La Gazzetta Italiana 2013 Volume 20 | Page 20

History & Culture Entertainment On Tour with Patrizio Buanne Angela A. Williams contributing writer Having sold millions of albums worldwide with his unique approach to contemporary and romantic songs of his Italian homeland, Patrizio Buanne has become one of the world’s biggest touring acts in his field. Dubbed as “The Ambassador of Dolce Vita” by his fans, this fall Buanne performed several concerts in the U.S. When I was offered to accompany Patrizio on his tour for this story, I didn’t hesitate. Check one off my bucket list. Buanne is well-known for his engaging and spectacular performances, having previously performed for luminaries such Pope John Paul II, a U.S. president and royal families. Yet, once he steps on stage, one can instantly recognize what sets him apart from other great artists: his natural intuition for performance, his ability to create an instant rapport with his audience and his legion of fans. He is not only truly adored by his devoted supporters, interacting with them playfully throughout the show, but he gives them permission to let loose and have a little fun. He keeps the action moving by inviting a gaggle of young women on stage to accompany him in an impromptu performance of “Bella Bella Signorina.” Many audience members and fans were rewarded with a red rose for their dedication. While one loyal fan announced she was attending her 88th Patrizio concert, another was serenaded by Buanne. He learned that she was celebrating her 90th birthday. Amid all the mingling with audience members and fans alike, the 35-year-old crooner continued to impress his audience by connecting various cultures through his music and singing in various languages (he can speak and sing fluently in six languages). He further reminded his audience that he’s capable of crafting his own material. Early in the nearly 100 minute set, Buanne delivered his own original material such as Forever Begins Tonight and This Kiss Tonight and later introduced a recent hit single, the selfpenned and upbeat, Solo Tu (My Baby). But his setlist was, as expected and highly anticipated, dominated by contemporary interpretations of classic hits from the Italian songbook, which is Buanne’s trademark. Among the highlights he performed in both English and Italian were “Il Mondo,” “A Man Without Love,” “Parla Piu Piano (Theme from the Godfather),” “Mambo Italiano,” and “On the Street Where You Live.” Still, he showcased his amazing talent as an entertainer-singer performing rock ‘n’ roll standards while playing the guitar and piano. Yet Buanne was at his best when he chose songs interpreted with his own “flavor and sauce” such as his smooth personal rendition of Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” and the Willie Nelson/Patsy Cline love song, “Crazy.” “Like Chris Botti, Celine Dion and Tom Jones, I’m always searching for that same timeless quality in a song, conveying the sentiments of my music with my own romantic, European approach,” said Buanne. And what about that music? Not surprisingly, it was performed impeccably by an impressive assembly of astute musicians, whom Buanne has personally chosen as the best and the brightest in their musical field. They did not disappoint. The Movie Lobster Fra Diavolo Paul Sciria Managing Editor The film Lobster fra Diavolo starring native Clevelander Kaye Ballard (Catherine Gloria Balotta) is scheduled to be shot in Rancho Mirage, Ca., New York and the Washington D. C. metro area over the next few months. Based on true events, the film follows nipote (granddaughter) Angie, a vegan, who goes shopping for the live lobster. Nonna needs to prepare a traditional Italian dish for the Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve. Despite feeling that she was going against everything she believes, Angie will not mess with no-nonsense Nonna (Ballard) and buys the lobster. End of story? No! The lobster has plans other than winding up the main entree on Nonna’s holiday table. ­20 This Christmas, Nonna has met her match, and Christmas Eve cascades into a raging tide of belly-laugh goodies. The movie is not only sidesplitting but also examines the tension between retaining family traditions and accepting changing social attitudes. Native west side Clevelander Ballard has been a singer, actor and comedian for six decades. Born in 1926 to immigrant parents Lena (Nacarato) and Vincenzo, Ballard lives in Rancho Mirage, California in the home she purchased from Desi Arnaz. Jane Barbara is the screen writer and producer of several feature films. She is currently the Vice President of Women in film and TV in Washington, D. C. Oriana Oppice is a New Yorkbased actor, producer and director who was born in Palermo, Sicily. She has starred in several films and TV shows, and also directs and produces independent movies. A Madonna and Child from Thirteenth-Century Lucca Stephen N. Fliegel Curator of Medieval Art, The Cleveland Museum of Art Buanne left the adoring and packed crowds wholly entertained. Overheard on the way out of the venue in Youngstown, “It wasn’t a concert … it was like a big party.” Down to earth, Buanne remains true to his onstage respectful persona. He is not notorious for the bizarre demands that entertainers sometimes place contractually into their concert riders. He only requires that concert promoters provide him and his musicians with homestyle cooking prior to his concert. And Leo’s Ristorante from nearby Warren, Ohio (who graciousl