live music for some of the tri-state area's most memorable weddings and popular night spots for over a decade. They are a uniquely talented and class act. Their diverse musical offerings, unforgettable performance style, ability to play multiple instruments and all sing, together with their vast musical repertoire and ability to get your guest on their feet and having a good time will surely also make your event well remembered by all who attend. The members of After Dark are not only well-seasoned professional musicians but entertainers as well. They have performed with some of the finest society, dance, and show bands from Las Vegas to Atlantic City and throughout the tri-state area before coming together and forming After Dark.

All That Jazz Dance Academy has recently celebrated it's 10th Anniversary as well as 10 years with the Italian-American Festival of Mercer County! The academy offers classes in Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Hip-hop, Character Jazz, Technique, Choreography, Voice, Acting and Guitar. The All That Jazz Competition Team is a Platinum Award winning team, and Director/Choreographer Deborah Delpopolo has won multiple awards for her innovative choreography. All That Jazz was named "Best Studio for Choreography" at Dance Arts Plus Dance Competition 2 years in a row.

Born in Italy, where Angelo studied music, very early on formed a group and performed in local bars and Italian Feasts. At the age of 18, he moved to Milano and made a living playing Piano Bars. Some years later, moving to the United Staes he discovered Country Music and fell in love with the it due to the beautiful lyrics and stories told by that type music and sings Country Music in Italian. Releasing two CD's, one in 2005 called Vorrei ballare tutte le sere, and the second in 2008 named Vorrei aver le ali.

Entertaining throughout the USA, South America and Canada, Angelo "The Italian Cowboy" is a don't miss entertainer.

On the following pages are pictures and brief write-ups of the talented acts who will be appearing on the Roma Bank stages at our Festival 2010. We know you will enjoy all that you have a chance to see during the three days of our Festival, and reward them with your attention and applause.

Dean Martin/Jerry Lewis

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Dominic Mantuano

Eric De Lauro

Franco Corso

The multi-talented Sonny Averona Jr. (Dean Martin) vocalist and entertainer originally from South Philadelphia, now resides in New Jersey. He is following in the footsteps of his father, the late-great entertainer Sonny Averona Sr.

Johnny "Bones" Cipparone (Jerry Lewis) was born and raised in South Philadelphia and now resides in New Jersey. With his uncanny portrayal of Jerry Lewis, Johnny has worked with Phillys own Bobby Rydell, Chubby Checker and Charlie Gracie to name a few. Currently Johnny Bones is working with Sonny Averona, Jr. in a tribute to Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis which is delighting audiences everywhere.

We are delighted to bring you the vocal artistry of Dominic Mantuano, one of today's most versatile opera vocalists. Dominic honors the classical tradition of his operatic training while successfully using his talent to cross over into the world of Pop and Easy Listening.

Dominic created his own cabaret show, performing the songs of Mario Lanza in the original keys. These shows were held in some of the finest NYC Caberets such as Don't Tell Mama, Duplex Cafe, Danny's Skylight, Cafe 44, and has also played The New Palace of Performing Arts of New Jersey and most recently at Odettes.

Dominic Mantuano will make everyone who attends his show something to remember!.

ERIC DELAURO http://EricDelauro.com has been invited to be 2010 Frank Sinatra Rat Pack Tribute Vocalist and he is honored to share a Sinatra performance at Mercer for the Second Year. DELAURO performs his Sinatra Rat Pack Homage Tribute music on International Stages, with Top Ten Billboard Recording Artists, on National US Television and at concerts all around the Country, but started his music career at most major venues, clubs and lounges around Manhattan NYC. DELAURO is the Lead Singer for – The Rat Packs Band Orchestra - http://TheRatPacks.com In addition to International Media acclaim, DeLauro has been the featured Frank Sinatra tribute vocal-ist at the International Dean Martin Festival singing with it’s great ever beautiful hostess and Billboard recording artist, Deana Martin, Daughter Dean Martin, the King of Kool. DeLauro is an Italian Citizen who lives in Frank Sinatra’s NJ Hometown City of Hoboken.

