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Festa Italiana
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We are very excited to see you and your families attend the 2023 Italian Festival this summer. We hope to meet your expectations with GREAT FOOD, FABULOUS ENTERTAINMENT and just an all around HAPPY ATMOSPHERE, consistent with the way our families, and our families before us, were raised. It's a little taste of the old country, American style!
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June 2nd ( Friday )5:00 PM Miller Marley Entertainers Overland Park’s premier dance troupe 5:30 PM Frank Cherrito KC’s smooth Italian crooner 6:30 PM Flashback Classic rock, R&B and funk band 8:30 PM UNICO’s Meatball Eating Contest Very entertaining! 9:00 PM The Bronx Wanderers One family, one dream, one amazing rockin’ show! 
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Friday, June 2nd: |
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Miller Marley’s faculty is made up of dedicated professionals, each of whom is a specialist in his/her field. Many of our instructors are among the most sought after choreographers by professional and community theater companies in the city.
Our eight Performance Groups, comprised of selected students from 6 years through high school, are well known by Kansas City audiences for their Broadway-style musical revues. These, along with the Miller Marley Youth Ballet Companies and the Competition Teams, pave the way toward developing students as well-rounded and Miller Marley’s reputation for turning out talent is reflected in its illustrious alumni of which over 60 have gone on to successful stage and film careers. It is not unusual to see Miller Marley credited in a Broadway Playbill as the school that most contributed to a performer’s achievement. Where else but at Miller Marley could you study with a Broadway star, an alumnus teacher and nationally recognized dancers and choreographers from across the country? And, it is designed to appeal to EVERY STUDENT, from intermediate to pre-professional and 4th grade through college. For more information call us at 913-492-0004 or email us at [email protected] The Dancers will open Festa Italiana at 5:00 PM on Friday.
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A native of Kansas City, Frank Cherrito’s singing career began over 40 years ago at a restaurant on Admiral and Grand. Soon Frank found he was booking gigs around the metro area and beyond. He has become a featured entertainer at numerous clubs, restaurants, hotels and various other events.
Catch Frank's act at 5:30 PM on Friday. |
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We’re Flashback, a Kansas City based group that is bringing crowds together for fun and dance with great music. Our songs are easily recognized as the most enjoyed classics, as well as contemporaries in Rock, R&B and downright Funk genres. No boundaries- just good soul moving, butt-shaking fun! You can enjoy our following the most fun-loving and beautiful crowd in town! Flashback is a collaboration of hometown KC boys that sprouted from a summer ‘07 party jam and developed into a hard-working, fun-breeding rhythmic cornucopia suitable for any event. We party through our music, come party with us!
You can dance to Flashback on Friday 6:30 PM. 
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The Bronx Wanderers, up close and personal, yet larger than life, take you on a journey of the greatest music of our time. The story is about a family that delivers a passionate heart-pumping mix of Rock N’ Roll’s great American Songbook from the first generation right through today’s current hit-makers. Buckle your seat belts because THE BRONX WANDERERS bring a high octane, toe tapping, dancing in the aisles experience that "YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!"
This Electrifying Las Vegas Act will be the headliner band at 9:00 PM Friday and Saturday.
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Saturday, June 3rd: |
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Famed Kansas City Restaurateur and Chef, Jasper Mirable, will be doing on stage interviews Saturday at 11:00 AM. Jasper’s Restaurant has been rated as one of the premier Italian restaurants in the Midwest for nearly 60 years. Jasper’s is located between State Line and Wornall on 103rd Street in South Kansas City. Adjacent to Jasper’s is their Marco Polo’s Italian Market. This is an ideal place for a quick lunch, for fresh salads, made-to-order sandwiches, homemade dressings, and so much more.
Jasper Mirable will also host the Cannoli Eating contest at 12:00 PM on Saturday.
