Filippo's Italian American Experience

Anno Nuovo - Vita Nuova

2009-01-22T11:11:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

Happy New Year to everyone, Buon Anno Nuovo!!!

Italians have this saying "Anno Nuovo, Vita Nuova," which translates into "New Year, New Life."

And it couldn't be more true for me this year in my life and in the life of this blog. I have enjoyed sharing so many of my thoughts, experiences, photos, videos, laughs, etc. with you over the past few years that I have been blogging. It has been fun for me and I wouldn't have traded it.

I have grown so much from the experience and have come to get to know so many more people better and have developed some great friendships that I know I will keep with me.

You may have gathered that I will not be posting to this blog anymore, but the good news is that the reason is because I will be doing so many other things. I have signed with a manager for my solo singing career, and it is something that I has always been a dream of mind to do it in a bigger way than I have been, and now is finally the time.

So with that, I will need to focus my energies and transfer my energies to other things. But I am hoping that we will not only still keep in touch, but that we will actually get to be in contact more with such tools as Facebook.com, now that I am on there, and Myspace, and Twitter,... and of course, my new website, www.FilippoVoltaggio.com

Of course, my hope and trust is that I will be getting to meet some of you in person as I travel the world singing some of your's and my favorite songs and tell stories like I enjoy doing. Whether I am writing stories or telling them as I have done on the radio or live through the
"Filippo and the Chef" shows, and concerts in the past, I hope to be doing more and more of it.

I can assure you that my "Italian-American Experiences" don't end here just because I have stopped posting to the blog. I have a feeling they will get even more exciting and more interesting. I will have to find a different way and or place to post them. In the meantime, I plan on leaving this blog on-line for all to continue to enjoy and post comments etc., for as long as possible.

I thank you all for having been with me through this phase of "Filippo's Experiences," and I hope and trust you will continue to be part of my life and I yours, through the next phase of experiences. I wish you all a Happy New Year and Happy New Life, IF YOU SO CHOOSE THAT, and remind you all to do the best you can to live out your dreams as well.

Con affetto per voi tutti (with affection for you all),

Filippo

P.S. With that, I post this video of me singing on PBS, with full orchestra the song,
"It's Impossible."

An Good Old Fashioned Christmas - With A Good Old Fashoned Band CD

2008-12-23T17:09:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

With just a few more days till Christmas I don't know if you can get this CD in time for your Christmas stockings, but if you are looking for Good Old Fashioned Music for a Good Old Fashioned Christmas, this is a must.

Now, this is one of the two CDs I mentioned in the previous post. This one is of a friend Composer/Band Leader/Horn Player Paul Frederick and his friend Singer Val Peterson called "the Venture Capital Follies of 1929." Now, none of these are Christmas songs, but boy will it take you back to some good old fashioned times.

Being in the music industry myself, you would think that I wouldn't have been so surprised when I heard it for the first time how much it sounded as if it was recorded in 1929, except for the scratchy record, he, he.

Instead of me carrying on, I borrowed the words off the CDBABY website where the CD could be purchased and am posting them here.

I’m pleased to present "The Venture Capital Follies of 1929", featuring an innovative sound and recording process that brings the jazz inspired pop music of the 1920’s to life in a way never before heard.

This uniquely American musical art form was born from an era in which attitudes about morality and authority were challenged on every front – from hemlines to prohibition. These songs were the battle call of a generation. Twenty piece orchestras and sparkling vocalists brought the music to life in clubs and dance halls.

Because of the limitations of sound recording of that time, the life and vitality of the orchestration and arrangements were reduced to a homogenized, thin, grainy sound – what we normally think of when we consider music from this era.

This CD however is a live, state of the art recording – with a difference. Conventional techniques record each section seperately and them combine

them in the mixing process. The GKM Newport Orchestra, a 20 piece

orchestra with featured vocalist Valerie Peterson, performs each piece

live with individual mics and high fidelity recording that ensures not one

note of one artist in the ensemble is lost. The result is an incomparable, alive, vibrant sound not heard for decades, and in fact never before heard in a 1920’s recording.

LONG AFTER LUNCH MUSIC REVIVES THE SOUNDS OF THE ROARING 20’s

WITH RELEASE OF “THE VENTURE CAPITAL FOLLIES OF 1929”

August 25 - (Los Angeles) – Long After Lunch Music today announced the release of “The Venture Capital Follies of 1929”. The album is a collection of songs popular in the 1920’s, re-arranged and recorded earlier this year featuring Los Angeles-based musicians Paul Frederick and Val Peterson. The album represents a rare venture to recreate the sound and style of the late 20s musical era.

"We are very excited to pay tribute to the wonderful songwriters and musicians from this era who had such a huge impact on popular music throughout the rest of the century," said saxophonist Frederick, who produced, arranged and performed on all 12 tracks. Val Peterson’s authentic, stylistic vocals complete the album’s unique atmosphere. "These selections fit well with many of today's retro film, television, and commercial productions but have been very hard to find in any music library," she added.

“We were fascinated by the idea of doing a period recording that would convey real time sound. The limitations of recording technology back then made all those old recordings sound slightly shrill, thin, grainy & faster than an authentic performance. We’ve faithfully rendered the 20’s style with excellent sound quality,” adds Frederick. “Now you can hear all the subtleties of these layered orchestrations, not just a wash of sound.”

“The Venture Capital Follies of 1929” was recorded by an authentic 20 piece Orchestra in a state of the art Hollywood studio, with some of Los Angeles’ finest session musicians. It features selections that defined the “Gatsby” decade. Tracks like "Plucky Lindy’s Lucky Day" and “I’m In The Market For You” reflect the whimsical novelty songs popular at the time, while tracks like the lush “I’m Confessin’” and dreamy “Pretending” have taken their place in the standard repertoire. With elements of Dixieland, classical, and jazz, the overall effect is that of a sophisticated, carefree culture on the brink of change.

Peterson has been singing jazz in clubs up and down the West Coast for 10 years, has released two CD as a singer/songwriter, and can be heard on many film and television productions. “Since I was classically trained, I couldn’t wait to work on a project that bridged so many genres. These arrangements are so meaty, and there’s no feeling like the power of a live orchestra playing behind you.”

Frederick adds, “Having composed music on over 35 film & television productions, it felt right to go ‘live’ again.” Some of his credits include VH1: Behind the Music series, Emmy nominated TV movie, “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” and "Cowboy Up (Inside The Extreme World Of Bull Riding),”

This CD can be purchased with a full color Art Deco style booklet at CDbaby.com, or the tracks can be downloaded from Apple iTunes, Rhapsody, and Yahoo. It can be special ordered from 2,400 music retailer throughout the world. All tracks are also available for film, television, and commercial licensing.

Paul Frederick is a third generation musician/band leader based in Los Angeles. Specializing in saxophone and clarinet, he regularly performs and records all over the country as well as composing and arranging music for a variety of projects. He has taught composing classes for the DWW at AFI, and is published with Warner Brothers and Alfred Publications.

“We plan on releasing a follow up album with over 20 new arrangements of other fabulous 1920’s song that we have been performing live, both vintage and new originals in the 20’s style. We also are developing a release of original material in the style of Louie Prima and Nat King Cole,” reveals Frederick.

Long After Lunch is a music production company in Los Angeles, California. Housing a music library for licensing, compose original scores for film and television, and produce albums."

Whether you get this CD in time for Christmas or not, it will be something that those of you who remember hearing this music playing in your grandparent's house or your parent's house will enjoy reminiscing. Or those of you who might never have heard this music before and like this kind of music will have hours of enjoyment for years to come.

Filippo

P.S. I found this video of the singer Val Peterson on Youtube.com and guess what, Paul Frederick was in it too, what a coincidence. Enjoy. (English)

A Season of Gifts - Giada Valenti's New CD

2008-12-21T16:34:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

This Season I have been receiving many gifts as I hope and trust you all have, from joy and love to whatever your heart desires.

Besides the joy, friendship and love that I cherish most, I have been receiving gifts in the mail that include so beautiful music CDs. Two in particular I want to note on my blog, since they are both very good, they are both friends and hey, they are both Italian-American.

Actually, the subject of this post is Giada Valenti who is Italian-Italian from Italy-Italy.

I have come to know Giada and her husband JJ over the past couple years and she has proven to be as sweet as she looks, not to mention the sweetness of her voice.

Her press release says it so well, I will let it speak for itself in reagrd to the release of this, her latest CD, "And I Love You So."

"Giada Valenti's sound is a contemporary blend of adult pop with jazz influences - imagine a female version of Michael Buble with a taste of Italia. Recognized for her special voice and great stage presence, Giada is often compared to Peggy Lee, Diana Krall, Connie Francis, and Norah Jones. In Italy, they say she sounds like Mina and Ornella Vanoni.

Although Giada is an accomplished songwriter, she decided to record the works of other great composers for 'And I Love You So.' 'The songs I chose are so close to my heart that I almost feel like they are my own,' she said. 'These songs are timeless, and so are love, music, and romance,' said Giada. 'Ihope my CD can be the soundtrack to good times in the lives of others.'

The album begins with a sweet rendition of 'And I Love You So," a song penned by Don Mclean and made famous by Perry Como, which is followed by the passionate 'Io Che Non Vivo Senza Te,' and Italian classic that has also been performed by the likes of Dusty Springfield, Elvis Presely, and Smokey Robinson.

Valenti, who ws born in Italy and now splits her time between New York and Venice, goes south of the border with 'It's Impossible (Somos Novios)' - a song written by the premier Mexican bolero composer Armando Manzanero. 'My grandparents often played this song in my house, and I always loved it,' recalls Giada. 'Singing this song brings back so many memories of them.'

Brazil also factors into the mix of Valenti's new release 'La Voglia, La Pazzia' was written by the singer/guitarist Toquinho and the poet Vinicius de Moraes, seminal figures in contemporary Brazilian music. Valenti also sings 'Estate,' a beautiful, intense, and poignant song often associated with Joao Gilberto.

Giada turns her attentions to a song written by the great maestro Ennio Morricone, as she sings 'Se,' the love theme from the beloved film 'Cinema Paradiso.' 'The melody is a true work of art; the theme is so romantic,' Valenti said. 'It's so true: how can you explain how much you love someone else? We can try but it's almost impossible. Words are not enough.'

''La Vie En Rose' is the song that made me a singer, ' shares Giada. The great Edith Piaf remains one of her musical idols, and giada is a master interpreter of her works. Valenti features the music of Edith Piaf in her stage show, 'Celebration of the European Divas.' Other songs included on the CD include 'Tell Him I love Him (Dicitencello Vuje),' 'Grande, Grande, Grande,' 'Io Che Amo Solo Te,' and 'I Have But One Heart (Marinariello)' - a song that Giada calls 'so simple and so sweet and yet so beautiful and engaging.'

Giada Valenti dedicates 'And I Love You So' to two great Italian-American heroes, two brothers who died on 9-11 trying to save the lives of others: Firefighter John T Vigiano and Detective Joseph V. Vigiano."

Giada's CD is available on CD and online. Visit giadavalenti.com or myspace.com/giadavalenti

And I hope your Christmas stocking includes this CD for your listening pleasure throughout the winter.

Filippo

P.S. I found this video of Giada on Youtube.com singing "La Vie En Rose," I thought you would enjoy it. (French)

Tis the Season of Joy - AND HUMOR!

2008-12-18T17:51:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

Do I have to remind everyone that it is the Season of Joy and of Humor? Well, I am the one that is throwing in the Humor, I don't know if I have ever heard it said that way. But if you think about it there are all kinds of humor, there are "good humored" people, humorous people, etc. But no matter how you slice it, I think HUMOR is key, especially in this time.

To me, we need to celebrate with humor and also keep our humor in this time, especially if you are in the stores shopping or spending money you shouldn't spend or don't have. But that is another story.

So, the reason for my post today is somewhat humorous. I am blessed with family, friends and fans that are as much into humor as I am and I just had to laugh when I received the above card from an artist fan in New York, Anthony Mancino wishing me the best for the Holidays from him and his wife.

I had to laugh. I wish he would have used a different picture of me, and I don't know where he got this one, but it is funny just the same. And maybe the smug look on my face is perfect considering the funny look on Santa's.

Anthony has made a few of these over the years and I have posted them here, but I don't think I posted this one, which was the very first one he did. He addressed it to my Mother and I since he had just met her at a concert I did in New York the month before. I just ran across it and thought since I was posting the new one, I should post the one that started it all.

Actually, that did not start it. What started it all was when at a concert in New York, I was asked backstage if it was alright with me that a local artist presents me with an art piece that he made which had me as the subject, after the show in front of the whole audience, as a surprise. Well, it wasn't a surprise, because they had to ask my permission, but the art piece was, and meeting Anthony was too since I had never met him.

So that is how it started and I have been enjoying his art "of me," ever since. Grazie, Anthony and Grace.

And will I am thanking fans, I have to mention one of my biggest fans, Mary Lou Consolo. I can't remember where I first met her, but I know that she has been to so many of my shows, I couldn't count. From Connecticut to New York, to Chicago, to Massachusetts to Milwaukee to Florida. Come to think of it, on one of the carribean cruises I did also. I didn't know how she did it.

But one Holiday I received my first annual Christmas Newsletter from her and I saw that Mary Lou got around. This lady was more busy touring than I was at the time. There are pictures of her and I on this blog and on my site and all over, but I just had to post her latest Newsletter which arrived today. In it she mentions how she saw me in one of my appearances.

I wrote her and asked her for permission to post the Newsletter so you know what I mean. Sorry Mary Lou for the oil stain on it. When I opened it and read it, I was enjoying a great plate of pasta with olive oil and garlic, and I wasn't thinking that I was going to post it.

But hey, it's authentic, it's Italian.

Buon Natale to both Mary Lou, Anthony, Grace and all my family, friends and fans.

Filippo

P.S. Speaking of good humor and finding joy in the Season, here is a classic song by John Lennon, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)," only sung in Italian. In fact, the protagonist of the show in this video I found on Youtube.com says that he wonders if the composer new that it would become such a meaningful song at Christmas so many years later.

Here is it. (In Italian).

Mistletoe Mouse - The Latest "Italian" Mouse

2008-12-16T19:48:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

During this magical season, one never knows what one is going to receive in the mail, or under a tree, etc. So true was it with me this morning as I received in the mail a mouse. Yes a mouse. In fact, an Italian Mouse.

You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixon. Oops, those are reindeer. I meant to say, you know Topo Gigio and Pepino the Italian Mice? Well, on this Christmas Season, a season of birth, actually a birth is the reason for the Season, a new Italian Mouse is born, Mistletoe Mouse, and he arrived at my door step this morning.

No, he wasn't wrapped in swaddling clothes, and no he wasn't just abbandoned at my doorstep, he was sent to me by a friend via the US mail.

He came, in the form of a book. This is the inagural year for the mouse, who I have heard about for a few years now from my friend Mattie. For years I have heard that she and her friend Tony had a dream to bring Mistletoe Mouse to life and finally, Tony and Mattie, who really love each other got together, and did what two people who really love each other do, and gave birth to a mouse. What they did was write a story, get the book illustrated and Mattie reading the story and Tony and Mattie singing the song.

And that's how mice are born. The book in which Mistletoe Mouse makes his debut is "The Mistletoe Mouse Song," by Tony Clark and Mattie Lorraine. It is a children's story about a little mouse who saves Christmas Eve because the Reindeer couldn't fly, and well, Mistletoe Mouse knew just what to do.

It takes place in the North Pole, and though I don't know of any Italians that live at the North Pole, you too might wonder, what makes Misteltoe Mouse Italian? Well, easy, his Mommy and Daddy, Tony and Mattie are both Italian-Americans. And therfore that's how and why I consider Mistletoe Mouse an Italian mouse.

And now you know the rest of the story, at least my story of the mouse. If you want to know the mouse's story, you have to buy the book. And if you want to be one of the first to get "The Mistletoe Mouse Song," book and CD for little ones on your shopping list, visit www.MistletoeMouse.com, or E-mail Mistletoe Mouse directly at MistletoeMouse@gmail.com. He might also be able to get your little ones' letter to Santa directly, since it sounds like he is in really good favor with Santa. And by the way, my book came with a certification of authenticity, it was signed by Mistletoe Mouse himself, and it was numbered, no. 56 of 1000 of this first printing, to be exact. So, maybe this first printing will be worth more than the cost someday, if Mistletoe Mouse becomes famous. Maybe we should introduce him to Topo Gigio to see if he can help him, he, he.

Hope you too are having a little fun, or a lot of fun with the Holidays, Italian or not.

Filippo

P.S. Here you will find a video of Mistletoe Mouse from Youtube.com.

Tutto Verde (All Green) - The Global Green Pre-Oscar Party

2008-03-07T00:05:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

Last week I was invited to the 5th Annual Global Green Pre-Oscar Party by a couple friends of mine, Janet Baghoomian and Antoine Bonsorte. Yes, one of them is Italian, can you guess which one.

In fact, remember in one of my last posts I was speaking about the Italian-French connection and of a family who moved from Italy to France? Well, Antonie's family did the same, and so he too speaks better French than Italian.

But in whatever language you listen to him speak, he is an artist par excellence (French word, right?, he, he). Check out his work at www.Bonsorte.com.

At any rate, it was a great event, and Antoine wasn't the only Italian there. I ran into many, including my friend and actress Jodi London from Chicago.

Of course it was a star studded event ala Hollywood and the Oscar Parties, but in this case instead of a "red" carpet, they had a "green" carpet. Global Green is all about promoting smart solutions to global warming, and the event was to benefit global green's climate change initiatives, including the green rebuilding of New Orleans.

Unlike at other events, this time I hung out mainly with my friends and managed to get only pictures of me and them, which was just fine with me.

I did get a shot with fellow Italian-American actor and TV show host Mark DeCarlo who I always enjoy running into and various events, both Italian and Socially Conscious ones. Mark is working on a new show and he told us soon that he would tell us all about it. So, I look forward to that.

We got to enjoy a performance by Italian-Brasilian singer Michael Franti. See the video below of actual footage from the event.

So here's to a greener world,

Filippo

P.S. Below is the video of Italian- Brasilian singer Michael Franti I found on Youtube.com
of his performance at this year's Global Green Pre-Oscar Party. (In English)

NIAF in Los Angeles - Media Dinner

2008-02-27T16:02:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

Tonight marked the night of the Seventh Annual NIAF Media Networking Forum in Los Angeles. And as always it was well attended by noted media industry representatives from various aspects of the business from the greater Los Angeles area.

