Licia Albanese, Exalted Soprano, Is Dead at 105
by Margalit Fox Licia Albanese, an Italian-born soprano whose veneration by audiences worldwide was copious even by the standards of operatic adulation, died on Friday at her home in Manhattan. She was 105. Her son, Joseph Gimma, confirmed her death. After making her debut in Europe in the 1930s, Miss Albanese (her name is pr...
Terrana, Nocito, Valenti to be honored by Italian-American Association
Three locals will be honored by the Italian-American Association at the 37th Annual Columbus Day Banquet on Sunday, Oct. 12 at Gennetti Hotel and Convention Center, Wilkes-Barre. Those honored will be Person of the Year, attorney John Terrana, and the Lifetime Achievement Award, Lori Nocito. The Italian Heritage Award recipient will be Cha...
Sons of Italy Royal Gorge Lodge hosts successful second annual event at Macon Plaza
By Sarah Rose The 13-year-old carrying a multicolored umbrella was about twice as tall as almost everyone at the event. He isn't naturally that tall, though. Nico Wilson of the Salida Circus was walking around on stilts. The circus was one of the attractions at the second annual Sons of Italy Royal Gorge Lodge 2866 Italian Festival, which w...
Vincent Pastore, actor, to lead Bronx Columbus Day Parade
A familiar face to many will be heading up Morris Park Avenue in a few weeks. The grand marshal of the 2014 Bronx Columbus Day Parade is Vincent Pastore, the actor best known for his role on The Sopranos. Pastore, a 3rd generation Italian-American, said he's proud to represent Italian culture and history at this year's Columbus Day Parade...
Terroni opening wine and aperitivo bar in downtown LA
Terroni, the Toronto-based Italian restaurant with locations in Beverly Grove and Downtown, announced yesterday it places to open a new café called Dopolavoro on Spring Street, just a few steps away from their Downtown location (next to Peking Tavern). It's expected to open in early 2015. According to a press release, Dopolavoro—which mean...
North Beach Public Library Shines During Italian Heritage Month
In observance of Italian Heritage Month, San Francisco's North Beach Public Library is putting on a stellar series of events. With many thanks to the engaged leadership of Ms. Bernadette Festa, the library is orchestrating public engagement that recognizes the vast and rich cultural influence the Italians have had in this area. The program of even...
'My Italian Secret': Hamptons Review
Yet another fascinating, little-know story about the Holocaust is movingly related in Oren Jacoby's documentary about the role that Italians played in rescuing their Jewish neighbors during the height of the Nazi occupation. Relating the tales of such largely forgotten heroes as Italian cycling champion Gino Bartali and physician Giovanni...
The Conversation: How Jerry Viviano’s Benefit Variety Show got its groove
Jerry Viviano of Overland Park is host of the Viviano Benefit Variety Show, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Viviano also works full-time in sales for Sysco. This year's show, which benefits Don Bosco Center, is at 6 p.m. Nov. 22 in Rose Theatre at Rockhurst High School. Tickets are $25 and include an Italian dinner; call H...
Il Punto - Italian Cultural Center
Dear Friends, it is my pleasure to announce that an Italian Cultural Center has been founded in Seattle. The name chosen is "Il Punto!" (the Point) because it is envisioned that the center will be "il punto d'incontro" (the meeting point) for all Italians, Italian-Americans and people passionate about Italy from around our region. The miss...
Hoboken fans celebrate Frank Sinatra's 99th birthday in song
On Dec. 12, 1915 in Hoboken, New Jersey, Italian immigrants Natalina "Dolly" Garaventa and Antonino Martino Sinatra welcomed a new baby boy into the world. As they held their only child in their arms, dreaming of what his future held, the couple likely never imagined that their Frankie would grow up to become an international music icon wh...
Real-Life 'Monuments Man' In Spotlight At New Haven Museum
In 1926, Deane Keller of New Haven won the Prix de Rome, a prestigious award that allowed him to study art in Italy for three years. Little did he know that those three years were setting the stage for his greatest accomplishment. During World War II, President Roosevelt recruited art experts to go to Europe to protect their art treasures...
That’s amore: Love story is on the menu at Agostino’s
John Gabrielle tells a love story just about every night. It's about him and his wife, Francesca. They own Agostino's Restaurant in Fairview Heights with other family members, including his mom, Rosa, and brother, Paul, who is executive chef. John, 57, works the dining room, a large area with murals of Italy on the wall and white cloths on th...