With a voice that melts hearts and instills Passion, Franco Corso, "The voice of Romance" continues to mesmerize audiences worlwide. His distinctive and powerful Baritone Voice has been called Elegant and Provocative. Born and raised in San Remo, Italy, where he spent most of his childhood with his grandparents who taught him all things Italian, from food to romance, art and literature. By the age of 8 he was singing in the church choir and performing at private and public events throughout Italy. As a typical teen, Franco stopped singing for a while and studied in school. He went to University for hospitality and upon graduation found himself working in the hotel industry. A chance meeting led him to a job in the United States and brought him to Palm Beach, Florida where he lives today. Inspired by Andrea Bocelli, Luciano Pavarotti, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Julio Iglesias and enthusiastically supported by his fan base and rave reviews, Franco has performed worldwide to sold-out Theatres, The Trump Organization in Plam Beach and for dignitaries and celebrities, such as Sophia Loren and Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. His debut Album " Passione" is a collection of some of the world's most famous and romantic classic Italian-American songs. Songs like "II Mio Mondo" (You're My World" and "Amore Scusami" (My Love Forgive Me" showcase Franco's vocal range from soft timbre to full bravado. The concert is enhanced with an On Stage breathtaking aerial of Italy projected during his performance. Most of his songs have intriguing transitions between Italian, English and Spanish, making for a true and unique music experience.

Giada Valenti

Joseph M. Scannella

Lenny Enourato Orchestra Led by Lenny Enourato on sax this 13 piece big band plays swing in the style made popular in the 40s. They play throughout the region and have performed in New York City's famous Roseland Ballroom. Playing standards and contemporary hits they are sure to have you up and dancing.

Marcantonio Marcantonio

Mercantonio began an obsession for collecting Neapolitan and other Southern Italian recordings. At a feast was called to the stage and asked, "Would you like to do something?" Marcantonio recalls, I responded shyly, and asked if I could sing a famous Neapolitan song called Tammuriata Nera and he began to sing... "At the end of the song, I could not believe the applause I received". And thanks to my two irreplaceable friends from New Haven, my dream came true.

That was 1985. Since then, Marcantonio has been a regular at Italian feasts throughout the Tri-state area and beyond.

Our SATURDAY NIGHT HEADLINER was born and raised in Venice, Italy, and started to sing and play piano at the age of seven. She began touring professionally with a band by age twelve. She studied piano and music theory at the Santa Cecilia music school in Venice and got her music degree at the G. Tartini in Trieste. She also studied jazz with American singer Dawn Mitchell. She performs regularly in theatres, clubs, casino hotels, and festivals throughout the U.S., and is a frequent guest on radio shows in the tri-state area. Giada moved to New York in 2004, after her music got serious interest from a major record label in the USA. In December 2005, Giada's self-released CD Italian Signorina was launched in the USA to great reviews. Italian Signorina featured the song "Caruso" that Giada performed on the red carpet at the Columbus Day Parade in 2005, 2006, and 2007 in New York City. Giada has performed a selection of songs of her new CD "And I Love You So" at the 2008 and 2009 edition of this parade, and was featured on WNBC 4 New York. In 2008 Giada was named Woman of the Year by the Organization of Italian Charities In America. At a ceremony in New York in February 2010 she was honored by the Order Sons of Italy In America for being a great Italian role model in the USA. Her select-ions are a blend of the past and the present, allowing the audience to go on a magical ride filled with deep emotions, tenderness and above all, romance.

Conductor, Performer, Composer, Arranger, Educator Mr. Scannella taught instrumental music in the Branchburg Township Schools for 25 years. He has conducted the Mercer County Band, Kasia Cultural Arts Center Orchestra, the Greater Princeton Youth Orchestra, the Trenton Symponetta, and the Trenton Youth Orchestra. He continues to conduct and perform music at a variety of Italian, jazz and social events. He has served in the capacity of President as both the New Jersey conference of Musicians and the Trenton Musicians Local #62. Mr. Scannella is a graduate of the Juillard School of Music.