This year it was held at a well established Italian Restaurant in Studio City, Ca' Del Sole and co-hosted by Silvia Bizio and Laurence Darmiento. As Marcella Leonetti-Tyler, NIAF Area Coordinator, it was a wonderful occasion to met professionals in the field of communications and share ideas.

It was good to get together with other like minded people in the Industry who wish to work together to promote the positive contributions our ancestors and Italian-Americans have made to make America great.

Elissa Ruffino introduced the "Italian Language Camp" in New Jersey and encouraged all to share it with the children in our lives who may be interested in attending and being submerged in Italian language and culture. Sharing it with you is my way of doing my part. Click on the following link to learn more about it, www.niaf.org/concordia.

These are a few picture from the evening.

A Buona Sera it was and a Buona Sera a tutti,

Filippo

P.S. Here is a video I found on Youtube.com of a Public Service Announcement Italian-American Actor Alan Alda of the "MASH" TV fame did for NIAF. (In English)

Relatives In The Movies - And In The News?

2008-02-22T22:21:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

Some of you may remember reading a post of mine a few months or so ago about some possible relatives living in France with whom I share the same surname who found me on the Internet and wrote me. That was Christiane and she is the very proud Mother of two boys, Dimitri and Thomas. I think I joked in my blog saying something like, we have to be related, when I saw that her son and I shared similar passion and drive.

I posted some pictures of him and some American celebrities he had met at a young Directors Conference while here in Hollywood after having won a film competition where his treatment on a film won first prize in France, or something like that. I have to say, some of the juicy details do get lost in the translation. Christiane, having been born in France and not in Italy, after her family moved from Sicily, speaks French and not Italian.

It would be the equivalent of the families that came to America and who's children speak only English and not Italian. At any rate, her English does get us by well enough to know I am proud of her son Thomas too. I have been following his career now, and, evidently I am not the only one.

It seems that the French Ministry of Defense took interest in his movie about a war in Provence in the South of France in 1944 and has helped him film this movie. Though it is a low budget movie, it is already gaining lots of attention because of Thomas. Thomas is the writer, director and one of the lead actors in the film.

Above is an article which came out today in France about him and his movie. In it the writer says many things but pertaining to what I just said, he says that Thomas, at such a young age (23), has somehow managed to professionally shoot a quality movie and get attention of not only the press but the Ministry of Defense etc.

The movie is so low budget that Thomas has enlisted the help of his Mother Christiane and his brother Dimitri. I am sure they are all having a lot of fun even though I know it is hard work.

To see more pictures of the set and scenes from the movie click on the films title here "Au Soldat Inconnu" ("To The Unknown Soldier"). I am sure of one thing, Thomas will not be "unknown," we will be hearing about Thomas Lemoine whether I will be writing about him or not, I am sure many will.

Bravo Thomas,

Filippo

P.S. As those of you who have followed this blog know, I am into connections and certainly connecting, possibly, with long lost relatives is something that excites me. After writing this post, I was looking for an Italian-American connection between Italy and France since Christiane's family moved from Italy to France and not to America like my parents. Interestingly enough, I ran across this video on Youtube.com of a Volleyball European Championship in Berlin in 2003 between Italy and France.

I found this interesting because I thought Volleyball was an American sport. So I did the research and found out I was right. Volleyball was invented by William Morgan, an American, in 1895. I had found my connection. Here is a clip of the game. Incidentally, Italy won. (In Russian?)

Filippo and the Chef - And Amici

2008-02-03T21:48:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

Chef Richard of "Filippo and the Chef" and I, were interviewed today for an upcoming article in Amici Journal by the editor Andrew Guzzaldo. We talked about our summer tour and all kinds of fun stuff that we are up to. I, like you, will have to read the article to know exactly what he will write about but I am grateful to Andrew for his interest and also for his putting out a publication like this for us Italian-Americans.

This is the cover of the Summer Issue with Sylvester Stallone. I don't know if we will be in this one or the one where Ernest Borgnine will be on the cover. It remains to be seen. By the way, did you know Ernest was Italian-American? I didn't until a year or so ago.

Click on the link above to find out more about it or you can even order on Amazon.com.

A presto,

Filippo

P.S. Speaking of Sylvester Stallone, I found on Youtube.com this video of him on Fiorello's show on Italian Television. (In English and Italian)

To Perfect To Pass Up - "Imperfect" David

2008-01-22T15:06:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

When a friend of mine sent me this as a joke, I couldn't help but post if for all of you to laugh or at least get a kick out of seeing it.

I thought this was so apropos since this is the month in which some of us look at the weight that we gained over the Holidays and think about taking it off.

It seems that Michelangelo's David ate a little too much over Christmas and New Year as well and he is contemplating a diet too.

Here's to your New Year Exercise and Diet Resolutions. May this be a visual aid to us all to help us get on track, or should I say, get on the track? He, he.

A presto,

Filippo

P.S. Here is a video I found on Youtube.com that I think is really interesting. It seems that for two years Stanford University Digitally the most famous sculpture in the world, Michelangelo's David, and this video is the result of that work. (Visual and Music Only)

The Gifts Keep Coming - Starting the New Year wtih The Gift of Health

2008-01-15T11:34:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

Well the Holidays have past and the new year is upon us and the gifts still keep coming. I believe this is going to be a year of gifts, so many kinds of gifts. And the best gift of all is the gift of Health.

So how appropriate is it that the first gift of the year is a gift of health consciousness or health care. After not thinking about health all season and eating just about everything in sight, sweets and you name it, it is time to get serious about health again.

So this is what happened, a few months ago I met a fellow Italian-American at the NIAF Convention in Washington, D.C., by the name of Joseph J. Russo, Esq. As happens more often than not with me, I meet the most interesting people and I get into all kinds of interesting conversations. In this case it was about some tragic experiences in life. And like many Italian-American's the story continued with how one can triumph over challenges and adversity etc.

This particular story deserves much more serious attention than I can give here at this time, but suffice it to say, some beautiful things, learnings and products have come out of the adversity this family has been facing.

Two of these "products" are books about health and health care. One happens to be about Raw Food called "The Raw Food Diet Myth," and it is do in book stores soon. The other book is the one I received in the mail from Joseph is titled "7 Steps to Your Best Possible Healthcare." Both are authored by his wife Ruthann Russo, Phd, JD, MPH, RHIT.

By the way, thank you Ruthann for the nice note you wrote on my copy of the book. Though I have not read the book yet, for those of you who's interest is peaked, like mine, the 7 Steps are these:

Step 1. Create your vision

Step 2. Own your story

Step 3. Build your relationships

Step 4. Assess quality

Step 5. Understand the people

Step 6. Know the places

Step 7. Learn the language

And for those of you who are now even more curious than before, well, you are just going to have to get the book and read the book, like me.

Again, Happy New Year and here's to all our good health!

Filippo

P.S. And now for something completely different, or maybe not that different. Beppe Grillo is an Italian comedian turned activist who is helping people open their eyes to all kinds of social issues, injustices etc. It is interesting that his blog is, according to one source, one of the top ten most read blogs on the net. His blog is www.BeppeGrillo.it. His blog is translated in many languages, including English.

In this video that I found on Youtube.com, he is talking about health. (In Italian)

Buon Capo d'Anno - Happy New Year, 2008!

2007-12-31T13:14:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

Vi auguro a tutti un Buon Capo d'Anno! (I wish you all a Happy New Year)!

da parte mia, (from me)

Filippo

P.S. Just for fun here is a video I found on Youtube.com which is a New Year's Eve Party sketch staring three Italian-Americans, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Ruth Buzzi. (In English)

E Natale, Tanti Auguri A Tutti - It's Christmas, Best Wishes To All

2007-12-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

About a year ago I did a show in New York and artist fan of mine came up to me during a meet and greet and showed me a sketch that he had made of me. I was quite taken by this, especially since he had done other another art piece of me before. It was a collage actually that he gifted me at another show a few years back.

The artist is Anthony Mancini and this is the sketch that he made of me. He said at the time that he wasn't quite finished with it, so he couldn't give it to me then. Now, I received an E-mail with this surprise. In the E-mail, he wished me a Buon Natale from him and his wife, and then included not only a scan of the sketch that he had done, but one that was modified especially for the Season.

I got such a kick out of it, I thought it would include it here in my Christmas blog post. Grazie Anthony, I am honored and touched. And grazie to all of you who have been following this blog, our Filippo and the Chef Show, and all who are part of my beautiful and growing family. Wishing you all a Buon Natale, Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart.

Con affetto,

Filippo

P.S. I found this video on Youtube yesterday and I found it humorous. The protagonist is just irreverent enough for my taste and thought it would put a smile on your faces. It is a man who calls himself Marcello Mastrantonioni and he has a series of Italian language short videos.

The lesson, at least this particular Christmas lesson, is tongue in cheek and he teaches the viewer how to say the "appropriate" Christmas phrases in Italian. (In English and Italian)

'Tis The Season Of Parties - 'Tis The Season For Giving

2007-12-20T18:08:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

'Tis the Season of Parties and the Season for Giving. It is so wonderful how during this season the two come together so beautifully. I have actually stayed away from parties this season and come to think of it, have not gone to a one. I am not sure why exactly.

It is not because I am a hum bug. I really love this season and enjoy my friends, family and socializing too, but for some reason, besides being busy, going to parties has not been a priority as it has in past years.

This one party, the first I went to all season so far, was special because it felt to me that people were having a party to really give, and give from the heart. Of course, it had Italian-American written all over it, and Christmas, and GIVING. It was the "Adopt A Family Christmas Luncheon," which was to "help to make this Christmas Season a little brighter for families of the United States Marine Corps."

It was put on by the Curci Asset Management Co. and the Lido Peninsula Co. and the food was sponsored by Sabatino's Sausage Company. The whole thing was coordinated by Sandy DiGiovanni of the Curci Companies, who personally invited me, and I was only too happy to oblige.

I had never been down to that part of town, what a beautiful area it is. And it was so great to see people from all walks of life, careers and families and friends coming together for some good Italian food and lots of good cheer.

In fact, one of the people helping raise that Christmas Spirit was Pete Villani who was the singer for the occasion. He is known as the "Vocalist of the 'Classics'" and is a regular at Sabatino's. He is pictured here with Sam Romeo, the Maitre d' at Sabatino's for years. Here I am pictured with the two of them, Pete and Sam.

At the top of the post is a picture of John Curci and I, and just below that, the two of us with Sandy DiGiovanni.

Below I am pictured with the owner of Sabatino's, Mr. Pete Sabatino himself, and below that with Bill Brown, also of the Curci Companies.

So great to have met everyone and to have spent the time together for a good cause while enjoying our high Christmas Spirits.

Buon Natale,

Filippo

P.S. Speaking of Italians and Christmas, I found this interesting video on Youtube of the Christmas movie "Polar Express." It is one of the sweet moments in the animated feature in which the children sing "When Christmas Comes To Town," only this is the Italian version and in this clip, they sing it in Italian. (In Italian)

More Christmas Music - Singer Patrick Basile

2007-12-13T17:22:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

In this post, I have another Italian-American singer acquaintance who has gifted me a CD that I would like to tell you all about. After all, it is the season of giving, right? So, it is my pleasure to give some promotion to yet another fellow singer. In this case, it is singer Patrick Basile.

I actually don't need to say too much about him because his CD is in all kinds of stores this season, Target, Walmart, etc. and of course on the net. Of course you could find Patrick all over the net but probably the most up to date info is at his MySpace account which you will find at
www.myspace.com/patchbasile

This is not to mention the fact that he is being played on the Christmas stations on radio all over, where you are more likely to here his clever rendition of "I'll Be Home For Christmas," than any of his other songs.

I hope I am not giving away too much here but what he did was to take the song "Home," from the musical "The Wiz," and combine it, in a clever way with the Christmas song, "I'll Be Home For Christmas." You'll just have to hear it to know what I am talking about. It seems to be the one the radio disk jockey's like the most of his "Home For Christmas" CD.

Auguri Patrick and Buon Natale.

Filippo

P.S. Here is a video from Youtube.com of Patrick, I imagine, as a little boy with his family, with the soundtrack being him singing from his CD "Home For Christmas." (In English)

The Holiday Season Is Upon Us - Time For Christmas Music

2007-12-06T12:35:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

As we get ready for the Holiday Season people are getting out their Holiday decorations and their music that they probably haven't heard for a year. I say probably, because if anyone is like me, then they have heard heard a bit of Christmas music since then. I myself listen to Christmas music every once in a while, just because. But, in my case, I at least have an excuse, as a singer, I am reviewing music all the time.

But come to think of it, why do we need an excuse to listen to Christmas music "off-season?" Technically, isn't Christmas music about love and hope and peace and.... That being the case, wouldn't it even be a good idea to be listen to Christmas music all year round?

Well, regardless, tis the season, and I am looking forward to hearing some of my old Christmas favorites and some new ones by new artists and some of my friends and acquaintances.

In fact here is a CD I haven't heard yet from an acquaintance who gifted me her two latest CDs and one of them is a Christmas one called "December." The other CD is called "The Best Is Yet To Come."

I had to include an image of her CD here because it must be her as a little girl standing in front of a Christmas Tree dressed in a Cowgirl outfit, and she looks adorable.

The, now grown up singer, is Joyce Garro and she has quite an interesting story. To begin with, she was the youngest member of "The Golddiggers," from "The Dean Martin Show."

She heralds originally from Chicago but started out her professional singing career here in Los Angeles. Besides the Dean Martin show she has appeared on the "Mike Douglas Show," and "The Tonight Show." As part of "The Golddiggers" she got to tour in concerts all over the world including Monte Carlo, Acapulco, Montreal, Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, and of course Los Angeles.

One one of the tours she got to perform with both Dean and Frank Sinatra. Imagine what a thrill that must have been and what stories she must have. We run into each other at many events and actually shared the stage a couple times but have never had the opportunity to sit down and relay those stories.

Someday I hope to do that, but in the meantime, I am looking forward to at the very least, hearing her sing on these two CDs. For more information or to get a CD, contact Loving Heart Music at JoyceGarro@pacbell.net.

P.S. I found this video on Youtube.com of Dean Martin and the Golddiggers doing their thing on an episode of the Dean Martin Show. I can't tell if Joyce was part of this Episode but maybe she can comment on this post and fill us in. (In English)

Wow! So Many Pictures - And All of WHOM?

2007-12-01T21:22:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

I have to say that this could be a bit overwhelming. I have never seen so many pictures of me from one event before in my entire performance life. Literally, I have been sent and have seen hundreds upon hundreds of pictures of me with hundreds of facial expressions, position of mouth, body gesticulations and in various strides across the stage.

It seems that there were more than a few photographers at the Feast of San Gennaro in Los Angeles this year who took a liking to what Chef Richard and I were doing as part of our live version of the Filippo and the Chef show, and we are so grateful for the attention. Little by little they have been trickling in.

This last batch which came in today was really appreciated because it included pictures of me with people with whom I had not seen pictures of as of yet. Most specifically, I didn't have a picture with Joan Kimmel, Kimmy Kimmel's Mom and Uncle Frank.

At the top of the post is her making pasta fasul or "fagioli" with Chef Richard, with me looking on, and talking on and on, he, he. In this picture here I was telling a story about her, actually it was really about me. But it went like this.

When I met Joan that night before I gave her my E-mail address and asked her to E-mail me the recipe that she was going to make and the ingredients she needed. That next day she E-mailed me as planned. At the end of her E-mail she wrote, "I love you."

I got the E-mail and without batting an eye-lash wrote her back, "Thanks, I love you!" Just before I sent the E-mail, I happened to check her E-mail address and noticed that it wasn't her name on the E-mail but that of her son, JIMMY KIMMEL. Thank God I didn't send it. She explained to me later that she was using her sons computer at his house and sent the E-mail from his E-mail account.

So I shared that story with the audience ending it with "Can you imagine if I had sent the E-mail and Jimmy had read it?" I think, whether he thought I was saying "I love you" to him, or saw me writing it to his mother, it would have possibly been awkward either way. You know those Italians and their mothers, he, he.

Here are some other pictures that I think you would enjoy, and I guess there's no need to explain them, I will just post them here with captions, just in case they are needed. Oh yes, there were a couple other things I wanted to say.

Firstly, here is a picture of the singing group we formed especially for the Festival which we called "Filippo and the CHEFS!" The "Chefs" part of the group was made up of actors Bobby Costanzo, Johnny Capodice, and our very own Chef Richard Lombardi. It was a hoot, we sang doo wop and brought the house down because it was so funny.

And what was the other thing I wanted to say? Oh, and I wasn't kidding when I said the pictures keep coming in. I recently got an E-mail from yet another photographer, Andre, who took some fun pictures of us at the Feast and if you want to see even more pictures you can click on this link. www.sgfeast.com/filippogal02.html Thank you Andre for your interest in taking pictures of us and posting them on them web.

With Actor Mario Macaluso

So that's it for now, until someone else sends some more pictures, he, he.

Filippo

Backstage with Actress, Director and Producer Penny Marshall

P.S. This Italian-American comedian, John DiResta, was coming to town and I wasn't able to go see his live stand-up, but I checked out clips of him on the web and on Youtube. In case you are not familiar with his comedy or his show, like I wasn't, I posted a clip of his and his brother Jimmy's show "Hammered," here. (In English)

Singing on stage to Actress, Model, TV Host Tanya Memme

On Stage with Actor and TV Host Mark DeCarlo and Actress and Model Marisa Petroro

At the festival with Comedian Mike Marino and Actor Mario Macaluso

On stage cooking with Penny Marshall and Chef Richard

Saving The Best For Last - The Hon. Nancy Pelosi

2007-11-26T00:34:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

A month ago I wrote about the NIAF (National Italian American Foundation) Convention and Gala and posted all kinds of pictures taken of me at the event with all kinds of people. There was one picture however that didn't make it to me and therefore my blog post until just now. It is of the Hon. Nancy Pelosi, which is a person who is pretty high up there on the Who's Who in the world at the moment, and that is why I titled this post "Saving The Best For Last."

I think in fact it is quite appropriate that I dedicate this post solely to Nancy for many reasons. Besides holding the third highest office in America and besides her being the first in line to the Presidency should something happen to the President and the Vice-President, she is Italian-American. She where I was going with this.

But I remember talking to some people who thought she was Italian by marriage, because of her husbands last name. In fact, she was born Nancy D'Alessandro to a very Italian family. In a video made by NIAF shown at the Gala before her being honored, I myself was happy to see how much we had in common about growing up Italian-American.

So, here's to Nancy and all that she has done and all that she will do for herself, her family, Italian-Americans, Americans, the U.S. and the World.