Service options:
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The Gumbas began singing together in 2004. Originally organized because they love Italian music, they wanted to perpetuate the singing of their favorite Italian folk songs and love songs.They have performed at Italian Festivals in Lawrence Kansas, Des Moines Iowa, and Kansas City Missouri, as well as numerous private events. “We love to sing, you’ll love to listen” For bookings contact Frank Ancona 816-547-7860 or e-mail to [email protected]
The Gumbas will take the stage at 12:30 PM on Saturday and then again at 12:00 PM on Sunday.
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Sisters Sofia and Isabella Cascone, ages 19 and 18, have been dancing and performing on stage since the age of two. Sofia just completed her freshman year at Arizona State University where she is a member of the dance team. Isabella trains at Priscilla and Dana’s School of Dance in Kansas City, Missouri, and performs in regional and national competitions with jazz and modern solo acts, and in group jazz, tap, lyrical, ballet, contemporary and modern routines. The girls’ performances have earned them many prestigious awards and accolades over the years. Locally, they have performed at various charitable and cultural events, including MyArts KC, Fox 4 Love Fund for Children, Cabela’s, Miss Kansas City Pageant, KC Classic exhibition and of course the Kansas City Festa Italiana. This is their 15th year performing at the Festa!
Sofia and Isabella are second generation Italian-American. They enjoy dancing for trophies and titles, but their greatest reward is giving back, and they are honored to do so by performing on stage as proud representatives of their nationality. Please join the Cascone sisters on Saturday, June 3th at 1:00pm as they take the stage at this year’s Festa Italiana. |
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My father, Ugo Pagano, was born on the island of Ponza, which is part of the Lazio region of Rome. My mother, Esterina Insogna, was born in Jersey City, New Jersey and right after she was born, her family moved to Isernia, Italy in the Molise region where she grew up. She lost her American citizenship and became an Italian citizen. The family left for America after my parents got married and tried to make a go of it in Italy. There was no work available right after the war. Both of my parents had their dreams shattered. My father had a contract ready to sign to play professional soccer as a goalie for the Italian Team. My mother was given the opportunity to sing professional opera at the Rome Conservatory for free. Both sides of my grandparents told my parents that they were going to be teachers and to not to pursue their dreams because their desired professions were not honorable.
My family left their life in Italy for America in the year 1954. I was born the following year in St. Louis, Mo. We lived on Chestnut Street in Crystal City, a small town south of St Louis with our grandparent and I grew up at that house. When I was 6 years old my Mama Esterina taught me how to make tagliatelle by hand. I thought it was simply magic! I loved that she taught me and I will never forget it! At the same time, I started working at my Uncle Tony and Aunt Marie’s Pizzeria in Festus, Mo. It was the first pizzeria in the area and very successful. I started folding pizza boxes for a penny a box. I had to stamp them with the pizzeria logo and then fold them. I used to fold 500 boxes for Saturday night. I graduated to washing dishes when I was 10 years old. I used to wash pots and pans in a one- compartment sink. I stood on a milk crate because I couldn’t reach the bottom of the sink! Finally, I graduated to making pizzas when I was in high school. I loved doing it because I got to throw the pizza dough up in the air and catch it. It was awesome! Once in the summer my Uncle Tony and Aunt Marie went back to Ponza, Italy for two months. They streamlined the menu and had one of the seniority workers open and close the restaurant. I was too young to get a job anywhere else so my Mama and I decided to bake bread for sale to family and friends. She taught me how to bake the bread. We would get up at 4:30am in the morning and we would bake 30 loaves a day. After a little while I started making the bread on my own. I took my Mama’s laundry basket, tied it to my bike and filled the basket with bread. My first stop was a famous basketball player who lived close to us, a man who later became Senator and ran for President: Bill Bradley! He would buy 4 loaves at a time! That summer I made $500.00. I knew then that I wanted to become a chef. A good friend of mine was attending the Culinary Institute of New York and recommended the school to me. I graduated from CIA and started my journey as kitchen help, moving up until I became a Chef. I started working on my own recipes and perfecting them, for I knew at some point I would write my own cookbook. It took about 8 years gathering recipes. I focused more intently on the process during the last 3 years. My wife Debbie said, “You should write a cookbook.” I came up with Home Party Cookbook because it teaches you how to throw your own party at home for family and friends. We needed that after the pandemic to get closer to what matters most: those we love. My cookbook takes you step-by-step on how to create a party and have more time for your family, friends, and guests!! Home Party Cookbook- It’s a way to honor all the gifts of love and time from family in the past and focus on what is most important right now: time and great food with family and friends that creates excellent memories!! Silverio will cook up a secret recipe at 1:30 PM on Saturday. |
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Jerry: is a proud active member of UNICO Kansas City Chapter and the entertainment director of Festa Italiana for the 16th year. He is also the chairman, founder and director of the Viviano Benefit Variety Show held the third Saturday in November at Rockhurst High School’s Rose Theatre. The event has netted over $2,400,000 for several Kansas City charities since its inception in 1985.