Over Mr. Scannella's long career he has performed and recorded with the Phila-delphia Orchestra and the Philadelphia Brass Ensemble. He has been a member of the Trenton Symphony, the Princeton Chamber Orchestra, the Delaware Valley Orchestra, the N.B.C. Opera Company, and the Trenton Civic Opera. Over the years, Mr. Scannella has appeared with and provided back-up for such esteemed performers as Diana Ross, Bob Hope, Eugene Ormandy, Arthur Fiedler, Zubin Mehta, Al Martino, Louis Prima, Liberace, Roberta Peters, Issac Stern, Gorden McRae, Don Cornell, Eddie Arnold, and Meredith Wilson

Masterpiece Masterpiece is a "high energy" party/dance band featuring out-standing vocalists supported by sizzling rhythm and horn sections. Masterpiece features a diverse repertoire of songs from the "Big Band" era of the 40's to the "vibrant" sounds of today's hits. Masterpiece has provided the finest in live entertainment at many Nightclub venues and Banquet Facilities throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York and will create that same atmosphere at this year's Italian-American Festival. Come see this "dynamic" band and dance to a variety of "Standards", "Italian", "Top 40 Dance", "Soul", "Motown:, "Oldies" and "Rock 'n Roll' favorites.

Poppytown Italian Puppets After years of performing individually, Marilyn and Martin met in 1995 and began collaborating a show that combines the Magic of Puppets and the Excitement of Live Music. All the puppets are hand crafted by Marilyn and the stage, props and scenery are built by Martin. The storylines, scripts and musical venues are their original creation. This creative process takes countless hours of work in their studio and woodshop.Together, their intent in the production of PoppyTown Puppet Shows is to bring humor, drama, enchantment and inspiration to the audience. As a family entertainment production, they both hold the belief that the many virtues of good moral ethics are the backbone of the family structure. This element is displayed throughout their shows in a unique and entertaining way.

Ray Massa's EuroRhythms Ray Massa's EuroRhythms are featured Nationally and Internationally at Italian Festivals from The Eldorado Casino, Reno Nevada to Brooklyn, NY, all through the Midwest and now in Italy!. They are credited with bridging the gap between American & Italian venue's for festival entertainment by revitalizing the mystique and romantic excitement of Italian music! The group's dynamic and energetic style attracts audiences of all ages and nationality. The EuroRhythms popularity is attributed to their unique arrangements of

songs from Italy's current Pop Charts like, "Vespa" and "Maui Piu Sola", to great Italian hits of all styles from the 80's to the 50's like, "A Chi" or "Tu Vuo Fa L'Americano" and their own Italian version of "Hang On Sloopy". These great songs are intertwined with the ever popular Italian-American favorites like, Louie Prima's swinging "Zooma Zooma Baccala", Ce la luna", and "Buona Sera", along with traditional songs you just can't do without at any Italian function, "That's Amore", "OH Mari" the "Trantella", polkas, waltzes, mazurkas, etc.!

The EuroRhythms professional musical talents are complimented with six vocalists including Ray Massa, Tony DiMelfi, and Marco Capoccia, who was born and raised in Italy. Ray Massa's EuroRhythms have a proven track record for great entertainment with whom you can be assured of experiencing a Truly Authenic "Festa Italiana" while capturing the attention of the diverse audiences typical of any public festival.

RETRO MEMORIES is a band playing your favorite music from the past. They use computer and midi technology to achieve a full band sound. The band will take you back to the music that has fond memories from the past.

The 50s and early 60s oldies, Motown, standards, classics and more. Members include Danny Povio - Vocals, Joe Caristo - Vocals, Guitar, Alto Sax, Harmonica, Howard Whitman - Vocals, Bass and Guitar, and Mitch Spera -Vocals and Keyboards. These guys are not your average band, They

perform, entertain and get the audience involved! When you see RETRO MEMORIES the bands personality, along with the unique delivery of songs will make the event a fun time to remember.

