Italian American Girl ™

My Italian Father and His Garden...

2012-06-01T19:37:00.006-04:00

If you're Italian or grew up Italian American with strong Italian traditions than that would mean someone in your family has an Italian garden. The garden that you grew up knowing with tons of tomato plants, eggplant, basil, zucchini, (from which you got your zucchini flowers to make fritelle) and so on.. what didn't the Italian garden have?

In my case, you were the kid who went to school bragging about your father's garden and how you ate fresh vegetables or how you made tomato sauce at the end of the summer with the tomatoes from your garden. My mother would always prepare nightly dinner in the summers with all fresh vegetables right out of the garden, now a days this is called "GREEN" or "ORGANIC." Who knew my mother and father had me living so green conscious and organic from an early age, to me it was just normal. It still is. So when people talk about starting a herb garden, I kind of snicker not because it's funny, but because I laugh to myself about how lucky I am that I grew up with such a vast knowledge of agriculture, good food, great cooking and always understanding the quality of what you eat.

My father still grows tons of tomato plants as you can see from the photo above and we do in fact make our sauce with those tomatoes from the garden, which lasts the whole winter. It's a tradition we preserved as Italian Americans-- my brothers, sister and myself hold this to be very sacred and consider ourselves extremely fortunate to know how to bottle the sauce in jars. Not only are we making our own sauce, but we've learned to cultivate fruit trees, such as peach trees, which we make our own jam and pies. We know my father is the garden guru, he has neighbors and strangers just stopping in his yard nightly just to ask him questions about how to grow the best garden. Not only does he give advice, but he's giving away plants too, better yet he comes to your yard and plants it for you. It gives him immense pleasure to see others succeed in gardening. No one like my father, that is for sure. So, if you were thinking of actually starting that garden, stop thinking and just do it - there is something extremely therapeutic to gardening and not only that, but it's preserving a very important tradition in our Italian American culture.

Rick Steves Travels To: Rome, Italy: The Ancient Forum

2012-05-31T22:06:00.003-04:00

You know what they say, 'when in Rome, do as the Romans do.' If you've never been to Rome, your missing one of the most historical and educational trips of a lifetime. To be in Rome is to be in the middle of history. The structures, streets, architecture leave you in awe and all the while you're standing in modern day Rome. Watch this tour with travel guru Rick Steves as he ventures into historic and new Rome.

Happy Mother's Day to my Italian Mother....

2012-05-12T09:48:00.005-04:00

Here is a picture of my mother, Francesca. This picture was taken in Reggio Calabria,Italy while we were there visiting on vacation. It's difficult to sum up what a mother means to a person or how they've positively affected you. Don't get me wrong my mother drives me nuts too.. LOL but --I love my mother and thank her for not letting me forget who I am.. Happy Mother's Day Ma!

Photo: Copyright of ItalianAmericanGirl.com - Italian American Girl 2012 - You must ask permission for reuse.

A post by Isabella....Growing Up in the Italian American Life

2012-04-22T12:38:00.010-04:00

A guest post by my niece Isabella, who was very excited to write her first blog post for the Italian American Girl site, she wanted to discuss what it's like growing up Italian American as a 10-year-old. I loved it, hope you do too.

I'm Isabella and I'm 10 years old. With such a successful Aunt, I'm inspired and influenced by her. My life always includes some twists and turns between being a straight-A-student, listening and singing to music, and having to deal with my, lets just say "special" family.

Having an Italian American life is very unique and sometimes a little crazy! When I go to Italy every summer, I feel that rush of excitement everyone feels a certain point of their life. Seeing my cousins and friends (some are boys) makes me wish I could stay there forever! There's always that day, time to leave. I feel great because I miss home. I feel like I'm in despair, too. I don't want leave my Italian friends and family. When I step foot into my house here in New Jersey, it feels so good to be home.

My Nonno and Nonna are also a big influence to me. I feel like I'm in Italy when I'm at their house. Their stories about the history are magnificently detailed from their experience. It means so much to me to have such a great heritage. I wouldn't change it for the world.

THE END!

By Isabella (The little Italian American Girl)

Keeping Italian Traditions in an Italian American Life....

2012-04-14T18:43:00.010-04:00

It's been a while since my last post, but I had to sit down right now and write about this..because lately it's been weighing on me heavily. In previous posts, I've talked about the struggle in maintaining our Italian cultural traditions in our everyday Italian American lives, but I feel as the days goes on and I become busier with projects and just keeping up those important traditions seem to be taking a back seat.