Frank: the youngest of the Viviano brothers, performs at clubs, hotels, festivals and private parties in St. Louis. He has written and recorded four original songs that have been played on major radio stations. Frank has performed with members of the Jimmy Buffet band, Sheryl Crow, and was an opening act for Chuck Berry.He has also produced and performed in a TV commercial for Popeye’s Restaurants. Tony: and his band have performed at the most prestigious hotels, country clubs, restaurants and night clubs in St. Louis, Las Vegas, Chicago, Kansas City, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and at numerous Italian Festivals around the country. He has performed with such greats as Tony Orlando, Carol Channing, and Tony Bennett. Rose: Rose’s greatest performances and influences have been offstage. She is the biggest cheerleader of the Viviano brothers and is always supportive of the family and our heritage in all she does. She was the caretaker of Mama Viviano in her last years and continues to give to her family and friends. Rose, a widow, is the mother of 3 daughters, Antonena, Sharon, and Julie, a grandmother of 11, and a great grandmother of 5. |
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Katherine Viviano is thrilled to be returning to Kansas City for Festa Italiana. After graduating from Millikin University with a BFA in Musical Theatre in 2018, she moved to her new home of Chicago, IL. There, she kicked off her performance career in Paramount Theatre's Beauty and the Beast as a member of the ensemble and the understudy for Madame de la Grande Bouche. Her list of credits include “Cinderella” at the paramount Theatre, “Women of Soul” at the Mercury Theatre and she had had numerous performances in summers at the Rocky Mountain Theatre in Grand Lake, Co. Katherine, the daughter of Festival Entertainment Director Jerry Viviano, extends her deepest gratitude to each of you for attending the showcase of our Italian heritage. We couldn’t have done it without you!
She will be performing at 2:30 PM on Saturday and will make a cameo guest appearance on Saturday night with the Bronx Wanderers. |
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Frank Favoroso is a returning performer of the Festa. He will be singing a variety of music ranging from country, rock and roll and top 40 hits from the day.
Frank will be performing at 3:00 pm on Saturday |
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My father Paul Donze was born in Camporeale, Sicily and immigrated to Kansas City with his mother and siblings in 1960. I was born in Kansas City and spent my early childhood in Northeast Kansas City before moving with my parents to Independence, MO. I attended St. Mary’s High School and Rockhurst University, later following my passion for cooking by working my way through the ranks and attaining the rank of Executive Sous Chef at The Country Club of Blue Springs, then later became the Executive Chef for Lakewood Oaks Golf Club, as well as two other establishments.