Filippo

P.S. Here is a clip of the video I mentioned above as was shown at the NIAF Gala and posted do on Youtube. (In English)

A Couple Odds and Ends - Italianish

2007-11-19T22:34:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

In this day and age I know for sure that so many of us get forwarded some interesting, and some not so interesting E-mails from our friends who think we need to see this or that, or read this or that, or do this or that.

You can imagine I get my share from not only some of my friends but from some of my fans as well. It can be a bit overwhelming to be sure, especially since I get the same thing sometimes from different people.

Mostly, I just erase them, otherwise, I would spend my whole day with them. But I must admit that every once in a while I happen upon something that I actually find interesting or funny or even important.

I decided it was time to put up a couple of those in this post, especially since they are Italianish. So, if you haven't seen these circulating, you will see it here. And if you have seen them, then you know how I feel, he, he.

But seriously, I thought this was really interesting. Above is a picture of the Statue of Liberty, or at least, a picture of an image of the Statue of Liberty. And if you look really closely, you will notice that it is an old picture of people "huddled" together, like the "huddled masses yearning to be free," as the song says.

The people standing together form the image of the statue. Isn't that interesting. I wish I had more information on it, who took it, why, who is in the pictures, etc.

But because the Statue of Liberty was such an important symbol to immigrants, especially Italians, (La Statua Della Liberta), I thought it was appropriate to include here.

Now this next set of pictures are Italianish scenes to me and my excuse to include them here. But also it looks to me that much of what is in the pictures is very Italian too. But can you see what the pictures are made of? Everything in the picture is a food item. I really think this is very clever.

Here too I wish I had the information as to who created these food masterpieces and how they were created. First of all I would really love to give the credit to whomever created them. Secondly, I would like to know if the food was actually placed and then photographed or were the imaged manipulated in some way. Either way, it is a feat and artistic and beautiful and very appetizing.

And don't they look like Italy, some of them? And doesn't the cheese look Italian? Maybe it's just me.

Finally, here is one of those you have to read, and this is so Italianish, in fact, it is stereotypical even, but hopefully not offensive to anyone. It is called

"The Italian That Came To New York..."

One day Ima go to New York to a bigga hotel...

I go down to eat soma breakfast. I tell the waitress

I wanna two piss toast. She branga me only onea piss. I tella her I wanna two piss, she say go to the toilet, I say you no understand. I wannt two piss on the plate. She say you better no piss on the plate you sonna ma bitch. I don't even know the lady and she call me sonna ma bitch.

Later, I go to eat soma lunch at the Drake Restaurant, the waitress bringa me a spoon, ana knife, but no fock. I tella her I wanna fock. She tellsa me everybody wanna fock. I tell her, you no understand, I wanna fock on the table. She say you better not fock on the table, you sonna ma bitch. I don't even know the lady and she call me a sonna ma bitch.

So I go back to my room inna hotel, an there's no sheet on my bed. I calla the manager ana tell him I wanna sheet. He tells me go to the toilet. So I say you no understand, I wanna sheet on the bed. He say you better not sheet on the bed, you sonna ma bitch. I don't even know the man ana he call me a sonna ma bitch.

I go to check out and the man at the desk, he say peace to you. I say piss ona you too, you sonna ma bitch!

I go back to Italy!!!

I would watch stories like this unfold before me with my parents of their immigrant friends and on occasion even to me as I was learning English. So though I am sure this didn't happen exactly like this, I am sure it happened lots.

Hope you enjoyed those.

Filippo

P.S. Now here is someone I can identify. He is Italian-American comedian Mike Birbiglia. It is a clip I got off of Youtube in which he mentions his Italian parents and a particular situation that is reminiscent of the story I wrote out above. (In English)

Finding Filippo - On The Web

2007-11-12T09:49:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

I am sure you are all familiar with the movie, "Finding Nemo." Well this blog post title, has nothing to do with it. But I wonder, what kind of name is Nemo? Isn't it Italian?

But I digress and I haven't even started my post yet. "Finding Filippo." Obviously, having an Internet presence has it advantages and it's disadvantages. Depending on what kind of life you lead, having people be able to find you could be a good thing, or a bad thing. But again, I digress.

Well, not really, in my case, it is a good thing. Like in this case and the reason I am writing this post. I was contacted by a young lady in France who's maiden name is the same as my surname. She wrote to me how she saw my posts and what I do and how much I reminded her of her son and how we must have "it" in the blood.

I wasn't sure what she was talking about but I was intrigued and I wrote her back and asked her to explain. Besides, when it comes to family I want to know them all, not that I even have time for the family I already know of, but I want to know. Isn't that the Italian way?

So, Christiane, pictured above and her son Thomas just below it, wrote me back and told me that her parents were from a neighboring town to where my parents came from in Sicily and like my parents came to America, hers went to France. She speaks French like I speak English, but unfortunately I don't speak French like she speaks English.

And unfortunately, she didn't learn Italian. Anyway, she grew up Italian in every other sense, traditions, culture, pride, etc. and was so happy and proud to see not only another "family" member who like her who feels strongly about being Italian, and one who was so similar to her son.

Okay, I have "family" in quotes because, I am not sure if we are related closely, distantly, or if at all. But regardless there are so many people who don't share my surname at all and I consider them family, so, why not, he, he. Although, I would like to explore this further someday, of course I haven't had time.

But I wanted to know what she meant by "similar to her son." In answer to that question she wrote that her son was named Thomas Lemoine and he is in the "business," to which I understood to mean the movie or entertainment business. And in a subsequent E-mail sent me all of these pictures of him.

Wow! I see what she meant. Here is a guy who against many odds, is in the "movie" business at a very young age in France. And what does he do. He shoots a short film and submits it to a review board for a competition and of the hundreds of films in the competition, his gets selected.

As a prize and as part of the aid to the development of the film he gets sent to Hollywood, my backyard so to speak, to meet with all these movers and shakers of the business and learn the trade.

Then he takes pictures with them and posts them, he, he.

What do you think of that? Now I KNOW he's family! He, he. I am proud of him and for him and I don't even know him. But CONGRATULAZIONE to Thomas and I can't wait to hear more and see more about him and of him and I look forward to meeting him on his next trip to Hollywood after the film gets made.

Better yet, I would love to interview him on the red carpet on his way to receiving his Oscar for his film. Why not? This is my blog, right?

And oh, yes, thank you Christiane for finding me and writing me and congratulations to you too, or should I say félicitations et espoir de vous rencontrer bientôt (Congratulations and I hope to meet you soon).

Filippo

P.S. Here is a video I just found on Youtube of a comical short that Thomas directed and stared in a year or so ago, it seems. I hope it's comical. Like I said, I don't understand French as much as I would like to but it looks clever. I hope it is something he would all want us to see. (In French)

The Order of Sons of Italy in America Grand Lodge of California - Gala at the Americana Lodge

2007-11-05T21:36:00.000-08:00

Ciao a tutti,

I was invited by Annette Zappia of the OSIA Americana Lodge and by Comedian and host Mike Marino to sing a song in honor of Joseph La Banca State President of the OSIA at a dinner held in La Habra. It was a beautiful affair and so wonderful to see so many people I knew and had seen in so long. I used to sing at so many local Order of Sons of Italy events and it felt so nice to be there.

I was also in good company, Mike did a great job as host and of course funny as ever. Then Autumn Scarlett was also there to sing a song for the occasion. I had recently met Autumn at the Los Angeles San Gennaro Festival where we both performed. Her with her own solo show and I with Chef Richard and the "Filippo and the Chef" Show.

Of course I couldn't just sing one song. And I don't think they really wanted me to just sing one song, could they have?

No I am sure not, because if that was the case, they wouldn't have invited me back for a whole show in March. And of course I said yes, and I am looking forward to it. It is called Filippo and Friends featuring Mike Marino and Special Guest Singer Laura De Leon.

Rumor has it that Chef Richard might even make an appearance.

It will be held on March 30, 2008, and you can click on the flyer to see more information about the show. Hope to see more of my friends I haven't seen in a long time.

A presto,

Filippo

P.S. Mike Marino has an already popular new DVD out on the market called "Live at the Paramount." You can purchase one at www.MikeMarino.net Here is a short clip of it posted on Youtube.com. (In English)

The National Italian American Foundation - Sure Throws a Heck of a Party

2007-10-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

This year Chef Richard and I were invited to perform a live version of the "Filippo and the Chef" show at the 2007 NIAF (National Italian American Foundation) Convention in Washington, D.C.

I had been invited to perform at the Convention and Gala a few times before, but this was the first time with the "Filippo and the Chef" show which normally includes a
celebrity guest or two.

This show was a first all the way around. Not only was it a first for us to be performing it at NIAF, but we had four celebrity guests and Chef Richard and I on the stage all cooking and talking at the same time. There was Tony Lo Bianco, Jerry Vale, Deana Martin and Vince Ferragamo.

You would think that with the six of us Italian-American performers and "chefs" (every Italian I know, cooks) on stage, that it would be a free-for-all and that too many chefs would spoil the soup, but quite the opposite. It was beautiful and harmonious.

In fact, at one point, someone from the audience yelled out "Jerry, sing." Knowing Jerry wouldn't be up to that, I responded that when those of us cook we sometimes play the music of Jerry Vale. Now that we are watching Jerry cook, we should be singing for him." Not missing a beat, Jerry said, under his breath while stirring his Pasta Puttanesca, "Deana will sing."

Sure enough, as if on cue Deana started to sing "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometimes," one of her father Dean Martin's hits and a song from her own CD "Memories Are Made of This." And what do you suppose happened next? As if we were all following a script, one by one we all joined in, first Tony Lo Bianco, then Me, then Vince Ferragamo, Richard Lombardi, and finally, Jerry Vale started and the chorus of beautiful voices was complete.

The audience went nuts. Forget the audience, I went nuts. That was too much. How many people can say that they have sung with Jerry Vale, alone. But to be on a stage singing with Jerry, Deana, Tony and Vince and of course Richard, what a dream come true.

As you would imagine, the show went on much longer than planned. Between the joking and bantering and cooking, tasting and merrymaking, we all lost track of time, and no one was all the wise, in fact we were all having too much fun.

That is until the Director of the whole convention came up to the stage and handed me a handwritten note from the NIAF Executive Director, John Salamone, himself, that read, "Filippo, shut the show down, we need the celebrities for our auction."

Evidently, there was to be a celebrity auction going on at that point in another area of the convention that he himself was hosting and all the celebrities including the audience were all still at our show.

I know John, but I hadn't seen John throughout the whole convention weekend, and like a good Italian raised on guilt, I knew for sure it was because he was angry with me.

Of course it had nothing to do with him being the busiest person there. Then when I went to go pick up my tickets for the Gala and they weren't there, nor was my name on the list, I knew for sure he was angry.

Of course I went to the Gala and the tickets and my name were eventually found, but it wasn't until I finally made it to a private reception in John's suite at the end of the convention that we were able to laugh about the story I had invented in my head.

In all actuality, we were immediately invited back for next year's convention and we already talked about more time so that we can have all the Italian-American cooking and singing and chatting time on stage we can have.

Oh, and speaking of stories we invent in our heads, I forgot to mention another special moment that happened just before the show. I got to meet and speak with Yogi Berra. And while I was talking to him, he gifted me with a Yogi-ism, just for me.

Yogi came to the show, and I saw him in the audience so I went over to say hello, introduce myself and thank him for coming to the show. I sat and chatted with him a minute and before I left, I asked him if he would like to be acknowledged from the stage.

He asked me why I would do that? I told him "so that people would know that you are here." And here it comes. He said to me, very matter of factly, "They already know I'm here, because I'm here!"

There you go folks, my very own Yogi-ism, thank you Yogi! I laughed all the way up to the stage. What a great way to psyche oneself up for a show.

Needless to say, from the convention to the Gala, NIAF puts on quite a star studded affair and not only was a good time had by all, but much work got done too. Because we also had a "Filippo and the Chef" booth at the convention hall, I didn't get to attend too many of the conferences but the ones I did get to attend made me even more proud to be Italian-American.

Watching and listening to Italian-Americans making plans for the continuation of traditions and the betterment of our community and the world made me proud for our future.

And here's to the future of NIAF, see you next year!

Above are pictures of me with Gina Lollobrigida, Susan Lucci, Connie Stevens, Deana Martin, Jerry Vale, Tony Lo Bianco, U.S. Marines, Vince Ferragamo, Yogi Berra, the gang and I cooking in the convention hall, and opera singer Vittorio Grigolo and I. Below are some more fun pictures and fun people.

Filippo

P.S. My only regret, (another "great" Italian trait or tradition, regret) was that I didn't get to meet actress Ellen Pompeo. I know I will have the opportunity soon, so I am okay with that. In the meantime however, here is the video that NIAF had made of her and her Italian roots as posted on Youtube.com. (In English)

At table 31 at the NIAF Gala

With Actress Jodi London & NIAF's A. Kenneth Ciongoli

With Singer Alfio and Magic Beam President Nina Bueti

With Singer Alfio, Magic Beam President Nina Bueti and Serafina Scorcia

With the U.S. Ambassador to Italy Giovanni Castellaneta and Cav. Rosemary Licata and her sister.

With NIAF President Sal J. Zizza

With Radio host John Griffeth and husband to Deana Martin

With friend Serafina Scorcia

With Singer Rose Bonanza and Dame Dorothy Nocita

With Singer Alfio and Magic Beam President Nina Bueti

With Mrs. Susan Sanzi

With His Excellency Rev. Pietro Sambi Representative of the Vatican in America

With Singer Cristina Fontanell i

With NIAF's Kristy Pappalardo

With NIAF Chairman Frank Guarini and friend Sera Scorcia

With Actress Jodi London

With Longtime Fan Daniela Mansella

With friend Sera Scorcia and Singer Alfio

At table 31 w/ Tony Cicoria

With PBS Predident and Chief Executive Officer Patricia de Stacy Harrison

With Ron Onesti

With friend Serafina Scorcia

Table 31 at the NIAF Gala, Chef Richard Lombardi and wife Elaine

With Magic Beam President Nina Bueti and friend Sera Scorcia

I Was Bored - So I Bought Myself An Aston Martin

2007-10-21T20:49:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

I can't remember the exact phrase of how she said it because I just when I heard it I couldn't stop laughing, but it was something like that. What happened was that I got a call from my friend Caruska and she was inviting me to her house for a party. I must have asked what was the occasion, and she said something like, "I was bored, so I bought myself and Aston Martin."

Well, count me in, I said, that's reason enough for a party as far as I am concerned. This was the first call like this I have ever gotten, but I trust it won't be the last, at least not from her. She is one of the most amazing women I know. She is Caruska as in Caruska the designer Caruska almost synonymous to "yoga wear," and more. You can learn more about her at www.carushka.com/.

So off to the party I go. What does this have to do with being Italian? Everything always has to do with being Italian, at least in my life. I am sure if I wanted to stretch it, I could find someone at the party who was Italian, at the very least. But I could do better than that.

Here I was minding my own business enjoying this amazing party, when all of a sudden in busts her beautiful niece and her niece's friends, a troop of actors, all buzzing with excitement.

They had just come from the theater where they had all been in a play including the playwright himself, Kevin Kramer, and Caruska's niece, called "Bacciarelli," at the Ruskin Group Theatre in Santa Monica.

The play, is a play within a play, about Gordo and his college buddy who write a play to impress a girl and freak out when the characters inexplicably come to life. The play is based on a game called, "Bacciarelli," which is thought to have been originated by Scotch-Irish and Italian immigrants in the mills of Western Pennsylvania near the turn of the century.

The fast paced game of mystifying hand gestures swept the region by storm during the late 1950s and early 1960s where underground matches wowed the rowdy and often stupefied crowds who had gathered to see burgeoning legends such as Knuckles Norris, Ned Longbecker, and the upstarts Swissvale Three.

During the 1970s, however, just as the game seemed to be breaking away from it's local roots, rumors of organized crime involvement and cheating scandals splintered the Bacciarelli community and the game never recovered.

The play was on it's last run and I never got to see it but I sure would have wanted to. From their enthusiasm and that of the critics, it seems, it would have been a fun experience. So, that is the Italian connection but had I searched hard enough I could have found many more I am sure but I was there for a good time.

Oh, I forgot, there are Italian connections with the Aston Martin too, various models and various movies, etc. But in case you are not familiar with the car, it is the one used in 007 movies and is, one could say, a cousin to the Ferrari.

Above you see Caruska and I modeling the car. The party was in full swing when I got there so we couldn't just abandon everyone and go for a spin, but I can't wait until we do. Below those there is a picture of the actor troop and I somewhere behind them. And finally, some pictures taken with and by some people at the party.

Thank you Caruska for giving me a clue of what to do next time I am really bored. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to be soooo bored, I'll have to by a Lamborghini!

A presto,

Filippo

P.S. This video that I found on Youtube.com is perfect for this post. This guy and his father were so bored, they drove to Italy from London to visit an Olive Tree. And the part that makes it so perfect is they did it in an Aston Martin. (In English)

"Everybody Wants to Be Italian" - World Premier Film in Hollywood

2007-10-14T09:42:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

I was invited to the premier of the film "Everybody Wants To Be Italian" at the Egyptian Theater in Hollywood the other night. I went with Chef Richard my co-host in the Filippo and the Chef show, and his wife, Elaine.

We all had a great time because not only was the film really well done and enjoyable we got to meet most of the actors before on the red carpet and afterwards at the reception. I would recommend the movie to anyone, young and young at heart.

When the crowd around Actress and Model Marisa Petroro cleared, I got to chat with her a minute. It is amazing how her look completely changes with her hair straight compared to how she had it in the last post at the Feast of San Gennaro. Regardless, all her looks work really well if you ask me, or if you ask anyone for that matter.

In the movie she reminded me of an Italian movie actress from days gone by, she had that kind of a look and comportment, that was so beautiful to see.

All the actors were very good, and the lead, Jay Jablonski, I kept thinking he had to be Italian. I got to speak with him after the show, and that's him and I pictured above. But it turns out he is half Italian. I expect to see him in many, many more movies as the lead after this.

He was that good as was the beautiful co-star Cerina Vincent who also sported another sexy look other than the one in the movie. That is her pictured at the top of the post with Jason Ipson and I.

I complimented the director Jason Todd Ipson for a great job. He even got Penny Marshall to step into a cameo role. I told him that Penny had told me to tell him that she wanted to see a copy of the film since she wasn't going to be able to make the premier. I hope she got it and liked it as much as we all did.

Pictured below is actress Judith Scarpone who is and was a mother character on and off screen as you can see in these pictures.

Following are pictures of some more of the cast including John Enos III and Zak Lee as well as some friends like actor Ed Lauter and of course, Chef Richard himself.