The Doo Wop Brothers Most men probably wonder what they would do differently if they ran into a girl from their years in high school. But what if that person from high school was another man?

For Rich Earl and Joe Schrull, both graduates of Riverside High School, that occasion happened on stage. Earl jumped up on a Long Beach Island stage to sing oldies with a band led by Schrull, and the two have since started their own duo. The Doo Wop Brothers specializes in harmony group songs from the 1950s and 60s, the era the two Burlington County natives grew up in. Earl plays bass and now hails from Moorestown, while Schrull performs on keyboards and resides in Tuckerton. They have a repertoire of more than 90 songs.

The Nerds You can't help but have fun when you spend an evening the THE NERDS. Enjoy an evening of sheer entertainment with the band that combines high energy rock n' roll with a stage of pure talent and comedy. The Nerds 200 plus performances per year have completely dominated the club, college, corporate, fair and festival markets. From the House of Blues in Boston to the Shrine in L.A. ; from British Columbia to Bermuda and the Bahamas; from Florida to Arizona; to Ohio and back to Atlantic City; all through New Jersey and back to New York; from selling out Carnegie Hall, to headlining at the

PNC Bank Arts Center, The Nerds continue to entertain their massive fan base from all over the world.

Vivaci! (Formerly named I Ballerini e le Voci d'Italia - Dancers and Voices of Italy) was founded in 1972 by Cav. Elba Farabegoli Gurzau. Elba, the author of Folk Dances, Costumes and Customs of Italy (1963), dedicated her life to researching Italian dances, songs and traditions. Her book of dance and costume has enabled many Italian folk groups to get started. In the 1980's, Elba brought together other Italian folk groups and formed the Italian Folk Art Federation of America (IFAFA). IFAFA has a conference every few years so that individuals can share, learn and experience the many beautiful and diverse Italian Folk arts. Our group's goal is to learn, share and teach the varied and diverse folk arts of Italy. We try to maintain the true joyous spirit

and informal nature of Italian dance. Our group is informal and low stress!. Our group is made up of approximately 16 dancers ranging in age from 10 years to 75 years.

Tre Bella….A Brief History: September 19, 2007! The dawn of a fresh and inspiring era in music took place on the Jimmy Kimmel Pontiac Stage in Hollywood California. Three gorgeous women with sensational vocal talent, singing unforgettable melodies, rocked the audience at the Hollywood San Gennaro festival and Tre Bella was born.

JoAnn Robertozzi, a theater and commercial actress, hooked up with bold and creative singer-songwriter, Theresa Sareo, We all know that three is better than two so when another astonishing talent, platinum recording artist and songwriter, Lorraine Ferro joined the duo the stage was set for Tre Bella to transcend music genres.

Electrifying performers, and soulful romantics, the three girls combine their originality, honesty, passion, and charm into an unforgettable and remarkable blend of musical entertainment. Be it "Disco Diva" or "Sultry Songstress" Tre Bella are big time players in the musical market and their harmonious fusion of energy and talent detonates cross cultural excitement.

VENDORS Food Piazza Vendors List / Outdoor Food Piazza/Main Festival Grounds

Vendor Menu Aunt Martha's Funnel Cake, Tent-8 Yardville , NJ

Funnel Cakes, Funnel Cakes w/Ice Cream,, Funnel Cake Sundae's and Toppings and or Fruit, Fried Novelties which include, Brownie, Choc. Chips, Fig Newtons, Oreo Cookies, Lemon and Orangeaide, Soda and Water

Beer & Wine Gardens Michelob Ultra, Budweiser, Bud Light, and Birra Moretti Hopewell Valley Vineyards Wines

Benfatto Italian Market, Tent-1 Lawrenceville , NJ

Espresso, Cappucino, Coffee, Italian Soda, Italian Desserts, Focaccia Breads and more

