For 32 years, the Eldorado has brought the sights, sounds and flavors of Italy to downtown Reno during the Eldorado Great Italian Festival. The festival, held each year over Columbus Day weekend, is a celebration of Italian culture and traditions.

Set for October 12 and 13, the festival transforms downtown Reno into Little Italy with a grape stomp, sauce cookers competition, an Italian farmer's market, bocce ball, kids' gelato eating contest, Ferrari car display, Italian Buffet and incredible, free, live entertainment all weekend long.

Joining the Italian Festival this year is Michael Barimo, who sings in English, Spanish and Italian. His original pop music incorporates elements of Neapolitan songs and a distinct 'pop latino' sensitivity. Michael is also known for his world-class whistling talent, that he incorporates in his performances. This whistling has led him to perform as the musical guest on the Late Show with David Letterman, at Carnegie Hall and as the musical star of the children's TV series '3rd and Bird!' on the Disney Channel and BBC.

Italian Festival fans won't be able to resist tapping their feet to Ray Massa's EuroRhythms, back with their own energetic transformations of traditional pop, Italian and Italian/American music favorites.

The "Ambassador of Italian Music to America," Moreno Fruzetti, will also bring his golden voice and big personality back to Reno. Playing in concerts and festivals across the globe, he has been able to share his passion for all genres of music. Italian Festival attendees will hear selections that range from the 1940s to present including songs from the Golden Era of Italian music and classical music from centuries ago.

Martin Bonventre will join the Italian Festival line-up with his big, warm, open-hearted voice that audiences won't soon forget. Three part harmony girl group, Tre Bella, will sing Italian and Italian American pop music, and the Nevada Opera will give a special performance. Bella Ciao performs the hottest Italian-American hits from the '50s to today in a fun-filled, all-ages show and Capuano n 'T Rock and Primo Basso Band will have everyone livin' la dolce vita.

Italian Festival Entertainment Schedule:

Saturday, October 12

ROME STAGE – 4th and Virginia Streets
9:30-10:15 Nevada Opera

10:30-12:00 Michael Barimo
12:30-2:00 Tre Bella
2:00-2:15 Grease
2:30-4:00 Moreno Fruzzetti
4:30-6:00 Ray Massa's EuroRhythms

VENICE STAGE – 3rd and Virginia Streets
10:30-11:30 Martin Bonventre
12:00-1:30 Ray Massa's EuroRhythms
2:00-3:30 Bella Ciao
4:00-5:30 Capuano n' T Rock

Direct from Italy

Sunday, October 13

ROME STAGE – 4th and Virginia Streets
9:30-11:00 Bella Ciao
11:30-1:00 Michael Barimo

1:15-1:30 Grease
1:45-3:15 Ray Massa's EuroRhythms
3:45-5:15 Moreno Fruzzetti

VENICE STAGE – 3rd and Virginia Streets
10:00-11:30 Primo Basso Band

12:00- 1:30 Tre Bella
2:00-3:00 Martin Bonventre
3:30-5:00 Capuano n' T Rock
Direct from Italy

Celebrate everything Italian with the 32nd Annual Great Eldorado Italian Festival on Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13. For more details, photos and other Italian Festival information visit www.eldoradoreno.com or call 775-786-5700.