P.S. Enjoy this short clip I got off of Youtube.com of the premier reception of "Everybody Wants to Be Italian."

It's Italian Festa Time in Los Angeles - Feast of San Gennaro LA (Part 2)

2007-10-07T12:20:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

Today I learned something very interesting, how to put captions under pictures. This could prove very important to me. The question now is, will I allow the pictures to speak their proverbial "thousand words," for themselves, or will I still feel compelled to write a thousand words or so, and risk being too verbose, or worse, redundant.

The other choice I might make is to post a thousand pictures. How many words does that make?
That's a million words, right?

Better yet, in regard to this particular post, I not only have the pictures and the new know-how of how to add captions, but I also have a short video of Chef Richard and I having fun with some of our friends, old and new, performing the live version of our Filippo and the Chef Radio show on the Jimmy Kimmel Live stage of the Feast of San Gennaro in Los Angeles this past week.

So, I have decided to let the pictures do the talking, as well as the video below and wish you all a happy browsing.

But I just have to say one thing, Penny Marshall pictured with me here was sooo sweet. Well, so was Tanya and Marisa and Joan Kimmel, Jimmy Kimmel's Mom, who won't be pictured because I don't have a picture with her but you can see her cooking with Chef Richard and I on the video.

But Penny was just as funny as you would have expected her to be. She had a busy rehearsal schedule that day but she came out to the Feast in the middle of her work day just to celebrate her Italian heritage with us, and make us all laugh.

And incidentally, yes, she is Italian-American. Hear her tell you herself in the video below. I just had to post all these pictures of her because her expressions are priceless.

And speaking of video, wait, one more thing. I have to mention Pat Battistini. It's because of him that we have such a cool video. He is a writer/ director/ producer/ editor and you can learn more about him at Hoosier Daddy Films. Incidently he is also an actor, you might recognize his face from the picture I posted here but you can check out his reel by clicking here.

Thank you all for helping make this years Feast of San Gennaro LA so memorable for all of us, especially Chef Richard and myself.
I guess that answered that, I still had to write a lot of words. He, he.

Filippo

P.S. If you cannot watch the video on this post, you can always go to www.Youtube.com and Search "Filippo and the Chef," or actually, just click on the following link.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=w8pJg2S-tco

Me Dancing with Actress and Model, Marisa Petroro

Me with Australian-Italian Singer Alfio

Actress and TV Host Tanya Memme Cooking with Chef Richard and I

Dean Martin's Son Ricci Martin and I Backstage.

KTLA News Reporter, Kim Rouggie (left) and KTLA Weather Anchor and former Miss USA 1994, Lu Parker, (right) and I

A Group we affectionately called "Filippo and the CHEFS" was a huge hit at the festival. The singing Doo Wop Group was comprised of Actors Bobby Costanzo and Johnny Capodice, Chef Richard Lombardi and myself

Me singing to Actress and TV Host Tanya Memme

Me enjoying a Zeppole (Photo taken by Photographer Tricia Wall)

Chef Richard Lombardi on stage with TV Hosts Mark DeCarlo and Marisa Petroro

Chef Richard and I

Australian-Italian Singer Alfio and I

Soprano Autumn Scarlett and I

Ricci Martin and I

Comedian Mike Marino and Chef Richard dancing while I was singing

A young Festival Performer and I

TV Host Mark DeCarlo and Actress and Model Marisa Petroro and I

Actor Mario Macaluso, Comedian Mike Marino, Chef Richard and I

Marisa Petroro and I at the Filippo and the Chef Booth

TV Host Tanya Memme, Chef Richard and I

KTLA TV News Reporter Kim Rouggie and I

Musician/Composer Marco Missinato performing during our Live Show

TV Host Tanya Memme and I

Chef Richard with cooking with Actor Mario Macaluso

The Filippo and the Chef Show Stage with TV Host Tanya Memme, Chef Richard, Musician/Composer Marco Missinato and me.

Actress Model Marisa Petroro and I

Me

It's Italian Festa Time in Los Angeles - Feast of San Gennaro LA's Prima Notte

2007-09-30T23:53:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

Last week I wrote about a "Festa in famiglia," a Festa amongst family. Well, this it feels like I am writing about more of the same. That is what the Los Angeles San Gennaro Italian Festival officially called Feast of San Gennaro, LA, felt like for Chef Richard and I this year.

We felt like we were having a big party with all of our Italian friends and family. Actually, it feels like that anytime we do a festival or show because, like our tag line says, "In our kitchen you're family." But LA was extra special.

We were invited to take center stage on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live's outdoor stage used during the Festival to perform our "Filippo and the Chef" Show Live. We were all too happy to oblige. After performing in so many other towns and festivals, it was wonderful to be invited to participate here in our home town.

Well, home town, I was born in Northern California and Richard in the Bronx, but for the past decade or so, both Richard and his family and I have called Southern California home.

And so, when asked to participate in our "hometown," festival, we at "Filippo and the Chef," went all out. We had a booth decked out with our sponsors, we had a kitchen built for the stage and we invited our old friends and some new friends to participate with us on stage. To say it was fun would be an understatement.

But in this post I will post only the pictures of Prima Notte, which is a big night not just for the festival and Los Angeles but nationally. Prima Notte (First Night) shares ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live's limelight with guests from the show appearing on the Prima Notte Stage during the broadcast etc.

This years guests on the Jimmy Kimmel Show who were part of the Prima Notte Festivities include Chef Mario Batali, Danny DeVito, Tommy Lasorda, and Frankie Valli. Below I have posted a Youtube.com video of that telecast.

Of course the first picture above is of Jimmy Kimmel and I. Below that picture is Frankie Valli and I, then Ed Marinaro, Sgt. Coffey from Hill Street Blues, and I, and here I am pictured with Tommy Lasorda.

How could I not have a picture taken with the "Marvelous Wonderettes?" They are part of a musical that is headed to New York and will appear off-Broadway, shown here in their '50's attire and sweaters on because it was chilly that night.

Below I am pictured with the President of the Los City Council, a proud Italian-American, Eric Garcetti.

Lets see, I think I will just list the photos from here. Underneath that is Actor and very funny guy Bobby Costanzo, and also actor and funny man, in fact he wrote many funny movies with Mel Brookes, Rudy De Luca.

Below that I am pictured with actor Ed Lauter, a friend of Chef Richard Lombardi's and his wife's, and immediately below that I am pictured once again with Ed but also with Chef Richard and actor John Santucci better known as "Johnny Pizza." I love that name. You will see me and Johnny Pizza just below that picture as well.

Though he is not an actor, I think most people know another Italian-American that is the CEO and Co-Founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems hair products. Well, he is John Paul Dejoria and you see him and I pictured together flashing the famous peace sign he is also known for doing in pictures.

The beautiful young lady I am pictured with below the picture of John Paul Dejoria and I is this years Miss Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles. She was very sweet, which is more than I can say for George Pecoraro, pictured below her and I.

Just kidding George. George is an entertainment agent and owner of George Pecoraro Productions, we have known each other for years. He handles a lot of big name acts and was there with Frankie Valli.

And finally, bookending the set of pictures is another picture of Jimmy Kimmel and I with most of the "heads" of the San Gennaro family... to my right is Frankie Competelli, original founder of the feast and owner of Frankie's on Melrose, a popular New York style Italian restaurant in Hollywood. Then there is Kimmy Kimmel and next to him, his cousin and Miss "do everything" for the feast, Ann Potenza.

And finally, Miss "you can't do it that way," for the feast, he, he, the feast attorney and long time supporter, Claire Ambrosio. Now I should have known better than to write it up this way and I know I am going to get shit for it, but Claire knows I love her, and I just couldn't resist.

This is it for part one, part two will soon follow.

Filippo

P.S. Don't forget to watch the Youtube.com telecast of part of ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live Show that night. Enjoy (In English)

Festa In Famiglia - Keiko's Compleanno (Birthday) Party

2007-09-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

Sapete che la famiglia Italiana sta crescendo a Los Angeles? (Did you know that the family of Italians is growing in Los Angeles?)

Actually, I am not referring to Italians per se, but to would be Italians, those who love the culture and the language.

Specifically, I am referring to a community of Italian students. I have a friend, Elisabetta Missinato, who teaches Italiano here in Los Angeles. I interviewed her for a Valentine's Day Show a couple years ago on the Filippo and the Chef Show. On that show we learned about some of the fun things she does with her students to help them learn the language in an entertaining way.

She has developed a large student base because of it and is having great results. Besides private lessons, she also teaches in groups, and there again, it is so fun, that the group classes are turning into more like family gatherings. Never is that more evident than when the gathering is an actual party.

A group of Elisabetta's Italian students threw a surprise party for another of her friends and finest students, Keiko. That is a picture of Keiko and I above. Keiko is Japanese, born and bred, but if you ask her, she will say she is Italiana. And she is starting to speak like a native, with a Japanese accent.

The Italian students came out in droves to wish Keiko a Buon Compleanno, and to speak Italian as much as they could. Not only does Elisabetta's growing family of students support her every event, but so do her immediate family, and me too, whenever possible.

Elisabetta's brother Marco Missinato supported the festivities by providing some entertainment for the night, to which you see me dancing above with Elisabetta, or rather, acting more silly than dancing in the picture below Keiko and I.

Elisabetta's mother, Anna happened also to be in town from Rome, and came to the party. This was very fortuitous for all of us there because Anna ended up cooking up a storm. What could have been better, the food was delicious.

Above is a picture of me dancing with Anna and here with yet another one of these friends and students of Elisabetta, Grace, who now speaks Italian so much like a native, it makes you stop and ask, "are you Italian?." Though "technically" the answer would be no, she answers "yes," as do all these lovers of all things Italian. And here are a few more pictures from the party.

Incidentally, the family is growing on the Internet too. Elisabetta has started an internet connection service for all her growing family of lovers of the Italian language. You can find it yourself at http://italian.meetup.com/508/

And so, la famiglia cresce, (the family grows).

Filippo

P.S. Writing about learning Italian, I am reminded of a cousin of mine who came from Italy and told me that he learned English by watching American cartoons. As a gag, a friend sent this video from Youtube.com just in time to make it on this blog post. Here is Donald Duck and family and friends dancing the Tarantella, sort of. I thought you would get a kick out of it.

"Results Driven Radio" - My Brother On Radio

2007-09-16T14:26:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

I can't tell you what a thrill it was to turn on the radio in my car while driving one night and hear my brother on radio for the first time. Of course I knew he was going to be on but I had to be on the road during that time so I got to listen to him on the radio in my car. In fact I arrived where I was going and stayed in the car listening until the program was over, not just because he was my brother, but because I was truly interested in what he had to say. Though I was late for my appointment, everyone understood, in fact I had told them to listen.

My brother is Anthony Vultaggio and the show is called Results Driven Radio based on his experience as executive coach, business consulting practice, and his personal beliefs. I was listening to it on KRLA 870 AM in Los Angeles, or you can listen to it on the net at the stations website, http://krla870.townhall.com/ at 9 to 10 PM every Saturday. And if the caller and advertiser interest is any indication, you will probably be able to hear it in your car radio in any town across the US soon.

I didn't have to search too hard for the Italian connection to write this post on my web log, him being my brother, of course. His show, though, is not about being Italian but has more to do with being American and living true to the some of the values upon which this Country was founded.

Of course, I must say that many of the values that this Country of ours was founded on were Italian values because Italians influenced the Constitution, The Declaration of Independence and other documents and laws, but that is topic for another discussion, maybe even for my brother's show.

But I will say this much, the phrase "'All men are created equal,' is arguably the best-known phrase in any of America's political documents, as the idea it expresses is generally considered the foundation of American democracy. It was suggested by the Italian immigrant, patriot and pamphleteer Philip Mazzei and later incorporated into the opening of the American Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson who paraphrased the writing of his close friend Philip Mazzei." The phrase has further continued to be immortalized by such luminaries as Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King and Elizabeth Cady Stanton to name a few. The above quote is from Wikipedia where you can find more information on the subject at this direct link

Having said that, back to Anthony's radio show. I have sat, either in my car or on the net listening to my brother's new show now for the past couple weeks and learned quite a bit about what is going on in America and the world, as he sees it. I also learned so much about what he knows and has learned through the years. I think it is interesting when families get together how sometimes we like to stay away from topics of "work," because we are trying to take some time off from "work," and be with our families, right?

Well, it has been interesting to me to learn more about my brother through his "work," than some of the fun conversations we have during family get togethers, as much as I enjoy those fun and usually funny conversations.

I grabbed this image and the following blurb off his website. I found it interesting what he has to offer and thought I would share it here for those of us who are trying to figure out our "work" life, or for that matter, for those of us who are trying to "work" things out in our social and family life.

If you find this interesting, you can go to his website at www.ResultsDrivenRadio.com and learn more or hear his past radio shows in the archives.

Here are just a few of the topics Anthony Vultaggio address for companies and organizations.

Seven Simple Strategies for Strategic Planning. The key to succeeding in business and life is developing and maintaining a strategic plan. If the mere idea of this gives you indigestion, this is the seminar for you. The secret to simplifying this seemingly daunting task lies in employing a systematic framework. With a clear, no-nonsense approach to planning, Anthony shows you how to cut through the red-tape that stops most and illustrates methodologies you can use to tackle virtually any issue and map a plan for success.

Conflict Management 101. Using real-world examples, Anthony addresses conflict management and offers real solutions to improve business and personal relationships. Anthony also discusses ways to promote business sustainability using corporate and entrepreneurial management strategies.

Beating the Partnership Blues. Have you ever wondered why some partnerships flounder while others flourish? The secret lies in their communication strategies. Using proven techniques Anthony shows how to overcome the common mistakes made in all partnerships. Topics covered include dividing responsibilities, setting goals, and effective conflict resolution.

Come to think of it, maybe I just learned something else, maybe we should bring out work into our family, he, he?

In bocca al lupo Anthony with your new show, much success!

Filippo

P.S. Now talking about "results," my show is about the good things that Italians represent, not necessarily everything else. The way I see it all cultures, races, religions etc. have something good to offer. Why not take the good and learn from it and live happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives from all the "good" and learnings we have collected from others mistakes. So with that in mind, there are some things that Italians may not do as well or do it "differently," than some others think is best or efficient. Here is a comical look at that in an animated video by Bruno Bozzetto about some of the "differences" between Italians and Europeans, as he seems them. (Non Spoken)

"Casting Hope" - People Helping People

2007-09-07T00:04:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

Neither one of us remember the club where we met. We don't even remember the name of the band we went to see. But neither one of us ever forgot each other, or the short conversation that we had that gave us HOPE. Over the years, we haven't been in touch but we thought about each other, that's for sure. And when it came to talking about Hope on her new show, she remembered me.

It was a few months after September 11th, 2001, and I was in a show, ironically, about hope. It was called "Visions" and I had auditioned and got the part of Socrates in the world premier of this rock opera. I liked the opera very much and the role of Socrates was a great role.

But Socrates is not very well known in America and therefore what he had to say through me was not really understood by the audience. Now the part of Mother Teresa, everyone understood her and her big song (aria) is so beautiful.

I would have tried out for the role of Jesus, if he wasn't sung by a tenor. Oh, well. But it was a good experience. (This is so interesting and such a surprise to me. While writing this post, I checked the Visions website to make sure I had the website address correct to link it, and while I was perusing through it, I found this picture of me in the role of Socrates. So, here it is).

Well it was one of my co-stars, who played the part of a bag lady (you would have to know the opera), who was fronting a band in her off stage life. I promised her that I would watch her band perform one night at a nightclub in Hollywood, and I went to see her show.

Evidently, Pixie Monroe, owner of her own casting agency, had gone to hear, if I remember correctly, the bass player in the band for a movie role or something. She was sitting at a table in the front by herself and I asked if I could sit next to her. Before the show started her and I had a short and sweet conversation that we have remembered ever since.

Without getting into it too much, Pixie had just moved to Los Angeles from Washington, D.C. where she was working in a building directly across from the part of the Pentagon that was hit.

She had to move because the government took over their offices since the Pentagon offices had been destroyed. I had been in New York, blocks away from the World Trade Center and watched everything happen from afar until I decided to try and flee Manhattan with millions of others, to no avail. While stuck in Manhattan for days without the possibility of renting a car or getting a plane out, I learned that my Father was passing away, and then he did.

You can imagine, like so many of us at the time, the stories we told each other and the special connection we developed in those short moments. We gave each other hope, and we assured each other about something else too.

We told each other that even though we had heard so many stories of people in the business of music, movies and television being ruthless and heartless, that we did not have to experience those people. You could say we almost made an unspoken pact to attract to ourseleves beautiful people who want to do good in the world through music, television and movies.

Had I known at the time, I would have included radio too, but thankfully, it has been the case for me, and come to find out, for her too. Not only that, she has since started a podcast show that benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and on which she interviews celebrities and people in music, television, movies, fashion, etc., who are indeed doing good in the world.

Interestingly enough, she started this podcast soon after her mother died and it is called "Casting Hope." It cleverly combines the the creative energies of L.A. radio personality Gary Spears and Hollywood Casting Director Pixie Monroe with celebrities, fashion, entertainment and business professionals, St. Jude supporters and patients.

Los Angelinos especially will remember the voice of Gary Spears from his many years as a disc jockey on KBIG and of course KIIS FM, and what a great radio voice it is. Needless to say, we had a lot of fun and you can listen to the podcast show in the archives of their website.

I however wasn't the only guest on the show. The other guest was Jackie Zabel, and I am so glad she was. I got to meet, speak to, and enjoy Jackie and I have a feeling we will be doing something together soon.

Actually, I already know one of those things we will be doing together, and that is being a part of her next cookbook. See, Jackie was on the show because she too is a big Hollywood mover and shaker, her and her husband. For that matter, her and her co-author and her co-author and her husband too. Boy this is confusing.

Lets start at the beginning. Jackie Zabel wrote a book in conjunction with Morgan Most called "The Hollywood Cookbook - Cooking For Causes." Interestingly enough, during the taping of the show, Jackie said we should get olive oil on the book.

What she meant by that is she wants people to use it because the recipes have all been tested and they work and are most likely delicious. But I could see why people wouldn't want to get olive oil on it, because it is such a beautiful "coffee table" type book, as you can see from the picture above.

The conceptt is great and $5 of every book sale gets split among 20 different charities. The book is not without it's Italian recipes and Italian-American celebrities. Featured are Chef Mario Batali, Chef Nick Stellino, Chef Rocco Dispirito, and Chef Michael Cimarusti. In fact, the Italian chefs outnumber all the chefs combined. Gotta love it.

