NEWS FROM : Art & Heritage  

It's been 20 years since Americans were first introduced to Mario Batali on "Molto Mario." Batali showed us the beauty of Italian cuisine on his Food Network shows, and used his pasta-making skills as a weapon to battle challengers on "Iron Chef."   He and business partner Joe Bastianich have created more than two dozen restaurants, inc...

Even before you arrive at the Ferragosto Italian Street Festival you begin to see its positive impact on people and community. Colorful green, white and red flags flap lazily from light poles while sharing a soft summer wind with soothing swirling soprano notes letting everyone know it's that time of year again.   "The Ferragosto has been a...

When it comes to playing a hunch-backed dwarf, Michael Corvino is head and shoulders above the competition.   The Bronx-born baritone is in Phoenix to star as the title character of Arizona Opera's "Rigoletto." It's a role he's sung in more than 100 performances at New York City Opera and companies around the globe.   Read more  ...

The theme of Tuesday's Italian American Parade will be "Benvenuti Amici." Or in English, "Welcome Friends." The parade is scheduled to step off at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in Spanish Springs Town Square.Volunteers in the resident-run parade will begin set up early Tuesday morning. A large crowd is anticipated and Villagers are encouraged to get...

by Paul Rolly   Beneath the protective shade of a large poplar tree in the southeast corner of the historic Fort Douglas Cemetery lies the grave of Nicola Daugenti, the first Italian World War II prisoner of war to die in Utah. His family was informed of the 21-year-old sailor's death in 1943, but relatives had no idea of his whereabout...

by Tonya Russo Hamilton "Se avete due pani, vendetene uno e comprate un fiore, perché anche l'anima ha fame." If one has two loaves of bread, sell one and buy a flower, for the soul also has hunger. This Italian proverb spoken by Cindy Felice's mother throughout her life signifies her journey from childhood arts appreciation to becoming...

U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy, of Vermont, needs to put on his cowl and cape and help the late Luigi Del Bianco.   Leahy, who reportedly learned to read when he was 4 years old, says he can quote Batman comic books of 40 to 50 years ago.   Read more   Source: http://www.timesargus.com    

By Gretchen WingWe've seen it with jazz, rock, and hip-hop: musicians around the world pick up the American sound and run with it, and we're flattered. But Italian bluegrass? Never fear: Beppe Gambetta is a master innovator of the acoustic guitar, and the music he brings to Lopez Community Center on Sept.25 at 7 p.m. will dazzle bluegrass and world...

Luca Cazzanti says his wife calls him an "International Man of Science." The "international" part comes from having moved back and forth between Italy and the United States a number of times, plus his many travels and his job at NATO. The "science" part comes from working in research and development, both in academia and industry.   We're go...

For 33 years, the Eldorado has brought the sights, sounds and flavors of Italy to downtown Reno during the Eldorado Great Italian Festival.   The festival, held each year over Columbus Day weekend, is a celebration of Italian culture and traditions. This year, the event will be held October 11-12. Not sure if you can make it? Here are seven...

I'm visiting the Italian community in Portland. There are around 900 Italian citizens in this North-Western state, while many more are the Americans of Italian descent. Honorary Consul Andrea Bartoloni is their active point of reference.Italians here are mainly professionals working in the apparel and hi-tech industry, as well as in Universities an...

Seattle's celebration of all things Italian returns to Seattle Center, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 27 and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 28, in Seattle Center Armory, Fisher Pavilion and Seattle Center Pavilion.   Seattle Center Festál: Festa Italiana Seattle, now in its 27th year, offers free live performances, arts, foods and food...