We are very excited to see you and your families attend the 2024 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!

Star Studded Venues & Entertainment below...

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U.N.I.C.O.
Wine Tasting Tent

Located on the west side of the festival grounds

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Italian Motor Show

Sunday, June 2nd — Noon - 2 PM 

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May 31st  ( Friday )

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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
Johnny C's Deli & Pasta
​Very entertaining!

9:00 PM
The Bronx Wanderers
One family, one dream, one amazing rockin’ show!
                                                          

June 1st  ( Saturday )

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11:00 AM
Live with Jasper Mirable
Celebrity Italian chef hosts hour show with guests
Hosted by Jasper Mirable

12:00 PM
U.N.I.C.O's Cannoli Eating Contest
​Hosted by Jasper Mirable

12:30 PM
Chef Jasper Mirable
​Chef's Demonstration
Jaspers and Marco Polo Secret Recipe!

1:00 PM
The Gumba’s
A musical journey through Italy

***Special Appearance***
Watch for The Strolling Gumbas
from 1:30 – 2:30
on Festival Grounds 

1:30 PM
The Viviano Brothers
Singing Italian favorites

2:30 PM
Michael Donze
The Italian Elvis Tribute

3:30 PM
Dolewite
KC's Classic Hip Hop Experience

5:00 PM
Disco Dick & The Mirrorballs
The nation’s number one disco experience

6:30 PM
Joseph Vincelli
Internationally Acclaimed Saxophonist,
Flautist and Jazz Artist 

7:30 PM
Kate Cosentino
Local Pop, Jazz Artist, Former Contestant
on The Voice

9:00 PM
The Bronx Wanderers Return

June 2nd  ( Sunday )

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10:00 AM
Catholic Mass
Presiding celebrant – Father Joseph Cisetti 

11:00 AM
Chef Chris Canzoneri
Secret recipe from Garozzo’s head chef

11:30 AM
Maria Milazzo
Singing Italian arias and classics

12:00 PM
The Gumba’s
A musical journey through Italy

1:00 PM
Elizabeth Vigliaturo Tabor
Festa’s young dancer returns in 2023

1:00 PM
Guilana Cuccia
Festa’s youngest dancer

1:15 PM
Frank Favoroso
Classic Rock and Country

1:30 PM
Melrose’s School of Dance
Liberty’s Showcase Dancers

2:30 PM
Four Fried Chickens and a Coke
Upbeat, fun rock band since 1997

4:00 PM
Recognition of
​U.N.I.C.O Scholarship Winners

​​Friday, May 31st:

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​Miller Marley Dancers:

​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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​Frank Cherrito:

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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​Saturday, June 1st:

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Jasper Mirable:  ​

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 will do a chef’s demonstration following the cannoli eating contest at 12:30 PM on Saturday.

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​Service options:

• Dine-in · Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery

Located in:

• Watts Mill Plaza

Address:

• 1201 W 103rd St, Kansas City, MO 64114

Phone:

• (816) 941-6600

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​​The Gumbas:  

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 1:00 PM on Saturday and then again at 12:00 PM on Sunday.​

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​Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs:

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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Flashback:  

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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​​Kate Cosentino:

​Well-versed in the art of puns and guitar-shredding, Kate Cosentino’s music is something of jazzy sleekness atop the lyrical precision of witty slam poetry. Whether you saw her rock the stage as a part of Niall Horan's team for Season 23 of The Voice or saw one of her many goofy social media posts, Cosentino's fun-loving personality, unique sense of style, and witty songwriting shine through in everything she does.

The Nashville-based singer’s discography is aflush with lyrical quippings that indulge in clever wordplay and poignance in the same breath. Songs like "Prettiest Girl in the Room", "Did I?" and “Imposter Syndrome” deal with struggles in a dark world, but Cosentino doesn’t shy away. If anything, her music lets the light in. Donning her personal sound with the fitting description of “Regina Spektor and Norah Jones meeting a Charlie Puth bassline,” Cosentino’s genre-bending style coupled with her authentic storytelling talent make for consistently compelling works of art. Her EP Note to Self was released in May of 2022 and received praise from several outlets including Rolling Stone India. It’s an upbeat homage to her college days covering romantic escapades, identity crises, and struggles with body image. The Kansas City-born star continues to write and release original music while performing all over the United States. You can find her music on all streaming platforms as well as one original song in the books and products for American Girl Doll Tenney Grant.​

Kate will perform local Pop and Jazz favorites at 7:30 PM on Saturday. 

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​​The Bronx Wanderers:  

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 May 31st and Saturday June 1st.

Sunday, June 2nd:

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​​​Catholic Mass:

All are welcome to attend. Some of the Festa entertainers will sing during the Mass. Celebrating the Mass will be Father Joseph Cisetti, pastor of St. Therese-Parkville. 

A native of Kansas City, Father Joseph Cisetti was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph in 1991.  His father, also Joseph, arrived in Kansas City as a displaced person in 1951 and was sponsored by Holy Rosary Parish.  His mother, Josephine Cisetti, née Mannino was born in Kansas City but that side of the family has its roots in Sicily.  He enjoys the opportunity to visit his cousins in Italy.  

Father has served in a number of parishes of the diocese and is currently Pastor of St. Therese North.  

The outdoor Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Sunday.

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​Elizabeth Vigliaturo Tabor

​Elizabeth Vigliaturo Tabor is an 11 year old who has studied dance for 6 years at the Dance Arts Center in St. Joseph, Mo. She has performed in Dance Arts Center recitals at the Missouri Theatre. Shre 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.

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Guiliana Cuccia

​Guiliana is 9 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 1:00 PM on Sunday

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​MelRoe's School of Dance

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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​4 Fried Chickens and A Coke:

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 2:30 PM on Sunday.

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Recognition of U.N.I.C.O Scholarship Winners: 4:00 PM

​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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