So, during the taping Jackie also said that they are writing a second book about "going green." By "green" I don't think she necessarily means salads, but rather food that is environmentally conscious. And so, with that, she asked if Chef Richard, of the Filippo and the Chef show, and I would be a part of the celebrity line-up on the next book and, of course I said yes.

Now to clear up what I started with the husbands etc., lets see if I can take one more stab at it and make it make sense. Jackie is married to Bryce Zabel who is a writer, a producer and formerly the Chairman/CEO of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences. Jackie's co-author of the book is Morgan Most. Morgan is married to Don Most who is an actor and director and best known for his portrayal of the character Ralph Malph on the most popular series "Happy Days."

Interesting note. I always thought the character was "Ralph Mouth" until I just looked it up on imdb.com. Funny. I am so glad I cleared that up. And now you see what I mean when I said something like these people are movers and shakers in the world of Hollywood.

Which only goes to prove the point that began this whole post, about dealing with people in this business that want to do good in the world. Here we had a casting agent, Pixie Monroe (Don't you love that name?), a radio host, Gary Spears, a Hollywood mover and shaker/author, Jackie Zabel, representing her co-author Morgan Most, and respective husbands, and myself, Filippo, a singer and radio show host as well, all from "the industry" and all carrying about other people and wanting to help the world.

Pixie, I would say we are attracting well and living out our silent pact! More power to you and to all of us, and thank you all for being who you are and doing what you are doing!

Filippo

P.S. In the pictures starting at the top are Gary Spears, Pixie Monroe and myself. Then there is me as Socrates in the "Visions" Rock-Opera. Then I posted a picture of Pixie Monroe and I and one with Gary Spears and I. Then below those I have the cover of "The Hollywood Cookbook" and then a pictures of the authors, Jackie Zabel and Morgan Most, and their husbands, below them, Bryce Zabel and Don Most.

I then posted pictures of the Italian Chefs in the book, Mario Batali, Nick Stellino, Rocco DiSpirito, and Michael Cimarusti. Finally, I have a picture of the four of us in the studio with Peaches the dog.

Since I wrote about Don Most who played Ralph Malph in the series "Happy Days, and since the character of "Arthur Fonzarelli" was supposed to be Italian, I thought I would take this opportunity to post a video I found on Youtube.com of not one but two Italian characters from the series. Here are Fonzie and Leather Tuscadero singing the Fonzie song, "Do The Fonzie," from one of the series episodes. (In English)

Grazie "Amici" - Thank You "Friends"

2007-09-01T15:31:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

"Grazie," in Italian means thank you. "Amici," in Italian means friends. Therefore, technically the title of this post is indeed "thank you friends." And though I mean that and I always say that, the reason that the word "Amici" is in quotes is because I am referring to an Italian Journal called "Amici." So in essence I am not just thanking "friends" I am thanking the Journal.

And the reason I am thanking Amici is not only for the work they do in keeping those interested in Italian and Italian-American culture informed, but because of the wonderful article they wrote about our show "Filippo and the Chef."

I got a call from Randy Warner of our management team at The Phoenix Organization the other day telling me he was real pleased with the article in the Amici Journal. I hadn't seen it yet, so he sent me a copy, and I got to see what he meant.

Author, John Rizzo did a really nice job. I remember him interviewing Chef Richard and I for a future article in the Journal but I didn't remember telling him all that he wrote. He must have done a lot of research. Nonetheless, thank you John, and thank you to our amici at "Amici."

I have posted the article that was written on us here, but the whole magazine is worth getting since it is filled with things people who are interested in things Italian want to know. Plus, this month has Italian-American actor Gary Sinise on the cover.

Gary, so it seems, has been on a "mission" his whole life with his famous roles in CSI: NY, "Mission To Mars," "Forrest Gump" and then of course, "Apollo 13." But he is on a mission of a lifetime now, and in Amici they hit up on it in a very interesting article about him and his foundation, Operation Iraqi Children, which supports the efforts of American soldiers to assist Iraqi children. It is an organization founded and funded by Gary Sinise and author Laura Hillenbrand.

Learning about the kind of great work that people like Gary Sinise do, on screen, and off, make you proud to be associated with them on all fronts, as Americans and as Italian-Americans.

Grazie "Amici," and grazie Gary for the work that you are doing.

Filippo

P.S. I think it very appropriate to post a clip here that I found on Youtube.com of Gary Sinise on Craig Ferguson's Talk Show, talking about other things we can be proud of like his entertaining the troops, among other things. (In English)

All In A Days Work - Still Working On It (Part 2)

2007-08-29T14:50:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

This post is a continuation of my previous post of the same title in which I talk about some of the experiences I am starting to have as part of my profession. Or rather, more accurately, these experiences I am experiencing because of a combination of various circumstances including my profession, my ethnicity, my personality, etc.

In the last post I mentioned how I ran into the famous photographer, director, etc., Norman Seeff at after a meeting. This next situation that occurred is still new to me too and something I might be lucky enough to have to get used to. It occurred in the office of the IACCW (Italy American Chamber of Commerce, West) during a meeting with the Executive Director, Paola De Mari.

In the middle of the meeting she told me that she had seen my blog and all the events I had gone to and reported about, and wanted to know why I had not attended a single one of their events and reported on it? I told her that I didn't remember ever having been invited to one. The office manager Lucia Peretti Merritt proceeded to tell me the E-mail address they had listed for me, and indeed it was correct.

I guess I couldn't get out of this one. In all actuality, I think I had assumed that since I also receive many invitations for events in New York and Chicago, etc. that I am an not able to attend at the moment, that the ones coming from the particular E-mail address, were not local events. I told her that I would be happy to attend and report on one or more of their events and post pictures, etc. I promised I would be looking for the next event to attend.

Our meeting continued and something said within the meeting sparked a memory in Paola and she asked me if I had seen the pictures of me in a recently published book. I told her I didn't even know that I was in yet another book. I thought she might be referring to Richard Gruden's Book, The Italian American Crooner - A Bedside Companion," in which the author dedicates a whole chapter on me.

She immediately popped up and went to her office to get it and brought it back into the meeting room and opened up the pages to the pictures of me. It was not that book but another one called "Images of America - Italians in Los Angeles."

I was quite honored I must say, firstly that she thought so much of me to bring it to my attention, and secondly that only a handful of Italian-Americans were listed in the book as representing the next generation of Italian leaders and I was included right along with Jimmy Kimmel, of ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live Show and Doug DeLuca, producer of the show.

Above is a picture of the cover and below that are the pictures used in the book. You see the page listing Jimmy Kimmel and Doug DeLuca. And then here are the pictures with me.

Even though, the captions are incorrect, and I don't wear my hair that way anymore, thankfully, he, he, it was wonderful to be included.

The book is called "Images of America - Italians In Los Angeles," by Marge Bitetti and published by Arcadia Publishing. Thank you Marge for including me in the pictures. Thank you Paola for giving me the book so I could post it on my blog. And thank you Giovanna DiBona of Roman Holiday, with whom I am happily pictured, and Norman Panto.

You know, there used to be a saying amongst musicians, that started up after the accordion had "fallen out of favor" in the recording studio world. The saying was "Play and accordion, go to jail." When I first started to hire bands and asked around for accordion players for the ethnic sound I was looking for at the time, musicians would laugh and tell me those sayings and more. They were funny, but they didn't stop me from hiring accordion players.

It is interesting how now the accordion has come into favor even among some rock bands. Okay, it hasn't taken over the guitar, and you don't always see it in bands, but it is used in recording studios. And this man, Norman Panto, or Nunzio, as I know him has done well with it. Besides the usual Italian weddings and events, he has even been featured playing on TV commercials. Here's one accordion player who not only didn't "go to jail" for playing the accordion, he went to the bank.

Ciao for now,

Filippo

P.S. In my last post, I featured a Cher video and mentioned how I would feature a Sonny Bono video next time, and here it is. Here is a video I found on Youtube.com of Sonny singing his song "Laugh At Me." Like his voice or not, you have to admit the message is timeless. (In English)

All In A Days Work - Still Working On It (Part 1)

2007-08-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

I intellectually know that my life is different than most people's but to be honest, it is still all new to me. Things don't go the way I was used to them going when I was working in the corporate world of IBM, for example.

For instance, last week we were in a meeting with Kassi Crews, Vice President of Digital Jungle, a post production house in Hollywood discussing the television version of the "Filippo and the Chef" show. When who comes to see her, but Norman Seeff.

Though many of you might not recognize his name, you would definitely recognize his work, guaranteed. If you saw the images that have defined our celebrities over the years, the images were shot by Norman Seeff. Say Ray Charles, Cher, Etta James, Frank Zappa, George Burns, Hugh Heffner, Mick Jager,... the list goes on.

All these people, and hundreds more have not only been photographed by Norman, but it is those photos that have been used to define them and we know these people best by the photos that Norman shot.

He not only has photographed celebrities and well known persons, but has shot for bands and album covers, and major companies, and directed for commercials, books, and is in the process of releasing two feature documentaries "Triumph of the Dream" and "The Sessions Project" this year. That's who was meeting with Kassi after we were.

Upon finishing our meeting, Kassi introduced us all, and me being the consummate blogger asked if we could have a picture all together, and with everyone's consensus here is the picture. The interesting thing is that in the meeting with Kassi were Chef Richard, Mike Spitler, one of our producers, and myself.

After the picture was taken Mike jokingly complained that he didn't get to be in the shot. But what I find funny is that Norman, who has photographed hundreds of famous people and who rarely gets photographed himself, was photographed by Mike. Now I don't think I have to convince him of how important that is.

In the picture at the top is Norman next to me and Kassi next to Chef Richard. Thank you Norman for agreeing to be photographed and posted on my blog and Kassi for introducing us.

That's what I mean. This never would have happened at IBM, and rarely happens anywhere except in Hollywood. Below the picture of us are a few of the Italian-Americans Norman has photographed, the first two are of Frank Zappa, including the cover of his album.

After that is of course is Alan Alda. And the one below him is the photo Norman took for the cover of one of the Aerosmith album covers. And in case you didn't know, Steve Tyler of Aerosmith is Italian-American.

See what I mean, this never happened to me before. I look forward to it happening again and again, because to tell the truth, if this is "all in a days work," I'm still working on it, but I can get used to it.

Stay tuned for Part Two.

Filippo

P.S. Since Cher was married to, and made her career together with, one of the best known and loved Italian-Americans in the world, Sonny Bono, I felt that it was enough of an Italian connection to include here here in this post. The reason for the inclusion is that Norman Seeff photographed her for the cover of this album and this gives me an opportunity to honor him, her and Sonny. Maybe next time I will find something on Sonny and include him. After all, I remember meeting his parents when I was a child, but that's another story. Here is a video of Cher's "Knock on Wood," with pictures by Norman as found on Youtube.com. (In English).

Party After Party - In San Diego

2007-08-24T19:33:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

While in San Diego visiting family, my blood relatives I should say since I seem to call so many people family, I took the opportunity to stay the night and go to yet another party the next night.

In San Diego, I feel like if I wanted to, I could probably find a party every weekend. Actually, in the Italian community in San Diego, you could find a party, a wedding, an anniversary, or something every weekend for sure.

But this was not an Italian party and I didn't expect to see any Italians there, but I shouldn't expect anything of the kind anymore.

It was a party of business people that I had met in LA who, like is starting to happen more and more in my life, I became friendly with. I guess I just can't do business without turning everyone I am dealing with into family or friends. I have always said that I don't know about this "don't do business with family," saying. I figure if you could do business with people and enjoy them as well, you have it made.

The way I see it, if in the end when you die it is the people you spent time with that mattered the most, well, doesn't it stand to reason that since we spend so much time in business, shouldn't those people we do business with, matter?

That's how I see it, at least right now. And this is turning out to be the case with all my dealings, like in this case with Bill Clum. I don't know what kind of business dealings we are going to have yet, but it doesn't matter, whatever it is and whenever it is, it is going to be good. In the meantime we are all having fun.

And this was a reason for having fun. Bill was having a milestone Birthday. Now since I just put my two cents in about doing business with friends and family, I might as well put my two cents in about Birthdays.

Actually, I already mentioned some of my beliefs about Birthdays in a previous post when it was my Birthday we were talking about. But here is one more belief of mine on Birthdays. I think milestones are those that we cross as we learn things and grow in life and not just those that are number of years that pass.

So, we should be celebrating the days that we experience growth or have come to an understanding about life, not just the days in which we were born. Because in essence, by celebrating Birthdays we are just glorifying time. But when we celebrate achievements or successes or experiences, we are glorifying life.

Again, that's just how I see it right now, assuming I made my point clearly. That is until maybe someday I will see it differently, probably around the time I reach a "milestone" birthday, he, he.

I think Bill probably believes this too but it just happened to be a "milestone" birthday year; it happened to be a great time for his lady friend Patricia Murray Morgan to throw him a party at their place in San Diego; and it happened to be right in the middle of a beautiful summer.

It also turns out that there are two things I can count on when attending a party in California, one, meeting Italians and two, meeting Hollywood Celebs. I didn't know this until I met her but Patricia is an Emmy Award Nominated Make-up Artist for such big shows, and movies, (and the difficult make-up jobs), as "Battlestar Galactica," "Scary Movie," "Babylon 5," and many more.

In regard to meeting Italians, I was happily surprised to see my good friend David Johnson at the party who I haven't seen in a very long time. He is Italian-American and it was good to see him looking so good and doing so well.

Actually, the looking good part is not hard for him since he has been a print model for years, he could stumble out of bed and take a good picture. The doing well part, that's something I wish for everyone and glad to know he is.

That's David pictured here with me. The very first picture at the top of the post is of Bill Clum and I. I must say these pictures with Bill were taken after we had all done quite a bit of dancing to the live band you see behind us there in the backyard.

Directly below that picture of Bill and I is a picture of Patricia Murray and I, and then below that, Bill, Patricia, and I. And speaking of Patricias, the picture below that one is of my friend Patricia, or Tricia Wall, and a friend of hers and acquaintance of mine, Jon Corbisez.

Actually, in case you have noticed those beautiful crystals some of us are wearing, John is the one that makes them by hand. Since some of you have asked, when Jon gets a website up, I can share it so those of you who are interested will know how you can get one too, or learn about them.

Below that picture is Bill and a friend Moe Elhabbal, that I just happened to catch on my camera, as well as a picture of Bill, Patricia, and her Mother, all the way from Canada.

Finally, here is a picture of an interesting lady I met at the party who has an interesting business. Her name is Susie Walton and she specializes in helping people and communities to live harmoniously. I can't wait to hear more about that.

I think we could all use a little of that. But none of that was necessary at Bill and Patricia's party. Fun was had by all. Thanks for the invite and...

Buon Compleanno Bill (Happy Birthday Bill).

Filippo

P.S. Speaking of friends in San Diego, I ran across this video on Youtube.com of some friends in San Diego. They are Tony and Giovanna DiBona who have a band and dance troop they call Roman Holiday. I heard from Giovanna today, she saw my last blog post of me and my family in San Diego and knowing I was in San Diego mentioned how she wished we could have seen each other. See, there was another party waiting to happen. What did I tell you? Every time I see them it's a party, with good food and good music, and no wonder, look what they do. (Non Spoken Video)

La Famiglia E Sempre Famiglia - Family Is Always Family

2007-08-22T09:48:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

We all live such busy lives, and time goes by so quickly, there isn't time for much other than what is starring us in the face. And yet, there is so much that we wish we could incorporate into our lives somehow, but we just don't know how to do it.

It is no coincidence that on our Filippo and the Chef show has a few mottos we like to say and live by, and the majority of them revolve around family.

"In Our Kitchen, You're Family."

"Join Our Family."

"We invite you to cook along with us, drink along with us, and enjoy life along with us, after all, we're family."

I truly feel that way about all the people we work with and the fans we are developing. And I try to live my life with as much family as I can. Ironically, when I am performing I truly feel like I am performing for family.

I have created a family of people that I work with on the show. I am really close to a handful of friends and to me they are family. And as far as my immediate family is concerned, I try to see them as often as I can. So, I have truly created my life around family and surrounded myself with family.

But when most people think of family, they think of their immediate family. But to Italians, family extends many generations far up, down and across the family tree, probably as far as you can imagine.

There are even names for the extensions of the family members. I hardly know them in English, much less Italian.

I am talking about first cousins, second cousins, first cousins once removed, second cousins three times removed, and so on. I don't know how it all works but I do know that family is family and that's all there is to it.

Well, all this to say that I have family all over, as I am sure we all do nowadays. The majority of mine is in San Diego, New York, Milan, Rome and Sicily. I got to visit with family in San Diego this past weekend and it did me good. And again, when I say family, I include fourth cousins, and beyond.

This weekend was special because there was family visiting from Sicily for the first time, and all of us that could, took the opportunity to get together to meet and spend time with them. We all gathered at my Uncle's house, otherwise known to me as "Parrinu," my Godfather, and we had a great time.

It was so exciting seeing how well everyone was doing, and how beautifully everyone got along, related and had a great time.

You know how there are parties when the adults get together and the kids keep to themselves, or leave early, or better yet, don't come at all.

Not in this case, all the kids hung around wanting to get to know us and spend time with us all too. All the generations were represented and we wouldn't have had it any other way. I guess that sense of "famiglia" is born in us and we cherish it.

I asked around if anyone wanted to be included in this special post on my

blog of a subject and a group of people that were very near and dear to me. All of them said yes. Now, not all the pictures came out good and because of that and because it would just be too many pictures, I won't be posting everybody in this post but I will hopefully have another occasion soon to post more.

As I am writing this post and uploading pictures and running out of space, I had to laugh that I don't think I got pictures of half the people there.

The other funny thing is that the people at the party are probably only one tenth of the family I have in San Diego.

That is not to mention all the people that I have known all my life or the friends and fans that I have made through the years there. The family just keeps getting bigger, and what could be better. I wouldn't have it any other way.

The family also is expanding in a big way and in many directions. We are all so different and yet all the same. It is interesting how through marriage some of us have married into other cultures and how their cultural differences have enhanced our living experience.

Interesting however when we get together it all seems very Italian however.

Even though most of us still are Italian, those that aren't feel Italian at times. And even if they don't live Italian throughout their everyday lives, it is fun to come together and party as Italians, with good Italian wine, Italian food, and lots of Amore, (Love). Now, that's Italian!

What can I say but "E Viva La Famiglia," "Hail to the Family!"

Filippo

P.S. Speaking of family, I really like what Martin Scorsese did back in 1974 when he filmed his parents Catherine and Charles "living" family life, Italian style, whatever I mean by that. I say family because there is the interaction of him and his parents as well.

By the way, it is so New York Italian, just to listen to them, to hear what they talk about, the way they relate to each other, the cooking and everything. Now it is a little different from a Californian Italian interaction, but it is still Italian. How different? We can get into that another time.

