festa 2026 ENTERTAINMENT
Below you will find the needed forms to fill out and register for all applicable venues concerning the up and coming Festa Italiana. Simply download/print and complete, then mail with payment to appropriate individual(s).
5:00 PM
Ibsen Dance Theatre
Northland dancer open the Festa
Ibsen Dance Theatre was founded in 1983, by Susie & Van Ibsen.
IDT offers the finest dance, theatre, and voice training in the Northland.
A welcoming place for students of all ages.
5:15 PM
Frank Favoroso
Classic Rock & Country
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.
5:30 PM
Frank Cherrito
KC’s smooth Italian crooner
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.
6:00 PM
Studio 3V Dance Center
Independence dancers make Festa debut
Studio 3V is a family-owned dance studio proudly celebrating 30 years of inspiring young dancers. Welcoming students from age 2 through 92, the studio offers classes in jazz, tap, acro, pom, and other performance styles, helping each dancer grow in skill and confidence. Dancers have the opportunity to compete while also giving back through local performances for veterans, community events, parades, and celebrations. More than just a studio, Studio 3V is truly a family; built on encouragement, teamwork, and lasting friendships. After three decades, it’s especially meaningful to see former dancers now bringing their own children, creating a second generation of Studio 3V dancers.
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!
8:30 PM
UNICO's Meatball Eating Contest
Very entertaining!
The UNICO KC meatball eating contest is a lively annual event where participants race against the clock to be the first to devour a set amount of savory Italian meatballs. This spirited competition brings the community together, blending friendly rivalry with a delicious tradition. Sponsored by Johnny C's
The Bronx Wanderers are a dynamic musical group known for their energetic performances and rich blend of classic rock, doo-wop, and pop hits. They capture the spirit of the Bronx's musical history, drawing inspiration from legends like Frankie Valli and Dion. Led by Vinny Adinolfi and his sons, the band brings a multigenerational twist to timeless favorites, creating a nostalgic yet fresh concert experience.
They’ve built a strong reputation through live shows in Las Vegas and nationwide tours, winning over fans with their tight harmonies and infectious stage presence. Are you thinking about featuring them in your podcast or just exploring their music? Let me know!
Italian Motor Show
Sunday, May 31st
Noon - 2 PM
UNICO
Wine Tasting Tent
Located on the west side of the festival grounds
May 30th
Saturday (Sabato)
11:00 AM
Live with Jasper Mirable
Celebrity Italian Chef hosts show with guests.
11:30 PM
Chef Jasper’s Demo
KC’s favorite Italian Chef’s Recipe
12:00 PM
U.N.I.C.O’s Cannoli Eating Contest
Hosted by Jasper Mirable
12:30 PM
The Gumba’s
A musical journey through Italy.
*Special Appearance:
Watch for The Strolling Gumbas
from 1:00-2:00 on the Festival Grounds*
1:00 PM
Elizabeth Vigliaturo Tabor
Festa’s young dancer returns in 2026
1:10 PM
Anthony Manzella
Sinatra by Anthony
1:45 PM
The Viviano Brothers
Singing Italian favorites
3:00 PM
Cherry Bomb
Kansas City’s hottest party band
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
May 29th
Friday (Venerdì)
5:00 PM
Ibsen Dance Theatre
Northland dancers open the Festa
5:15 PM
Frank Favoroso
Classic Rock & Country
5:30 PM
Frank Cherrito
KC’s smooth Italian crooner
6:00 PM
Studio 3V Dance Center
Independence dancers make Festa debut
7:00 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!
May 31st
Sunday (Domenica)
10:00 AM
Catholic Mass
Presiding celebrant – 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
The Rich Sisters
Monroe & Marlie – Festa’s youngest dancers
1:30 PM
Melrose’s School of Dance
Liberty’s showcase dancers
2:30 PM
Musicology Band
High energy premier party band featuring Carl Cherrito
4:00 PM
Recognition of U.N.I.C.O Scholarship Winners
Join 'My KC Live' as they celebrate culture, cuisine, and community at Festa Italiana 2026 — Kansas City’s premier Italian festival!
From authentic food to lively entertainment, don’t miss this unforgettable weekend of Italian heritage.
11:00 AM
Live with Jasper Mirable
Celebrity Italian chef hosts hour show with guests.
Hosted by 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.
12:00 PM
U.N.I.C.O’s Cannoli Eating Contest
Hosted by Jasper Mirable
The UNICO KC Cannoli eating contest is a lively annual event where participants race against the clock to be the first to devour a set amount of mouth watering Italian Cannolis. This spirited competition brings the community together, blending friendly rivalry with a delicious tradition.
12:30 PM
The Gumba’s
A musical journey through Italy.
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 frank.ancona@att.net
1:10 PM
Anthony Manzella
Sinatra by Anthony
Hi, I’m Anthony Manzella born and raised here in KC. I call my show Sinatra and friends. All of this happened when I attended a Karaoke pool party in June 2023. The KJ and Karaoke friends encouraged me to participate and found an “old soul” talent bringing smiles to many faces. I then had the opportunity to perform various shows with the Elvis Tribute artist who is the KJ, (Sinatra opening up for Elvis, Frank must have been rolling in his grave).
I was often encouraged by friends and strangers to go out on my own. So in January of 2025, I started playing Senior Centers, Living Centers, like Don Bosco. I performed at John David DiCapo’s Salvation Army fundraiser in October, in honor of his dad, Carl DiCapo.
Now I get to perform here at the Festa! I remember attending as a kid at Crown Center. I hope you enjoy the songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Nat King Cole as I do.