I left the culinary field to pursue a new career in the financial services industry. Currently I am an entrepreneur, Property Manager and Elvis Tribute Artist. In August of 2019 I started singing Karaoke and was repeatedly told I sounded like Elvis without really trying. I then started singing Elvis’ songs and with the encouragement and support of my girlfriend Dee, I started to perform Elvis Presley music in my own tribute shows in retirement communities, for special events, and at a local bar. This is his second time performing at the Festa Italiana. Michael will be performing at 4:00 pm on Saturday |
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Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs are the Midwest’s Premiere Tribute to the Disco Era. The Dick was formed in Kansas City, Missouri in 1998. With nearly 20 years under their belts’, Disco Dick & the Mirrorballs have gained quite a reputation for their one of a kind show. Playing the greatest hits from KC and the Sunshine Band, Kool and the Gang, the Commodores, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson and many more, the group has certainly established themselves as a premiere disco act. However, Disco Dick’s roots are also very evident, raised on Rock & Roll, the guys have gained notoriety from also including groups like Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Poison, Def Leppard and many more within their sets.
You can catch their act at 5:00 PM on Saturday.
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Italian singer, pianist, song composer and writer.
Italian, born and raised in the wonderful province of Lucca, in the heart of Tuscany; she approaches the music from an early age, showing since the beginning a natural talent for singing and music. She graduated in piano at the Conservatory of Lucca and then, moved to Rome, she attended several important Italian TV and radio shows on the main national channels as guest singer, pianist, performer and writer. As a writer and song composer as well she has been collaborating for several discography projects (Den J Rose, Shock Mama, Duel, Alex Barattini, Gold ‘n Chic), movie soundtracks, TV, radio jingles, documentaries and commercials. In 2011 Ilaria met the most beloved tenor Andrea Bocelli and since then she has been performing with Andrea Bocelli as guest pop artist all over the world in tours, festivals and special events. Ilaria sings and have been recording in Spanish, Russian, Swahili, French, Armenian, Portuguese, Arabic, Jewish as well as English and Italian as a tribute to some of the countries that kindly have hosted her during worldwide tours and journey. In 2020 she released the album “The Music of My Heart” following the success of the music show of the same name presented at “The Cutting Room” in New York City. Ilaria can lay claim to a remarkable series of collaborations with illustrious artists such us Andrea Bocelli, David Foster, John Legend, Lionel Richie, Reba McEntire, Sophia Loren, De Laurentiis, Leona Lewis and many more. In 2016 Ilaria received the USA green card for her artistic skills and career. In only 15 years, she matured an extraordinary success both in in Italy and abroad (Europe, USA, Asia, Russia, Africa) putting on more than 2,000 concerts and live shows designed to entertain the audience. Since 2012 she is sponsor of Arpa Foundation and warmly supports the ABF - Andrea Bocelli Foundation, performing as singer and presenter for many events and by taking part of several missions in Italy and abroad. She will be entertaining at 7:00 PM on Saturday |
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The Bronx Wanderers, up close and personal, yet larger than life, take you on a journey of the greatest music of our time. The story is about a family that delivers a passionate heart-pumping mix of Rock N’ Roll’s great American Songbook from the first generation right through today’s current hit-makers. Buckle your seat belts because THE BRONX WANDERERS bring a high octane, toe tapping, dancing in the aisles experience that "YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!"
This Electrifying Las Vegas Act will be the headliner band at 9:00 PM Friday and Saturday.
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Sunday, June 4th: |
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All are welcome to attend. Some of the Festa entertainers will sing during the Mass. Celebrating the Mass will be Father Vincent M. Rogers, UNICO KC’s chaplain. Father Rogers was born and raised in the Chicago area. He studied for the Priesthood at North American College in Rome. Father Vincent is presently the Pastor of St. Andrew the Apostle Parish in Gladstone, MO.
The outdoor Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Sunday. |
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He is the executive chef for Garozzo’s Italian restaurants. He is honored once again this year to cook up a favorite receipt for all to enjoy.