I don't know what more to say but you'll get it if you watch it. I like this kind of thing. If you do too, then enjoy a slice of Italian-American family life as Martin Scorsese filmed it in "ItalianAmerican" and as I got off of Youtube.com (In English)

Marco Ierva - A Man of Many Names and Many Talents

2007-08-16T19:41:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

Through my friend Marco Missinato I had the pleasure of meeting another Marco, in this case Marco Ierva. I had heard from my friend Marco that he was a man of many talents and was quite the man about town in Italy, more specifically Rome.

Fortunately I didn't just get to meet him, but actually got to know him by being able to spend some time with him during his recent stay here in Los Angeles. I love to speak Italian and to learn more about Italy any chance I get. So to be able to share this kind of time with a man who has done so much in Italy in so many fields was such a pleasure because we could talk about so many things, not to mention he is a really great guy.

In the end, I just had to interview him for the Filippo and the Chef radio show and have him share with our radio audience some of the interesting stories and experiences he shared with me.

The reason I titled this post "A Man of Many Names and Many Talents" is because the night before the interview I did my due diligence and went on the Internet to learn more about Marco so I would be better prepared for the interview. I was surprised to learn that for someone who had done so much, all of which I had believed was true, and was verified by many others that knew him from Italy, there was so little about him on the net.

I didn't quite know how to say this to him when I saw him the next day for the interview. But I found a way to tactfully broach the subject. He knew where I was going right away and laughed. Afterwards he told me that he used to go by the name Iervasutti, and that I would find much more information about him under that name.

But even better than that. Since his name starts with the letter "i," it is some times misread as a "j" and therefore both his names, "Ierva" and "Iervasutti" have been misspelled as "Jerva" and "Jervasutti" many times. The next thing I know we are on the Internet together proving his point. And right he was. He was everywhere under all those names.

He was listed as the winner of a singing competition as a young child in a rock band. I found listings of his winning the European equivalent of "Most Valuable Player," in the field of Water Polo (Pallanuoto). This of course meant that he was one of the top players in his day and the one that all the girls used to chase after and the one who had everyone wanting to be his friend. In Italy, that must be a fun life to live, even if it is only for a few years.

Of course, now that he is a husband and father he might not think about all that anymore. Nevertheless, I think about those things, he, he. Lets see, I didn't find listings of him as a husband and father but I found listings of him as an actor, a dance choreographer, a Physical Ed Teacher, a coach for the Italian Olympic synchronized swimming team, play writer, dancer, and the list goes on. This was big stuff, not just local theater but nationally televised stuff.

The thing that impressed me the most were the many articles that referred to him as a person who cared about people. For example he was the Stage Director for a theater event called "Sirene Per Una Notte," (Sirens For A Night), and as part of it he used a sign language translator. This had never been done for a national and televised event of this nature. One article praised his insistence on not wanting to leave anyone out and to be able to communicate with as many people as he could, including the deaf.

The article that got my attention in another respect was about his recent Artistic Directing of the Internationally televised "Ali della Vittoria" (Wings of Victory), which is like the "Oscars" of Soccer. And you know that in Italy a Gala night like that is the biggest night of the year, second only to the soccer championships themselves. And he was the Director.

Evidently, he is up for that honor again this year and I told him that when he gets it to let me know so I can book my ticket early. I want to go and interview all the best loved soccer players that those of us that are into it get to watch play their hearts out game after game. You know which ones I am talking about, and Marco knows all of them.

At any rate, the interview came out great. His English was good enough to understand and rough enough to make it exciting and keep you on your toes. Evidently, my Italian is like that too, at least so I am told by people in the know. We had a fun and interesting time together to say the least and I look forward to seeing him here or in Italy soon.

If nothing else, Marco, "see you at the 'Oscars!'"

A presto,

Filippo

P.S. The pictures above are of Marco Ierva and myself, of Ierva with Marco Missinato, and of the two of us with Ornella, a mutual friend visiting from Italy, at a get together at my place. And speaking of a man of many talents introducing new things to theater, here is a new piece of theater structured by Italians and performed by Italians, in a way that I have never seen done before. It is using multi-media, mainly comic strip type visuals and live actors as characters. (In English)

A Request I Couldn't Deny - From A Mother On Her Daughter's Wedding Day

2007-08-11T13:38:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

I guess at the moment, my family is fresh out of weddings. Everyone in my extended family that is going to get married got married years ago and those that have children, they are still to young to entertain the thought. And contrary to popular belief, I have many friends that are non-Italian and so those that have gotten married, their weddings have not been Italian weddings.

And not that I am out there looking for Italian weddings, but when my friend Claire asked me to be her date at her cousin's wedding, I was quite delighted.

Of course I would have said yes, because it was my friends pleasure to have me there. On the other hand, her cousin's parents had been long standing fans of mine and don't miss the opportunity to tell me so each time they see me, which of course does make me feel good. On top of all of that, since I hadn't been to an Italian wedding in so long, I was actually looking forward to it.

And an Italian wedding it was, complete with real live, fresh Italians straight from Italy. Better yet, they were from Sicily. They had arrived there days before in droves, just for the wedding. And when I say droves, I mean 30 or so. And let me tell you, that is such an honor and a tribute to the family in the Italian tradition. Quite impressive I must say.

Claire had actually invited me a year or so ago to the engagement party and so I had met the bride and groom to be, at that time and gotten to know them as really nice people and seemingly a perfect couple. Although I have to say they seemed awfully young to me. Am I getting older?

So here they were getting married. And here I was at their wedding. And here I was, not the wedding singer. Come to think of it I was relishing in the fact that I wasn't singing, not in the church not at the reception. I have to say that in every wedding I sang at, everyone, I was never treated as the "wedding singer" but always as a guest. I don't know why exactly, it was other singers that brought that to my attention. Many times I was invited to sit at tables with other guests, I was always treated to the same food and party favors, or bonbonieri, etc. And even if I was only singing at the reception, I would often be invited to the church and be requested to attend.

Maybe because I always thought of people that I was singing for as family, after all, I was helping the most special day of their life be more special, I figured that they were honoring me too by asking me to be a part it all. You also hear of these horror stories about the bride's treating the band not so nicely. I usually ended up having a dance with the bride or her Mother who hired me.

I never experienced anything but kindness, except for one bride and one party in particular. I will never say who it was but I will tell the story someday because it is too funny. Yup, she was Italian, but I think her "meds" must have interfered with her "party drinking" or something. Of course I took it seriously, and it bothered me for a long time but she still loves me and if I look back it was a pretty funny situation.

So getting back to this beautiful couple and this wedding that wasn't my family and that I didn't have to sing at. I was enjoying myself just watching everything happen as I would expect it to happen in a typical Italian-American West Coast wedding. I make a distinction as West Coast, because I understand that the East Coast weddings are completely different. I have never been to an East Coast wedding. If someone wants to invite me to one, I just might come. I'd even blog about it, he, he.

All of a sudden out of no where Claire asks me a question that hits me like a ton of bricks. "Filippo, do you want to sing?" It was the last thing on my mind. For the first time ever I was actually at a wedding where I didn't have to sing. It had never happened before. Even if I wasn't the paid entertainer, I would always be asked by someone. But for some reason, maybe I have been in my Filippo and the Chef radio show host personality mode, I had forgotten that I was even a singer. As far as I was concerned I was just Claire's date.

So, being the good friend that I am, and I am a good friend, but I took her at her word, which is really interesting being that she is an attorney. Happily she didn't treat me as if I were on the stand because she could have gotten me good because she's good. But her words were "Do you want to sing." Well, the answer of course was, no. I didn't want to sing.

Now if she had asked me "Would you sing?" that is different, that is a question and a request on her part. Then it would have been harder for me to say no, if at all. Whew. I got through that. About an hour later, Claire's mother came up and asked me the same question, happily using the same wording. Now, yes, I knew what she meant, she meant, "Filippo would you sing for us?" But what she said was "Filippo, do you want to sing?" Again, my answer was "no, thank you." As if they were trying to do me a favor and satisfy my desire to sing or something.

Now, it is not as if I wasn't feeling the Italian guilt. Though they politely walked away after my answer, and I felt good on the outside, on the inside I was being eaten up alive. I knew I was going to hell for this but I wasn't sure why, because I truly didn't want to sing. But what I truly love to do is to make people happy and if that will do it, then I was considering it.

But what would I sing? I racked my brain and just decided, well, they accepted my answer so maybe I wouldn't have to sing after all. Until the bomb hit. It was a triple whammy actually. Within the span of about ten minutes, as if they had planned it, the bridal couple tell me how much of an honor it is for them to have me there. Then the bride's father comes up and tells me the same thing with tears in his eyes saying that my Uncle or someone in my family used to work with his brothers when they were all in Sicily and it was an honor to have me there.

Finally, the bride's mother comes up to me. Now she is the sweetest woman you ever want to meet, and her daughter takes after her. Actually, they are all nice people. She also stands four foot something, if that, so it felt like she was kneeling. She clasped her hands together as if she were praying to me and asked me how my mother was. My mother. You mention an Italian man's mother and you have him!

I told her she was fine and thanked her for asking and she told me how much she would have love my mother there. And after she had broken me, with love, she asked "WOULD you sing for my daughter?" "WOULD!" Oh no! She said "WOULD," while her hands were clasped in prayer and she looked like she was kneeling.

I said to myself. "Filippo, God has given you the gift that makes people happy, it is your duty to share it otherwise, now you will know why you will be going to hell!" "SI, SI, SI, of course I will sing for your daughter, IT WOULD BE MY PLEASURE!" But what would I sing?

So I thought about it for a little bit and I remembered that there were 30 Sicilians fresh from Sicily there, not to mention the ones that were not so fresh. What I mean by that is that they have been here awhile. There wasn't one Sicilian song represented that night and that just maybe it would be special if I sang them an old Sicilian song that my father had taught me.

Only, I couldn't remember all the words. So I excused myself and went outside and called my mother on the cell phone. Her first question to me was, "Did they ask you to sing yet?" I asked her how she knew. She replied with a question, "How could you not have expected it?" I guess she was right. I asked her the words of the Sicilian song "Sciuri, Sciuri," which for some reason I couldn't remember in the heat of the heat of the moment, and she helped me and then thanked me for singing for them. Boy I tell you, mother's know how to get you right in the heart.

I rushed back in the hall in time for the bride's father to introduce me with tears in his eyes. Not being in "the biz" he introduced me while half of the guests were still on the dance floor finishing up a dance.

So, in the middle of all these people I grab the mike and say a few words. A lady walking by stopped and looked at me and said, "I thought I recognized your voice." She proceeded to tell me how she had been at two of my shows in New York and she asked me how my mother was. Can you believe this. In that case I understand because I had brought my mother up on stage in my last show in New York.

In any case she proceeded to tell me many things, hug me, kiss me, all while people were watching and listening to all of this on the mike. It was really quite funny and very adorable. I spoke in Sicilian and in English and told them what I was going to sing and why and the next thing you know, since I was singing a Capella, without music, everyone clapped along and gave me the beat as the bride and groom looked on with glee. It ended up being so rewarding and the family came up and thanked me so profusely.

I was grateful for the opportunity to make a bright day even brighter and for have been given three chances to give the right answer.

Auguri a gli sposi, Bob and Crisitna! (Best wishes to the newlyweds!)

Filippo

P.S. Growing up Italian-American, weddings were always a special time. Among other things is was a time for families. Of course, I wasn't there at my parent's, or aunts' and uncles' weddings, but we had pictures, and we used to enjoy looking at them from time to time. Though all the pictures I looked at from Italy were in black and white, this video I found on Youtube.com of someone's Italian-American wedding reminded me of looking at those old pictures and of a time gone by. I thought it most appropriate to include it here. (In English)

Confessions of a Romance Addict - No, Not Me, John

2007-08-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

I was invited to see a one-man play called "Frank Sinatra F#*ked Up My Love Life!!! - Confessions Of A Romance Addict," by a young Italian-American actor John Ciccolini. The title alone had me interested. Then I read that the show had been nominated for the "LA Weekly Best Solo Show" Award, even better.

But what could John possibly have to say about romance and the Chairman of the Board that hasn't already been said?

I invited an Italian friend of mine, Luciana, who was visiting from Italy to go to the show with me. Since she spoke perfect English, actually, more "perfect" than I since she was educated in England and therefore speaks "The Queen's English," I thought she would enjoy the play. Come to find out she too was a huge Frank Sinatra fan.

It was funny how when we got into the theater, my name was on the press list and with my complimentary tickets was a press packet. Luciana immediately pulled the packet away from me and asked with delight, as she looked at John's picture, "is this who we are seeing tonight?"

When I responded affirmatively she squealed with excitement. Evidently, she wasn't just a big fan of Frank Sinatra, but a big TV fan and recognized John from some TV Series he had done that she had seen in Italy, NYPD Blues or something.

Then she noticed his name and noted that he, John, and her shared the same last name, only hers has another "o" in it as in "Cioccolini" where his is "Ciccolini." Boy did I pick the right person to bring to the play. John had all the cards stacked up in his favor for Luciana, and I to enjoy the play.

It turns out that John had all the cards stacked up even without all the coincidences. He and his play were funny, clever, well executed and quite unique. To look at him now you wouldn't have figured him a self-professed nerd as a child and so he describes learning how to "get along with the ladies" through Frank's songs that he listened to religiously, even in an era wherein all his friends were listening to rock and rap.

He even conjures up Frank, and plays him out as a figment of his imagination talking to him about romance and giving him tips while using real life examples from Frank's public life. In the end, John,... well, I don't want to give out the ending, but he cleverly ties it all up, figures it all out and "does it 'His' way." That much I can say.

Then at the end of the play, Cioccolini got to meet Ciccolini and found out they were brother and sister and that her long lost father had come to America and the "o" was dropped by accident and never recovered.

Now wouldn't that have been another play that Ciccolini could write? Only that part isn't true, I am just being funny.

Here I am pictured with Ciccolini wishing him well on the future of this and his next projects. Maybe someday someone will write a play about my music. Only instead of a "Frank Sinatra F#*ked Up My Life!!!" kind of title, maybe it would be "Filippo Voltaggio Saved My Life." Did I just make up that part too? Why not, it's my blog and I am going to write it the way I want.

That way, someday I can sing about my blog and say about it, "I DID IT MY WAY!"

Filippo

P.S. Speaking of Frank "F#*king" things up for John, so he jests. Here is a video I bet hardly any of you have seen. In it Frank does right but a little boy about to get beaten up by a gang of children, he does right by Americans, and the right to practice ones religion of choice. He uses language and references that we happily don't use anymore, but that was the language of the day and thankfully the meaning isn't lost in it. This is a short film I found on Youtube. com that Frank did in 1945 that won an Honorary Oscar and Golden Globe. (In English)

"Come Sail Away" - With Dennis DeYoung"

2007-07-30T11:14:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

For years, like so many of you, I have had this strong admiration for the music of STYX, not to mention the amazing voice of Dennis DeYoung. Of course, I like the love songs, (written for his wife Suzanne by the way), and as a singer I like to sing them myself. But my admiration went so much further. Being a "word" man all my life I have always really listened to the words of songs. As a child I could listen to a song once and come away with many of the words and the melody.

Some specific songs of STYX really "stuck" to me, especially "Come Sail Away," and my all time favorite STYX song, "Show Me The Way."

To me the words of the song "Show Me The Way," ring even truer as the years pass and as I mature. It takes a special person to write a song like that and I have long wanted to meet and know that person. That person is Dennis DeYoung. Dennis not only sang the songs of STYX but he wrote most of them, words and music, at least the ones that really spoke, and still speak to me.

So, here I was checking into my hotel room before going to the Milwaukee Festa Italiana grounds for rehearsal and I see what looks like a fellow musician checking in right next to me. I asked him if he was going to be performing at the festival and if he was Italian. He said yes, he was Italian, and that he was the keyboardist for Dennis DeYoung. My eyes lit up. Dennis DeYoung was singing in Milwaukee at the same time I was here? I could actually perhaps meet him and even maybe interview him for my show? And here was my angle, I could interview Dennis DeYoung for the Filippo and the Chef Show because the keyboardist in his band is Italian.

I made up my mind that I was going to interview him and that was it. I was too busy with my own performances and other interviews to even think of contacting his management team to run it by them and to check his schedule etc. But late at night, back in the hotel when I was doing my research on all the interviews I was conducting I researched Dennis DeYoung.

Music itself has no nationality as far as I am concerned, though I say, I like an Italian song or a Spanish song, etc. So I never cared if there was any Italian connection to STYX, but now because of the show, it is fun to seek and find those connections, and find them I did. It turns out that STYX started out as "The Tradewinds," and two of the original members were Italian-Americans from Chicago, brothers in fact, John and Chuck Panozzo.

Now I had the current keyboardist being Italian, and the original members of the band having been Italian, what more did I need? So I marched myself up to the backstage area the evening of the concert. In fact, the concert had already started but it was the soonest I could get there because of my show etc. I walked up to a gate agent and told him who I was and what I was there to do and he told me no one was allowed backstage.

I bet you are wondering how that sat with me? So I proceeded to tell him again, politely of course, until he referred me to someone above him. That person told me the same thing. I racked my brain as to what I was going to tell these people to make sure I got in and did what I knew was my "God given" duty to do, he, he.

For some reason, I thought of Paul Ianelli. He is the man who must have booked Dennis DeYoung, he booked me and he likes me, he is one of the people running the festival, and so, there it is. So, I asked the gentleman if he could contact Paul Ianelli on his radio. He looked at me like, "we don't disturb Paul." In fact, his radio didn't even have the authority to dial into him so he had to contact someone above him to see if he would call Paul on my behalf.

That person looked at me as if to say, this better be good otherwise we are all going to be in trouble. Well, he dialed Paul and I heard the man destroy my name and I could hear Paul over the speaker say, "no, no one gets backstage." My heart sank and then I asked him to repeat my name only saying it slower, "Filippo." I heard Paul say, "who?" and I thought I thought it was over. And the guy repeated it in case Paul hadn't hear because of the static. And then Paul said the most beautiful words I have ever heard, "Oh, Filippo, yeah, anything he wants!"

It was like the sky opened and God's light shown down on me and the angels sang. But I didn't have time to listen to the angel's song because I was being escorted backstage to hear Dennis DeYoung sing and eventually interview him. And hear him I did, from the backstage, to the front of the stage right at the bottom in front of him, to the side of the stage. I just enjoyed every angle of the concert, all except being on stage with him myself.