After this weekend maybe you’ll see more of me around town. Email me sinatrabyanthony@gmail.com I do Benefits, fundraisers and shows
1:45 PM
The Viviano Brothers
Singing Italian Favorites
Jerry: is a proud active member of UNICO Kansas City Chapter and the entertainment director of Festa Italiana for the 20th 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.
3:00 PM
Cherry Bomb
Kansas City's hottest party band
Cherry Bomb is a popular Kansas City-based party band known for high-energy performances of pop, rock, and dance hits from the 1970s to today. Led by vocalist Natalie and a seasoned lineup, they are staples at local venues, festivals, and private events, celebrated for engaging crowds and delivering a lively, fun atmosphere
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.
With the musical style and calendar-guy looks this New Jersey native exhibits, David Sanborn and other popular pop-jazz sax men better look out! Joe Vincelli, recognized for his upbeat and passionate style, has reviewers describing his music as "smooth" with an "edge". Others have simply used "high octane". Vincelli says, "I like to express what I feel whether I'm performing on stage or in the audience. There is such a communication there through the music, and I feel that they pay me the highest compliments when my performance touches them."
Kate Cosentino is a Kansas City-born and raised pop-rock singer-songwriter known for her sharp irony, emotional honesty, and painfully accurate observations on modern life. A witty lyricist and jazz guitarist, she blends groovy hooks with electro-pop textures, crafting songs that explore the liminal space between childhood and adulthood — from modern dating culture to the plague of monetizing everything.
Her sound sits at the intersection of Remi Wolf and Weezer, with the candid lyricism of Regina Spektor and Sara Bareilles, balanced by Bo Burnham–esque observational wit. Since appearing on Season 23 of The Voice, Kate has been featured in Billboard, NPR, and American Songwriter, opened for artists including Niall Horan and Ricky Montgomery, and toured across the U.S. She is set to release her debut album, Weirdly Normal, late this summer.
The Bronx Wanderers are a dynamic musical group known for their energetic performances and rich blend of classic rock, doo-wop, and pop hits. They capture the spirit of the Bronx's musical history, drawing inspiration from legends like Frankie Valli and Dion. Led by Vinny Adinolfi and his sons, the band brings a multigenerational twist to timeless favorites, creating a nostalgic yet fresh concert experience.
They’ve built a strong reputation through live shows in Las Vegas and nationwide tours, winning over fans with their tight harmonies and infectious stage presence. Are you thinking about featuring them in your podcast or just exploring their music? Let me know!
10:00 AM
Catholic Mass
Presiding celebrant – Joseph Cisetti
Pastor of St. Therese North Parish
B.A. University of Missouri-Kansas City, M. Div. Mundelein Seminary, S.T.L. University of St. Mary of the Lake, M.A. Creighton University
A priest of the Kansas City-St. Joseph Diocese since 1991 and pastor of St. Therese North since 2011. Enjoys reading, swimming and playing the piano.
“I am honored to be asked to serve on this committee and hope this process will unite the people of our diocese and draw us closer together in Christ.”
11:00 AM
Chef Chris Canzoneri
Secret recipe from Garozzo’s head chef
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.
11:30 AM
Maria Milazzo
Singing Italian arias and classics
Maria Milazzo, Italian-American Soprano and past UNICO Scholarship recipient, is thrilled to be singing at Festa Italiana! Maria graduated with her M.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and her B.M. in Vocal Performance from Westminster Choir College. Maria has most recently worked on the role of Suor Genovieffa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica with Kansas City Opera on Tap. Maria enjoys singing arias, classical art song, musical theatre, oratorio, and liturgical song amongst others.
With an extensive background in music, vocal performance, music education, and theatre, Maria has directed choirs and musicals and worked with singers of all ages. She is currently the Director of Campus Ministry at Notre Dame de Sion High School having graduated in 2023 with her Masters of Divinity from Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary. Maria has developed a love for teaching and music-making with people of all ages and hopes to continue bringing music to the Kansas City community in many forms for years to come!
Maria will be the cantor at the outdoor Catholic Mass at 10 AM on Sunday June 1 and will perform some Italian arias and classics at 11:30 AM on Sunday.
12:00 PM
The Gumba’s
A musical journey through Italy
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 frank.ancona@att.net
1:00 PM
the Rich Sisters
Monroe & Marlie – Festa’s youngest dancers
Monroe and Marlie Rich discovered their love for dance at an early age at Priscilla and Dana's School of Dance, and both sisters bring energy, creativity, and joy to everything they do. At 9 years old, Monroe has already made a name for herself in the dance world, performing on the national stage in Florida and becoming a two-time National Dance Champion at age 7. She is a well-rounded performer and athlete, enjoying piano, Girl Scouts, tumbling, volleyball and soccer.
At 5 years old, Marlie shines with her own bright spark, exploring dance, soccer, and softball while always eager for new adventures. Together, the sisters share a love of movement, the lake, and spending time with family. They both adore Italy—especially indulging in gelato—and are most looking forward to hosting their Italian cousins this summer, excited to share fun, laughter, and special memories with them.
1:30 PM
Melrose’s School of Dance
Liberty’s Showcase Dancers
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!!!
2:30 PM
Musicology Band
High energy premier party band featuring Carl Cherrito
From the classics of The Gap Band, Kool & The Gang, Doobie Brothers, Prince, Tina Turner, Chaka Khan, Teena Marie, The Dazz Band and Temptations just to name a few! Our catalog is never complete and we always add the greatest and best hits for our clients. We take pride in making sure our client has the best experience!
"Masters of the vibe" "Hear it, Feel it, Live it" "Bringing Theory to Life"
4:00 PM
Recognition of
U.N.I.C.O Scholarship Winners
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.
We are very excited to see you and your families attend the 2026 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!