You can see Chris' show at 11:00 AM on Sunday. |
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Soprano, is currently the Director of Music and Liturgy & Music teacher at Nativity of Mary Church & School in Independence, MO. Maria graduated with her M.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in May of 2018 studying under the vocal direction of Maria Kanyova. She graduated from Westminster Choir College with her B.M. in Vocal Performance in 2014. Maria has most recently worked on the roles of La Princesse in Ravel’s L’enfant et les sortileges, Unulfo in Handel’s Rodelinda and Lauretta in Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi with UMKC Opera. Other credits include featured soloist in Brahms’ Liebeslieder Walzer and the chorus of Les Contes d’Hoffman at Westminster Choir College, First Cretan Woman in Idomeneo with Princeton Opera Alliance, and the choruses of La Boheme and Don Giovanni with Eastern Opera of New Jersey. Maria has developed a love for teaching and music within the liturgy and hopes to continue bringing music to the Kansas City community and Diocese in many forms for years to come! As always, she would like to thank her parents and sister for their constant love and support. She wouldn’t be where she is today without them!
Maria will perform Italian classics and favorites at 11:30 AM on Sunday. |
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The Gumbas began singing together in 2004. Originally organized because they love Italian music, they wanted to perpetuate the singing of their favorite Italian folk songs and love songs.They have performed at Italian Festivals in Lawrence Kansas, Des Moines Iowa, and Kansas City Missouri, as well as numerous private events. “We love to sing, you’ll love to listen” For bookings contact Frank Ancona 816-547-7860 or e-mail to [email protected]
The Gumbas will take the stage at 12:00 PM on Sunday.
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Elizabeth (Vigliaturo) Tabor is a 10-year-old who has studied dance for six years at the Dance Arts Center in St. Joseph, MO. She has performed in Dance Arts Center recitals at the Missouri Theatre. She loves to dance and especially enjoys learning Ballet and Jazz.
Elizabeth is the great-granddaughter of longtime Unico member and past President, Joseph D. Vigliaturo. Elizabeth will be dancing at 1:00 PM on Sunday. |
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Guiliana is 8 years old, the oldest of 3 children, and the only daughter! She attends Northview Elementary and is in the second grade. Guiliana is in her second year of the MelRoes Competition/Hip Hop Dance team! Dancing is what she was born to do! When she isn’t dancing, she enjoys hanging out with her friends, doing hair and make up, and being the best big sister. Guiliana wants be a hair dresser and have her own salon like her aunt when she grows up!
Festa's youngest dancer will perform at 1:15 PM on Sunday |
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MelRoe’s School of Dance started in 1997 and is going on their 26th year of being in business. Rosemary Glorioso and Melanie Egbert are the Co-Owners of MelRoe’s School of Dance located in Liberty, MO and both hold B.A. degrees in education. MelRoe’s offers a variety of classes such as tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, tumbling, leaps and turns, contemporary, modern, pointe, tiny tots, tumble tykes, adult tap, and more! We are currently taking enrollment for our Summer camps and Intensives and offer recreational and competitive classes.
If you would like more information about our studio please call us at 816-781-6989 or visit our website at www.melroesdance.net. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. If you would like to try a class for FREE mention that you heard about us at the Italian Festival and you will also receive $10.00 off your registration fee and a free dance bag or T-shirt! We would love for you to become a part of our dance family. Call us today!!! Liberty's showcase dancers will perform at 1:30 PM on Sunday. |
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KC band that has been around for 22+ years and counting...we are a lively, Rhythm and Blues, Swing, Funk band...with the BEST FANS EVER!!!
They will be performing at 2:00 PM on Sunday.
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Click to see Winners
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Please join us in recognition of our U.N.I.C.O. Scholarship winners as we give a well deserved round of applause for all of their hard work and dedication, not only within this last year, but too, within their entire academia spanning over the past twelve years.
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Special Callout: |
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Dan has loved theater work since his college days at Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paula, Calif. He is currently the Director of Safety and Security for the Blue Valley School District. He and his wife, Allison, have three sons – Stephen, Brendan and Jordan.
Dan will be doing introductions in keeping the acts moving along. |