But at one point, as I waited backstage I realized "God" had not spoken to Dennis' manager and I had another yet another hurdle. But the manager was really nice and said, Dennis is headed to the airport right after the concert but he would get the interview in if I kept it short. So here I was about to get my interview, but that wasn't enough for me. Before the manager left I just had to ask, "is there any chance that Dennis is Italian?" I don't know why I did that, but Dennis was joking about Italians on stage, and it was an Italian festival, and I thought it was a good question.

His manager looked at me and smiled like he knew he was going to make my day and said, of course he's Italian, and so is his wife who's out there singing with him. All of a sudden I heard the angels sing again. Life is good. I am so dramatic, aren't I? I am having fun, in case you can't tell.

And the fun had just started, Dennis and his wife Suzanne walked off stage after an encore, and as promised, his manager directed them both to me so I could conduct my interview for the show. WOW! He was so great and so was his wife and I can't wait to share the interview with all of you on radio. We talked about Dennis' new CD and musical coming out, about The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I also learned about Suzanne's new book called "A Love Foretold," which includes a new song by Dennis written for the book. And I got to learn about their favorite Italian recipes.

Yes, they are both half Italian and they harold from Chicago and that's where STYX got started. But that is only where they got started they went all over from there and for Dennis, it looks like there is no end in sight.

Besides the successes of the former band, among other awards and records, STYX is the first band to have 4 consecutive albums certified Multi-Platinum, Dennis is now on his own setting records solo. His latest CD has hit #1 of the top 100 in Quebec, and it hasn't even come out in the U.S. yet. And his latest single sounds just as anthemic as the songs of his that I have liked all this time. Called "100 Years From Now," it has promise to be one of those that has more meaning as the years progress. May we progress along with those years and these songs.

Thanks Dennis for the foresight, inspiration and years of music and good feelings.

Filippo

P.S. Speaking of interviews, here is an interview of Dennis I found on Youtube.com in which he talks about his songwriting process. Here is an insight into the mind of an artist. (In English)

A Festa - Within A Festa

2007-07-24T19:06:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

So here I was singing on stage at the Festa Italiana in Milwaukee when all of a sudden Carol Plantamura comes and sits down in the middle of the audience. Now you might ask, why is that important and who is Carol Plantamura.

Well, Carol was one of my singing teachers when I was a student at UCSD and she is a really cool lady, one who I haven't seen since I graduated years ago. So much has happened since those days at UCSD, and so much has changed, including my voice, after many other voice teachers and many more years of study, becoming a professional singer, recording, etc.

It was quite exciting to have Carol in the audience hearing me sing after all these years. So when I finished my song, I said to the audience that one of my former voice teachers was in the audience and she is Carol Plantamura.

Now, the Carol I knew would have been thrilled to be recognized and would have jumped up and said hello to the audience. Of course, Carol has had many years of performing 17th Century and 20th Century classical and Experimental music with six or so recordings under her belt. So, Carol is not shy around audiences.

But as the audience applauded, she just looked at me and smiled. And I decided to leave it alone. Maybe she had changed. I then finished the the show and was hoping to see her afterwards, but for some reason she wasn't there. So, I figured, maybe she had to leave or maybe she just wasn't Carol.

That night was the night I had been invited to the house of Al Rolandi. Al is a NIAF Area Coordinator for Milwaukee and we have been friendly over the years having seen each other at NIAF events in Washington and Chicago, and at Festivals and shows in Milwaukee and Racine, etc. I debated whether I wanted to go to a big party.

I had one more show to do the next day before the end of the Festival. I had been interviewing people, meeting people, talking with fans, etc. and felt like attending a big loud party was the last thing I wanted to do.

Al assured me that he hadn't invited very many people, only a handful of select friends, as he put it, and that it was going to be a lot of fun. He convinced me and I rode with him to his house. Being a jokster, the whole way there Al was telling me how a "few" people to him meant about a hundred and that he had a small apartment with an old '60's pink tiled bathroom, why that was funny, I don't know but it just was.

At that point I wasn't sure what to believe. All I knew is that we drove into in a beautiful area of Milwaukee and stopped in front of a beautiful home.

It was no small apartment and there was no pink tiled bathroom, I checked. And as for the people, well, Al was true, he hadn't invited very many people at all, literally just a handful of fellow entertainers and some close friends of his, including, of all people, the mystery lady, Carol Plantamura.

Upon seeing her, I rushed to her and said, are you not Carol? And she said, "No, I am Al's wife, Karen." Here she was my hostess for the evening all along, what are the coincidences? I asked her why she hadn't responded when I asked her if she was Carol from the stage, and why she didn't stay till the end.

She said that Al had told her I was a jokster like him and so she thought I was just playing a joke on her from the stage, like he does, ('60's style pink tiled bathroom, etc). She went on to say that she had to leave to get ready for the party and that's why she didn't stick around to meet me. Isn't that funny? We laughed the rest of the night about that.

To me she looks just like I remember Carol looking. So, in the picture just above here are Karen and I, and then below is a head shot of Carol Plantamura I just found on the Internet. Come on, it's pretty close, especially if you're standing on a stage looking down on an audience member far away, it's an even closer resemblance.

Karen wasn't the only surprise at the party. Al had rented an electric keyboard so those of us who wanted to could sing, since he probably felt that we hadn't been singing enough over the past week at the festival. But the ever so talented Aaron Caruso put fingers to the keys and started entertaining as if he were doing an old Vegas Lounge act.

It was interesting after having just seen him sing such beautiful opera arias on stage at the festival and some classical pieces etc., to see him sing Standards, and old traditional Italian songs, and tell jokes and basically show people a really good time. He is an all around entertainer, that's for sure, and now I know, a really nice guy too.

We had met a couple times before but hadn't really gotten to know each other, so this was a welcome opportunity. Aaron got his friend, fellow performer, Cory Pesaturo, accordionist extraordinare, to play piano for him so he could sing and do his shtick. That's not to say that he wasn't singing and doing shtick while he was playing at the piano, but it was good for a change of pace.

That's Aaron leaning back selling a song with Cory Pesaturo at the keyboards in a picture above. Basically, the first and third picture is of Al Rolandi and myself. The second one is of Aaron Caruso and I. Then the fourth picture above is of Soprano, and fellow entertainer, Christina Luna and myself on one of Al's collectibles, a bicycle built for two.

Christina was another singer I had met but never have had an opportunity to know, so this time around, we actually got to know each other by riding this bicycle, singing a duet, and dancing to Corey's and Aaron's Italian Polka's.

You should hear Cory on the accordion, he really is something else. The great thing about him too is that he not only plays the pieces you would expect him to play on an accordion, but he plays jazz and all kinds of styles that you have never heard on that instrument before, bringing the instrument into this Century in a unique way.

Actually, I could speak volumes about these artists, and hopefully someday I will have the opportunity to do so. In the meantime, back to the party.

Now that you know the players, the rest of the pictures are self explanatory. All except maybe this one above, which includes yet another singer, Joe Girard in between Aaron and I.

I don't remember exactly what we were singing at this point but I know it was fun. Joe is a Standards singer, singing the Great American Songbook, so he knows so many of those songs that crooners like me love to sing and listen too.

Along with being a performer Joe is an executive who has worked in TV, radio and in the music Industry, so he was such a wealth of information, fascinating to talk to and interesting to have met. And none of this would have happened if Al hadn't thrown a party, or better yet, if he hadn't persuaded me to come.

At the end of the night, a night which would have gone on forever for sure had more than a few of us not had to perform the next day, Al, the classy guy that he is, called us a Limousine service to make sure we all got back to our respective hotels safely and in style. What a guy, what a guy. And Karen, or Carol, no, Karen, what a hostess. Grazie!

Al, here's to the next party!

Filippo

P.S. Earlier in the post I mentioned how you should hear Cory Pesaturo play accordion. Well, I thought I would check Youtube.com to see if there happened to be a video of him on there and low and behold there was. Well, this is not a video but more of a montage of pictures taken at the recording studio while he recorded his Jazz CD "Change In The Weather." Enjoy (Not Spoken)

Festa Italiana - Milwaukee Fans

2007-07-23T00:32:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

I mentioned towards the end of two of the shows at Festa that I would post pictures of anyone fans who wanted to be on my blog. I had never done anything like this before and I thought it would be fun. And sure enough, people came up to take pictures to post on my blog.

Having never done this, I didn't think to get names and E-mail addresses so I could know who they were, post their names and inform them when I posted their pictures etc. Oh well, lets see what kind of E-mails I get about this post.

If it is something that people like, then next time I do it, I will do it differently, but for now it is like this. If you are looking at the blog and recognize anyone pictured here, do let them know so they can see themselves.

The pictures start with me in the audience singing to people as I walk on the benches and mingle with the crowd. The second picture is on me and one of my biggest fans, Mary Lou who traveled from Connecticut to see me. Or were you in Florida at this time?

Thanks for being there Mary Lou Consolo, it is always good to see you.

Mary Lou is the one in the red. Pictured here are her cousin Nancy Ferra, then Mary Lou, her cousin Shirley Frasia, me and her cousin Carol Saele.

Are they all Italian-American or what? Good to have you all there, and see you again.

That was fun, thank you all.

Filippo

P.S. I mentioned in my last post that I didn't know who Julius La Rosa was referring to when he talked the Arthur Godfrey Show. Well, I decided to do a little research and lo and behold I found this video on Youtube.com of Julius La Rosa on the Arthur Godfrey Show singing "This Is Heaven." Now I know who Arthur Godfrey is and I got hear and see Julius when he was much younger. (In English).

It's Italian Festa Time - In Milwaukee

2007-07-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

Where would you guess the largest Italian Festival in the nation is? New York? Chicago? Philly? No, it's Milwaukee. Well, that's what I've been told and I have seen it with my own eyes.

I had sung at the Festa Italiana in Milwaukee for two years in a row a few years back and then I stopped doing the Festivals. After three years of taking a break from the Italian festival circuit, when Milwaukee came a calling, I said no. In fact, I said no several times. But thanks to the Entertainment Director there, Paul Iannelli, who insisted and persisted, I finally said yes, and I am so glad I did.

What a way to start getting back into festivals, by starting with the biggest one. I was so happy to be there amongst so many friends and acquaintances who are also on the festival circuit as singers, comedians, dancers, accordionists, you name it. And the attendance, from 300,000 to 400,000 strong.

So many people remembered me from years ago and I actually remembered some of them. I told a few of them if we took pictures together I would put them on my blog, so in my next post I will post those pictures.

In this post I will post the pictures of a few of the performers, many of whom I interviewed for our Filippo and the Chef radio and Internet Podcast Show. I cannot tell you what a treat it was to interview some of these people who's songs I either grew up with or have been singing all my life.

I had so much in common with them, and had so many questions, the interviews could have gone on for hours. I can't wait for us to air them.

That's a picture of Paul Iannelli and I at the top of the post, the man that made it all possible. In fact he didn't just hire me, he wanted Chef Richard too and had Chef Richard on a main stage of his own as the Celebrity Chef in the Headliner time.

Since Chef Richard and I were both headlining on different stages, we never saw each other's shows. We were already asked to come back next year, only next year, I think we are going to do the "Filippo and the Chef" show live, not just in Milwaukee, but all over. That's the plan.

If you don't recognize the young lady in the second picture, it's Deidre Contino, the beautiful and talented daughter of Dick Contino the famous accordion player. She has such a pretty voice and really knows how to use it. This picture was taken immediately after her show on stage with the wind practically blowing us away, how she sang through it, I'll never know.

In the picture below Deidre and I is one of two traditional music groups directly from Southern Italy. One of the groups was QuartAumentata , and the other one Nando Citarella's group "Tamburi del Vesuvio." The music of these groups together caught my attention from afar.

I had stopped to buy myself a BBQ'd corn on the cob, and I heard this music start that was so authentically Southern Italian, and yet had a modern feel to it, I just had to go and find out what it was all about.

When I finally approached the tent full of people enjoying the music I just stood and enjoyed right along with them all, the rhythms, sound, songs, and even the dancing, as you can see in this picture below the one with me in it.

It was interesting to learn later that QuartAumentata considers themselves a pop ethnic band, and by the way, they are proudly from Calabria. They gave me a copy of their first single which is called "U Mundu Balla," (The World Dances), and it sure would if they heard this song. You can find more info on them and the CD at their website www.CDClubEntertainment.com.

After the opening ceremonies, I took pictures with several of the dignitaries and delegates of Italy at the Festival. Among them was the Honorevole Senatore della Repubblica Italiana, Renato G. Turano.

Senatore Turano has a very interesting history, he is Italian-American and now an Italian Senator. He also has accomplished much here in the U.S. and is head of Industry. We talked about him cooking with us on the "Filippo and the Chef" show, and he said he would be more than happy to do that.

I would have enjoyed talking to him more but I was up next on stage after they cleared the stage of the chairs used for the opening ceremonies, and had to go change and meet with the band. But I have a feeling he will indeed be on our show and then we can all learn more about his interesting life.

Before one of my shows, while hanging around the front of the stage watching another act, this man approached me. I immediately recognized him from the cover of his CDs, it was Vito DiSalvo. I had known Vito and his wife Lana for years from when they started selling my CDs on the Internet under their then Mifflin Hills Label. now MHN Productions.

Then they sent me a couple of Vito's CDs with the We Three band and I felt like I had gotten to know them even more. I like Vito's original compositions for accordion so well, that I was even playing them at a party I had just a couple weeks ago, and friends were commenting on how much they were enjoying the music. It was Vito DiSalvo, and I finally got to meet him.

A week before going to Milwaukee I was visiting with my family, and my sister put on a CD that she new that my nieces liked. In fact, my nieces immediately started dancing to the song. I recognized the song and marveled at how the music of the Gaylords had crossed generations from my parents generation and generations before, to mine and my sisters, to now our nieces.

This was the first thing I told Burt Holiday, of The Gaylords, when I saw him at the Festival. Burt and I at least twice before, had met before but this was the first time we not only got to have a conversation but I also got to interview him and Ronnie Gaylord, Jr. Look for that interview on our website at www.FilippoandtheChef.com.

There is so much I could say about all these artists and I am realizing as I write and write that this blog might be getting a little long and I have so many more people I want to chat about. I interviewed most of them and maybe I should let the interviews speak for themselves, because they were so full of information. It was wonderful how everyone got into it and wanted to share their story with our audiences.

Let me see if I can be brief so I can get everyone in. This next artist, so many of the generation before me probably fell in love to his music, like "Precious and Few." He is Sonny Geraci himself and he still gots it. He rocks and rolls and then he croons and back again. Now his son and daughter sing too entertaining a whole other generation.

This guy above is John Truncali, celebrity impersonator, singer, and Vegas entertainer. It's interesting how we all know what we mean by Vegas entertainer, a guy who can really entertain using various media like singing, playing an instrument, telling jokes, etc. And yet, there are very few of these guys left in Vegas. But it's not a dying art, not when you see John's show.

Speaking of dying arts, now here is a dying art, someone who actually is Italian and sings in Italian at an Italian Festival. So few Italian Festivals have Italian singers or singers that sing in Italian these days, except maybe for Opera singers.

Is it because the festival promoters think that American songs will draw more crowds, are we getting so far removed, have people stopped listening to Italian music at home where in they wouldn't recognize any of the songs if they heard them at festivals? Are there not enough Italian singers to go around? I don't know, but I have my theories, but that's for another time.

Of course I am one of them and I do know there are many others, and they are all so different with different voices, styles, songs, arrangements. There is room for all of them. And if you are looking for an authentic Italian singer for your festival, who not only sings in Italian but speaks English with an Italian accent, here is one, Moreno Fruzzetti.

This next gentleman is too much. He is Julius La Rosa. And he had me laughing so hard at one point during the interview by speaking to me in Sicilian and saying things I haven't heard said since my Nonna was around to say them.

Speaking again of dying arts, here's a performer, that even in the heat of the day in Milwaukee he would wear a tuxedo and a crisp white tuxedo shirt every performance. And why was he on during the day you might ask? Well, he wants it that way so he can see his audience. That's the kind of performer he is.

This too was an interview that was really pleasurable. In fact, they all are, each in their way. Julius talked about the Arthur Godfrey television show. I really liked that because I had no idea who Arthur Godfrey was and that made me feel really young.

Of course, I knew everyone else he spoke about and that was a real treat because he gave us the inside scoop on how he got on the Johnny Carson Late Night television show, how he got himself uninvited for years, and how he finally got back on. Interesting story, that we will save for the interview.

In case you don't recognize him, that's Chef Richard of the "Filippo and the Chef" Show, with Julius.

Speaking of interviewing artists. This next artist is the beautiful Giada Valenti. All the while I was talking to her and watching her perform etc. I was thinking how I had already interviewed her in one of our first shows.

It wasn't until after the festival that I remembered I had never interviewed her, I had asked her a couple questions, off the air, that I then shared with the audience on the air, before playing one of her original songs.

I can't believe I missed my opportunity. Well, I know I will see her again soon since our paths do cross often. In fact, at one point we were even going to share a stage together. Actually, we did share a stage once, but not at the same time.

Nevertheless, this is Giada Valenti, and the song we played on one our first episodes is "Italian Signorina," off her first CD. If I understand correctly, she has a new one coming out real soon. Brava Giada, I can't wait to buy it.

These next two artists with whom I am pictured are very related, in fact they are related to the first artist mentioned on this post too. That was Deidre Contino and this is her brother Pete Contino and her father the famous accordionist Dick Contino.

Pete has his own band and show in Las Vegas, and so though I had met him before I didn't know him very well. His father on the other hand, I finally got to interview and tell him the story of how we had first met. I had just started doing weddings and I was still a little new at it, but I certainly gave it my all and I never had any complaints. On the contrary, I had lots of referral business.

But one of these first weddings while I was still a little shaky and new, the bride's mother came up to me and excitedly asked if her cousin could play with my band a song or two.

I was prepared for "some thing" like this could happen because I had been to enough Italian weddings growing up that someone in the family always has to sing or play something. I figured, sure, how bad could he be and even if he is bad, it's what they want.

Then she said, my cousin is Dick Contino, and I nervously asked, "are you sure he's here?" as if perhaps to say, are you sure that he would come to this small wedding in Fresno, California. And she answered, "of course, he's my cousin, come with me let me introduce you." I was a little nervous at the time, to say the least. But there was no need, Dick was a gentleman and a professional and he entertained and it all went well.

Then Dick impressed me yet again by saying the most amazing things I thought I would ever hear coming out of an accordion player of his generation. I am not sure what I mean by that either, but I mean it, I was so impressed. You'll just have to wait for the interview to come out on radio to know what I mean.