So you may ask, 'what are those traditions?' and quite honestly I would say not all Italians or Italian Americans have the same traditions, but one thing is very consistent and that's maintaining a strong family connection. When we are all so busy with our daily lives, it does become a challenge to spend that time together, or respect your holidays like Easter, but it seems reality of life in America dictates. For example, my brother was so upset about the fact that he had to work on Easter, his job has certain days assigned to holidays.. so it was hard for him to take that day as a holiday. Of course, my family we were certainly sad not to see him for the day, but we understood he had a commitment to work.

When discussing traditional Italian families, it's pretty customary that we take care of each other in some form or another, whether it's just being there for someone or actually doing a physical favor. If any of my family members call me and says 'I need help with....' -- you can bet your ass I will be there for them. I usually get strange looks from people when I tell them how much I did for my sister, mother, father or brothers and likewise if I share a story about how my brother went above and beyond for me, because I know the American mentality is really everyone kind of does their own thing and family members talk to each here and there. Well, we know that's not the case with the Italian American family. We talk to each other all the time and try to see each other as much as possible.

I was having a conversation with friends the other day, they happen to be Italian American, I

was talking about that new show on TLC, "Mama's Boys of the Bronx." Of course as we know many reality shows are exaggerated and larger than life and usually with a negative stereotype on the Italian American. I asked my two friends, "do you think this show is exaggeration or reality?" They having grown up and lived in the Bronx said something to the effect, that's it's real but somewhat glorified.. of which I agreed. Look, we would all be lying if we said our Italian mothers don't do everything for us and treat their sons like kings. I know my mother does, if my brothers are around, my mother starts cooking and serves everything up just to make sure they've eaten and are happy. But with that, my mother takes great pride and happiness in making her sons happy and making sure she spoils them. To her she shows a part of her love this way. So, if you're not exposed or educated on these traditions in the Italian American family you might watch that show and say 'wow, these guys live at home with their moms and their mothers spoil them..' I say yes and no.

Not all Italian American men live like the guys on the show. Of course, there are limits to what's normal and not, but I'm talking about the factor that most Italian women take pride in spoiling and taking care of their children. I would probably do the same, it's a learned behavior - a part of my culture. Even till this day, if I have lunch with my father, I cook lunch and I serve it...or if my brothers come over.. I do the same.. I cook and serve the food, which most people wouldn't think true of me, but I am old school and love doing that for people I love. It gives me happiness to know I did something that my family appreciates.

Where do these traditions fit into our daily American lives? Will we maintain those traditions like our Italian mothers did?

Photo Credit: TLC

Buona Pasqua A Tutti - Happy Easter!

2012-04-08T08:12:00.002-04:00

Happy Easter everyone, hope you all have an amazing day filled with family and love.

Love-

Margaret

Italian American Girl

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

2012-03-01T20:54:00.008-05:00

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

Italian Superstar JOVANOTTI Announces First Round of 2012 US Concert Dates

2012-02-11T12:06:00.007-05:00

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

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

2012-01-28T09:01:00.006-05:00

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

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

2012-01-14T16:51:00.005-05:00

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

Digital Diary of Basilicata : A Video Masterpiece of Italy

2012-01-02T13:53:00.003-05:00

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.

Italian Merry Christmas - Buon Natale a Tutti!

2011-12-24T10:15:00.003-05:00

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

Italian Singer, Giada Valenti Performing Christmas Show

2011-11-27T09:45:00.014-05:00

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/

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

2011-11-20T08:26:00.002-05:00

The American Dream...My Mother Graduates College

2011-11-19T08:30:00.005-05:00

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.

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

2011-11-09T19:45:00.001-05:00

The Best Parts

Cinema Paradiso

— MOVIECLIPS.com

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

2011-11-02T19:20:00.005-04:00

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#

Photo Of The Day: Italian American Girl in Venice

2011-10-28T07:38:00.003-04:00

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

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

2011-10-24T13:15:00.006-04:00

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

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

2011-10-15T21:18:00.004-04:00

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

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

2011-10-09T18:00:00.000-04:00

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

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

Happy Birthday - Italian American Girl Site Turns 3 !

2011-09-25T20:27:00.004-04:00

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

Rick Steves: Florence, Italy: Michelangelo's David

2011-09-25T11:50:00.000-04:00

Raising Second Generation Italian American Children in the USA

2011-09-05T12:51:00.007-04:00

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

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

2011-09-03T10:10:00.009-04:00

(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