Coffee and Desserts Cannillo's Italian Food Slots 1-5 Passaic , NJ 07055

Italian Deli Products

Carnival Concessions, Tent-18 Belleville , NJ

Zeppoles, Calzones, Soda, Water

Zeppoles, Calzones Casino Tony Goe's Restaurant, Tent-13 Trenton , NJ

Jersey Hot Dogs,French Fries, Onion Rings, Soda/Water

Hot Dog, Fries,O-rings Cheese & More, Slot-10 Pennsauken , NJ 08109

Cheeses, Cheese Spreads, Pesto, Tapenade, Baked Olives, Mixed Olives, Goat Cheese Spread, Pasta, Peanut Butter and Jams

D.J. Country Gardens, Tent-47 Robbinsville , NJ

Pies, Apple Turnovers, Brownies, Blueberry Scones, Ice Cream and Coffee

Pies, Brownies, Scones Dana's Ice Cream, Tent-24 Hamilton , NJ

Soft Serve, Milk Shakes, Sundaes, Water Soda

Dip-A-Dee-Doo Ice Cream, Tent-14 Lawrenceville , NJ

Novelty Ice Creams

Novelty Ice Cream Dippin Dots Ice Cream, Tent-40 Brookhaven , PA

Dippin Dots Ice Cream, Soda, Water

Dots Ice Cream Dominick's Italian Specialties, Tent-41 Lawrenceville , NJ

Sausage with peppers & Onions, Veal & peppers, Italian Hot Dogs, Soda, Water

Enzo's La Piccolo Cucina, Tent-4 Lawrenceville , NJ

Mussels, Chicken Cacciatore, Hot Peppers & Mushrooms, Polenta, Tripe, Eggplant & Roasted Peppers Sandwich, Pizza Fritta, Soda, Water

Frank's Italian Ice, Tent-43 Yardville , NJ

Italian Ice, Pretzels, Water

Great Harvest Bread Co., Slot-11 Newtown , PA

Bread, Cookies, Dipping Oils, Dried Pasta, Sauces

Handras-Gel Gyro, Tent-12 Beth Page , NY

Guro, Chicken Pita,Shish-Ka-Bob, Spinach Pie, Souvalki, Soda, Water and Lemonade

Italian Peoples Bakery, Tent-38 Trenton , NJ

Cannolis, Sfogiatelli, Pasticotti, Tiramisu, Eclairs, Rhumbaba, Cheesecake, Cup Cakes, Apple Turnovers, Creme Horns, Cream Puffs, Pignoli Cookies, Coffe, Soda/Water

Our Sponsors

Please visit our sponsors who make

this festival possible.

Jay & Jay Italian Specialties, Tent-11 Hamilton , NJ

Pan Fried Ziti, Calamari, Italian Hot Dog, Char-broiled Sausage, Char-broiled Delmonico Steak, Peppers & Egg Sandwich, Italian Chicken Roasted Peppers & Cheese Sandwich, Fresh Cut Fries, Hot Dog, Rice Balls, Bruschetta, Soda, Water

Laughing Crab, Tent-33 Harve De Grace , MD Seafood, Crabs, etc.

Fish & Chips, Crab Cake Sandwich, Softshell w/fries, Clam Strips w/fries, Homemade Crab Won Tons, Homemade Shrimp Won Tons, Shrimp Puppus, Cheese Curly Fries, Soda, Lemonaide and Water

Leonardo's II, Tent-10 Lawrenceville , NJ

Eggplant Parm, Vodka Rigatoni, Tiramisu, Soda/Water

Mamma Rosa's Restaurant, Tent-7 Hamilton , NJ

Tomato Pie style Pizza, Sausage, Veal & Peppers Eggplant, Mussels, Meatballs, Braciole, Pasta Fagioli, Fresh Jersey Tomato Salad, Soda and Water

Massimo's Trattoria, Tent-37 Robbinsville , NJ

Vodka Rigatoni, Spaghetti & Meatball, Cheesestaks, Cheeseburgers, Hot Dogs, Soda, Water

Mom's Concession, Tent-2 Scotch Plains , NJ London Broil, Chicken

London Broil, Chicken Breast, French Fries, Fresh Lemonade

Nino's Pastry Shop, Tent-5 Hamilton , NJ Pastries

Cannolis, Sfogliatelle, Pasticiotti, Lobster Tails, Filled Sweet Breads, Italian Cookies, Cream Puffs, Eclairs, Soda, Water