One day I finally made it over to Richard's cooking stage and boy did I wish I hadn't. First of all his stage was decorated all nice and Italian and all. Then there was food everywhere, backstage, on the stage, everywhere.

The last straw was when he said, "Filippo, would you take a picture of me with all my volunteer helpers."
And all of a sudden people came from everywhere to be in this picture with Chef Richard.

I thought to myself, "What is wrong with this picture?" What was going on? Over at my stage all I had was the stage manager, and the band of course.

But this was so awesome, and they loved him. It was so good to see that they had been having such a great time over the period of the five or so days they had been working together. "Working," okay, it's work, but they are making delicious food and getting to eat it, that's got to be fun.

Well, from the looks on their faces they were having fun indeed. And if Marie, the stage manager, pictured with us below, has anything to say about it, next year I am going to be on that stage with my whole band and we are going to show Milwaukee how "Filippo and the Chef," rock the cooking world.

And by the way, those sandwiches you see in the picture, are one of Chef Richard's specialties, Mozzarella in Carrozza, or as he likes to call them, "Italian French Toast." That's a crazy name for them, but by any name would be just as delicious. We have a show with that recipe, and you just gotta try them.

In the meantime, we all enjoyed Chef Nick Stellino's show. As a matter of fact, come to think of it, I wasn't the only one that complained about all the attention Chef Richard was getting. While watching Nick Stellino on stage, who came on right after Chef Richard, I heard him say something that I understood too well. At one point he called out the assistant and asked her where all the, something were? I don't remember what ingredient he was looking for.

The assistant them brought him out just a little of what he asked for. He then said, that he needed more for his dish, and then turned to Chef Richard who was in the audience at that point and said, "He's why I don't have what I need for my show, you gave all the good stuff to Chef Richard." The audience laughed and soon afterwards, plenty of what he wanted appeared.

I had to laugh, everyone loves Chef Richard and yes, Nick, I know what you mean. Sometimes people give him all of something and there's none left for me either. Above is a picture of Chef Richard, Nick Stellino and I.

And speaking of laughing, I leave you with two more pictures of men who leave you laughing. The first one is Bill Acosta, singer, impressionist, comic and man of 1001 voices.

The second one is Pete Barbutti, who I also got to interview. He has such great stories about the many times he toured with Nat King Cole and performing with Frank Sinatra.

It's stories like these and interviews like the one with Pete, or any of the ones I conducted at the Festival, that make what I do so important. I love the fact that I am getting some of these stories recorded because I would hate for them to be lost, especially for those people like me who love this kind of thing. I hope soon that I will be able to video these interviews and that there will be people interested in this kind of entertainment for generations to come.

In the meantime, there are enough people interested to put on an Italian festival, come to an Italian festival, and entertain at an Italian festival, so that everyone can have fun and celebrate all the good things that are Italian.

Buona Festa,

Filippo

P.S. I was so happy to see that at the Festival they had children who had learned and danced traditional Italian dances, and children who sang traditional Italian songs. This is part of the reason for doing these festivals, I hope and trust, is to keep these traditions alive for all generations and for all to enjoy. Here is a video I was happy to find on Youtube.com of a fine example of what I am writing about and this is from this years Festa Italian in Milwaukee. It is a group of children doing a traditional Italian dance in traditional Italian dress. (Music Background Only)

Birds Of A Feather - Get Together

2007-07-14T14:30:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

You know, it really is true that "Birds of a feather stick together." In this case it was for the Birthday Party of an Italian-American actress, and you would never guess, that the whole house was full of Italian-American actors. Okay, some Italian-Americans that weren't actors, and some actors that weren't Italian-American, but it's all there..."Birds of a Feather," everywhere.

Oh, and I forgot to mention, most of them from New York. And a couple Italian-American actors that I expected to be there weren't there because they were in New York. Do you see what I am getting at?

Needless to say, it was a fun party, and all in honor of Camille Saviola. I am sure you will recognize her from the pictures. And then again, maybe not. In every TV show, Broadway show, Movie or Play that I have seen her in, she always has a different look. Never mind that, whenever I see her in person, period, she has a different look. Gotta love it.

So friends gathered from all over, mainly New York, he, he, to wish her a Happy Birthday at her home up in the mountains of Los Angeles with an amazing view. It was my kind of house, hidden from the street. In fact, the house was so hidden and seemed in such a rural area that the road stopped before you got to her house. And there were so many cars the little dirt road that was there was blocked. So, I parked somewhere down the mountain and walked.

Of course, you could hear where the party was half way down the mountain. Can you imagine Italian-American, New York, Actors all in the same house? I got there just in time for the singing of "Happy Birthday," and boy did it sound good.

In fact, the song was sung over a NEW YORK CHEESE CAKE made by New York's number one fan, Elaine "Cookie" Lombardi, Chef Richard Lombardi's wife of the "Filippo and the Chef" Show. Oh, yes, she cooks and bakes too, and Italian no less, even though she isn't Italian, and she wasn't an actor. But she is from New York. See what I mean?

Well, that wasn't the only singing going on at the party, there was signing everywhere. At one point even Richard got into the singing action, which gave me an idea. We are working on it, and if it works out, you will soon be seeing it in some form or other.

I am sure you all recognize most of the people in the pictures, but just in case, here we go. The first picture is of the one and only, unique, one of a kind, Camille Saviola. I like that picture of her and I, and did you notice the sketch above our heads? I like that one too, he, he.

This next actress I know her as Kat Narducci but I guess she goes by Katherine Narducci. Those of you who have watched it, know her from "The Soprano's," and of course "Bronx Tales," and many other TV and movie roles. Speaking of pictures hanging on the wall, look at the one right behind Kat. I tell you, Camille is one of a kind, and we wouldn't want her any other way.

In the next picture is the real Bobby Costanzo, not to be confused with any other Bobby Costanzo. Him too, look at that face, you've seen it everywhere, especially playing not so warm, funny, lovable men, but let me tell you, he's a good actor, because he's all bark! Unfortunately, I don't remember the name of the lovely lady sitting in between us, but being that she wasn't Bobby's wife, or my wife, he, he, maybe that is a good thing, he, he.

And speaking of Bobby, that's Chef Richard and Bobby in the next picture, probably talking about New York, or the old neighbor. It's like when Italians would get together and talk about the old Country, they do the same thing with New York. Having been born and raised in California, I guess I will never known unless I move to New York, but I am sure it won't be the same.

Oh, and I should probably mention that there were some non-Italians there, or should I say, they were only half Italian, he, he, like in this last picture, with Carlysle King and John Griffin, both half Italian and both actors.

What can I say? I'm just playing around and having fun, and it has been fun and it was a fun party, and the people were great and it was great meeting old friends and new, who you felt like they were old friends because that is how "Birds of a Feather" feel when they "flock" together.

So, what the "flock?" Happy Birthday Camille.

Filippo

P.S. With all this talk of Italians and New York and the Old Country, I can't help to be reminded of the movie "The Golden Door." If you are into Italian Heritage, you really owe it to yourself to see this movie. I found this scene on Youtube.com and it is the scene when the immigrants see the skyscrapers of New York city for the first time. I have seen the film and it is a moving scene for me. If you haven't seen it, I hope it works out of context. (In Sicilian w/ English Subtitles).

Every Italian Has A Story - And Knows How To Tell It!

2007-07-03T18:36:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

Everyday, more and more, I am astonished as to how many Italian-Americans have made it to the top of their field in so many areas of life, career, business, etc. Before I stop writing this blog, I imagine that I will have come to know Italians in almost every field possible, and probably at the top of them. I heard a really good explanation for that recently, but that is a topic for another post.

So getting back to Italians being at the top of their field, they also have a story to tell about how they got there. Some of the more funny stories, I must say, are of the Italians who didn't make it in one way or another. They will tell you why and who's fault it is and blame the world, and it can be comical if you just step out of the tragedy they are painting, and boy can they paint a tragedy.

In the same way, Italians can paint success and you can visualize each step that they took on the way there. Italians are great storytellers to begin with, and that might be a topic for another post too, but suffice it to say, oral traditions and being able to speak eloquently is something of which they are proud. I have always been amazed to listen to little children speak in Italy, so eloquent and with so much com and of the language and conversing skills.

Well, even though he was born in the States, Gene Egidio, has that skill, and from the looks of it, he is pretty close to being at the top of his field, a far out field, some people don't even know it exists, the field of energy healing.

Some people know energy healing exists and they just don't believe it. But all you have to do is hear Gene's amazing story and be near him and it might make a believer out of you. I am planning on interviewing Gene and have been in contact with his publicist Lindi Stoler about making that happen, and it will. In the meantime I went to hear him speak and tell his story.

AThe one that got me the most was the story of when he was just four years old or so. He tells how he lived in a walk-up back east and how he used to crawl up to an Italian man's apartment where he used to listen to the older man talk and watch him peel his pear and eat it, almost everyday.

Just listening to him describe the pear story, how he pealed it and how he ate it reminded me of my grandmother and how she peeled her pears and ate them. If that part of the story was interesting to me, just imagine when he gets to the part that the man one day cuts his thumb almost off and how Gene proceeds to heal him.

I will leave the rest of the story telling to Gene in a future interview but I wanted to at least blog about having been to his lecture and having been interested enough in what he has to say and offer the world to want to further my understanding of what he does, how he does it, and share it with you all.

He shares his story in workshops and in his books, to find out more about him visit www.egidio.org

As I look at these pictures Gene reminds me so much of one of my uncles. Of course, what Italian man of his age doesn't? This is true especially when I told him of my cooking show "Filippo and the Chef," we started talking about all the food he cooks. Forget about it, we instantly became related.

The pictures are self-explanatory since they only feature Gene in his fiery, energetic state in the first picture above to the other ones with me. And then there is Lindi, what can I say, look at her and you will know how sweet she is. It is hard to believe from her calm and centered personality that she is a big Hollywood mover and shaker, responsible for having helped the careers of the likes of Sylvester Stallone, Steven Spielberg, Kevin Costner, and Tony Robbins, to mention a few.

I think I am related to her too, even though she is not Italian, he, he.

I think I am related to everyone, including my Chinese family, and that is definitely a story for another post!

Ciao for now,

Filippo

P.S. When I first learned of "energy work" and "energy healing," it was from another Italian, in this case, the now Saint Padre Pio, only I didn't know it as energy work. I asked Gene if he knew of Padre Pio and he said of course, that they were buddies, so I don't know what he meant by that but I intend to find out. In the meantime, I thought this might be an appropriate time to show a video I found on Youtube.com on Padre Pio, in case you find this kind of thing interesting, of a lady that was cured by Padre Pio. (In English).

It's My Birthday - But It's Not My Party, Or Is It?

2007-06-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

It's my Birthday! In know, I know, I have to do something, I have to eat cake, I have to want presents,...

Okay, this is what I am taking about. I had a dear friend, Dorothy, call me, a month or so ago and ask me who I wanted invited to my Birthday party. I said, I wasn't having one, and she said, oh yes I was.

She said that a friend of her daughters was having a milestone birthday party himself on the 24th. Since he and Dorothy's daughter, Tricia, are friends, and he knew that her Birthday was on the 25th, he wanted to include her as well as another friend of his who's birthday was the 25th or something.

So, Dorothy was calling to tell me that they were including me as well in this bash that was going to be held at one of the new hottest nightclubs/outdoor lounges in Marina Del Rey, since it was going to be held two days before my birthday, the 26th. Actually, this was going to be held at "Glow," rated one of the top ten lounges in the whole US.

This is what I told her. I thank you for thinking of me and wanting to celebrate me on, and because of my birthday. But I feel that everyday is like my birthday. Everyday I get to have people call me or write me or E-mail me and tell me how much they like my music, my website, my blog, my show, or whatever, that's like people calling on your Birthday.

Everyday I have people helping me with my business and they give their heart and soul to it. That's like a huge Birthday gift. Whenever I am on stage singing, speaking, doing a show, whatever, when the audience is appreciating it and giving me a standing ovation or clapping after each song, or laughing at my stories, that's like a big party for me.

And I truly feel that way. I like my Birthday, I told her, don't get me wrong, and I would enjoy it being celebrated or celebrating it with my friends. But I said, since Tricia, and the other two people don't get to have what I have or at least don't seem to feel about their lives' what I feel about mine, why have them share it with me, let them have it all to themselves, and I will come and honor and celebrate them.

She said, that she thought what I had just said was wonderful and that it was one of the reasons why she loved me. And we left it at that. I assumed that was a done deal, until I got the invitation and it said, "A Birthday Party for ... and Filippo Voltaggio."

I had to laugh and enjoy the moment. Now the best part was when I got to "Glow" there was a line and a list, and not everyone could get in evidently, "my party" was that popular. I went to the front of the line and said who I was and they didn't find my name on the list, a slight oversight on the party planners part. In short, I was told I couldn't get in.

Now all of a sudden I really wanted to get in and I said, "but, but, I'm the Birthday boy!" And then I laughed at how funny that sounded. In fact I tried to sound funny. Then I remembered the invitation with my name on it.

Boy, did I luck out, "here I said, that is me!" I showed them my ID as well and then we all laughed as they let me in. I laughed the hardest because if Dorothy hadn't put my name on the that invite I guess I would have missed my own Birthday party, or theirs rather.

So, Happy Birthday everyone, especially Tricia, who is the one on my lap that I am holding. These are the only pictures we ended up taking the whole night. I guess we were having way too much fun for any more.

By the way, Happy Birthday in Italian is "Buon Compleanno."

Filippo

P.S. Here is a video I found on Youtube.com of an adorable child singing the Happy Birthday song in Italian. The words are "Tanti auguri a te, tanti auguri a te, tanti auguri caro (add male name) or cara (add female name), tanti auguri a te." The video is a bit sideways but adorable nonetheless. (In Italian)

"The Value of Names" - This One Hit Home

2007-06-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

Ciao a tutti,

In this post we are going to do something a little different. Since I started this post almost a year ago, I have been writing it all on my own. For the first time, I am going to include a review written by a friend of mine that was written exclusively for this blog.

This is how and what went down. My friend, actress Jodi London, was in town from Chicago to meet with Gary Marshall and see the play he produced, "The Value of Names," at his theater, The Falcon Theater.

While there, she met with Gary in regard to her film, which I will be featured in by the way, and I got to meet and talk with him as well about being on our show "Filippo and the Chef," to which he said, absolutely yes, yeah!

Before I go on, I have to say about the film that Jodi wrote and is going to star in, that has a working title of "Run While You Can." I just want to say that I believe that there is a love scene in the movie between her and I, but she doesn't believe so. I could swear there is, since I read the script. Since she wrote the script she is sure there isn't.

Well, one thing I know for sure, I will be a romantic interest but I cannot say anymore than that. Of course, after reading this, she may write me out of the script completely, he, he.

Okay, so Gary was great, really great and a lotta fun. He reminded me of my Uncle, as a matter of fact, he could be my Uncle. You all know he is Italian-American, right? Yeah, I think the name was actually Marsciarelli or something like that. You also know who he is, right? He's an actor, the producer of "Laverne and Shirley," etc.

So this play, "The Value of Names," hits home, let me tell you. It was based on a Jewish family but it could have been Italian. And speaking of Italian, so there we were minding our own business (right), when who should appear but the producer and creator of one of the most Italian shows on television, "Everybody Loves Raymond," Phil Rosenthal.

Talk about the Jewish play could have been Italian, when I finally spoke to Phil that is what he said, Raymond's story is his story, Raymond's mother is his mother, same thing.

Actually, I first recognized Monica Horan, who played the character Amy in "Everybody Loves Raymond." While I was speaking to her I had to tell her about the episode I like the best, in fact, I am most passionate about it, the one that takes place in Italy.

She stopped me mid-sentence and told me to tell her husband this story. And I said, "why, who's your husband? " Just like that. She said, he's Phil Rosenthal the producer and creator of the show.

I must have turned a shade of red, but there was no time for that, I had to tell him just how much I related to a couple of really poignant scenes in that one-hour special episode.

Some of the scenes in particular touched me in ways which maybe I will share with you all someday. But when I was describing one in particular to Phil, I detected a hint of watery eyes in him and the same happened to me as we connected on this story.

When I finished he told me that, that very scene was his favorite as well and how he spent four weeks on that scene. He shared what he did to create it and what he wanted people to feel. And when he finished, for a moment we were quiet.

I then opened up my arms and we hugged for a good long moment and we thanked each other and then we joined the party in the lobby again.
Even though they had different seats than us, we all ended up sitting together to watch the play.

After the play, Chef Richard came to join us since he had to see me to get something signed or something and he ended up joining in the fun.

Have I said too much? I think I should get to the critique that Jodi wrote now. Let me just splain the pictures you see. The first is of course Gary Mashall with Jodi London and I. Then come the Rosenthal's, Phil and Monica, who also goes by her stage name of Monica Horan.

Then you see Jack Klugman, of "The Odd Couple." Meeting him too was a treat

after seeing him on TV while growing up. He is such a great stage actor too, who knew? And then there I am pictured with the fine actress of the play, Liz Lasen.

And finally, the other leading actor of the play that night and fellow Italian-American, Dan Lauria, who you see pictured here with Richard, of the "Filippo and the Chef" show, and I.

You know Dan from so many things, but most of you would remember him in "The Wonder Years." When the two of them, Dan and Jack, were rumbling on stage, the whole theater shook. What power houses of theater.

There I go, giving a critique when I was going to do something different and let Jodi do the critiquing. So I will sign off now and thank Jodi for a wonderful evening together and for writing this critique for my blog.

Filippo

"The Falcon Theatre, Burbank, CA: 'The Value of Names' starring Jack Klugman, Dan Lauria, and Liz Larsen. . Bravo to these three actors who delivered a very convincing and entertaining performance! Jack Klugman carried the play with his cynical opposites while his genuine love for his daughter reigned through.

Liz Larsen responded with perfect comedic timing to bring a smile to anyone that has experienced the father-daughter relationship. The struggle to rekindle a long lost friendship is felt heart-deep when Dan Lauria entered the stage. Throughout the evening, the audience bounced between laughter and tears as the characters’ emotions and the storyline unfolded before our eyes. The well written script, the choice of the actors and the warmth of the Falcon theatre where every seat has an excellent view of the stage made my experience a night to cherish!"
-Jodi London

P.S. Since I had the wonderful opportunity to hear Phil Rosenthal describe to me how he created a particular scene for the hit TV series "Everybody Loves Raymond," I thought you all would enjoy an opportunity to hear it from him directly. In this scene I got from Youtube.com Phil and Ray Romano are together on a show called "You're Lucky You're Funny." In this particular clip Phil is describing what the inspiration was for the "Fruit of the month" bit used in one of the episodes. (In English)