Pennsylvania Dutch Funnel Cake, Tent-16 Trenton , NJ

Funnel Cake, Ice Cream, Soda, Cappuccino

Pete's Steak House, Tent-35 Ewing Township , NJ

Steaks, Sausage with Peppers & Onions, Hot Dogs, French Fries Soda

Poppin Don's Kettle Corn, Tent-55 Yardville , NJ

Kettle Corn, Nuts, Cake, Donuts, Seasoned Fries, Italian Sodas, Draft Birchbeer, Old Fashioned Lemonade, Water

Porfirio's Market, T-6 Hamilton/Trenton , NJ Ravioli, Rigatoni, Pork

Ravioli Marinara with or without Meatball, Vodka Rigatoni with or without Meatball, Roast Pork

Revere Restorante Italiano, Tent-3 Ewing Township , NJ

Vodka Rigatoni, Fried Calamari, Pizza Fritta, Escarole & Beans, Filet Mignon, Jersey Tomato Salad

Robert Buzzetta's Festival Foods, Tent-17 Trenton , NJ

Italian Sausage, Philly Cheese Steaks, Italian Hot Dogs, Chicken Parmigiani, Hot Dogs, French Fries, Grilled Chicken, Meatball Parm, Vodka Rigatoni, Soda, Water and Lemonade

Scala Bakery, Tent-19 Pastries

Cannoli's Stgotellie, Pastiocotti, Crosses, Napoleons, Eclairs, Carrott Cake, Baba's, Lobster Tails, Cheese Cakes, Casatina's, Mousse, Apple Cobbler, Peach Tarts, Tiramisu, Cup Cakes

Scara's Italian Ice, Tent-36 Hamilton , NJ

Spumoni, Tortoni, Italian Ice, Ice Cream, Tartufo, Tiramisu, Chocolate Mousse, Sorbet, Italian Gelato, Root Beer Float, Smoothies, Water, Soda

Steve-O's, Tent-20 Ewing , NJ Sausage, Pork, Chicken

Sausage and Roast Pork, Chicken Parm, Meatball Parm, Chicken Bosciaolo, Soda, Water and Lemonade

Tallone's Rib Eyes, Tent-9 Trenton , NJ

Rib Eye Steak, London Broil, Roast Pork, Meat Ball Sandwich, Mussels Mariana, Home Made Rice Balls, Shish-ka-Bob Soda, Water

Tip of the Boot Slot-15 Paoli , PA

Homemade Crab Marinara Sauces, "A Taste of Italy"

Tony's Italian Sausage, Tent-15 Hazlet , NJ

Sausage Sandwich, Steak Sandwich, Fresh Lemonade, Soda, Water

Hot Sandwiches Wild Bills Old Fashion Soda, Tent-25 Bernardsville , NJ

Old Fashioned Soda in Collectable Cups

The Brumidi Society, a member of the Confer-ence of Presidents, encourages the recognition of distinguished Italians nationally. They would like all “festas” throughout the country to honor Galileo by setting up an exhibit or booth. Such an exhibit is planned for this year’s Mercer County Italian-American Festival this year. The exhibit will feature this large painting of Galileo by MCIAF member Bill Plank, entitled “Galileo – The Starry Messenger.” Galileo is pictured holding a telescope against the back-ground of stars and planets which were the sub-jects of his exploration. Also included is the Galileo space craft, which was launched in 1989 to study Jupiter and its moons. The images show a link between Galileo’s past and his influence on the future. Prints will be available, and the painting will be displayed along with other images of space exploration. Also available will be lesson plans for teachers, suggesting ways to insure Galileo’s contributions are viewed as an on-going influence on young people today. For more information contact the artist at billplankart@yahoo.com.

Benvenuti !

Ottima cucina, bevande, e divertimenti per tutta la famiglia!

Welcome !

great food, drinks and fun for the whole family