L'Italo-Americano

16 www.italoamericano.com L'Italo-Americano THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 Italian new generation music "Under the Stars" of Beverly Hills sIlvIA sIMoNettI On Saturday, September 7, the Beverly Canon Gardens turned into an authentic Italian piazza featuring typical food, wine, coffee, and live music. On the occasion of "Sotto le Stelle" (Under the Stars), a special preview of the "Hit Week" captivated the audience thanks to Erica's clear voice and acoustic guitar, and Oblivion's energetic humor. Erica (Musci) Mou, 23 yearold singer and songwriter from Apulia, took also part in the "Hit Week" 2011 edition, performing with established artists like According to her, it depends on what she has to say and how she says it: "I weigh every single word of my lyrics, as I really want to communicate with the people who listen to my music." Of course, she admits, fortune is also crucial: "I have been very lucky to meet and collaborate The Italian band Oblivion performing a parody of Pinocchio festival 2013, the Italian band Oblivion and singer Erica Mou tried to overcome language barriers and win over a large Italian American public. The opening remarks by Consul General of Italy Giuseppe Perrone and John Mirisch, Mayor of the City of Beverly Hills, were followed by two original performances that Subsonica and Caparezza in New York, Los Angeles and Miami. Driven by a strong determination, Erica has been studying singing and guitar since when she was a child, playing in clubs all around Italy until she signed a contract with Sugar Music. But what does it take - besides talent - to succeed in this field? with extraordinary artists throughout my career, but perhaps this is also because I am open to and trust (the right) people." Even if her intimate and oldfashioned sound is mainly inspired by Italian as well as international folk singers and songwriters, such as Lucio Battisti or Nick Drake, Erica is also open to different genres, from modern rock to electronic music: "the more I play, the more I want to know and to experiment", she says. Her new album "Contro le onde" (Against the Waves) came out in May, and she looks forward to presenting it in the upcoming Italian tour. A live tour starting in October will also take the Oblivion's new show "Othello, la H è muta" (Othello, the H is silent) on stage throughout Italy, right after this first (and unexpected) US appearance. The Oblivion (Graziana Borciani, Davide Calabrese, Francesca Folloni, Lorenzo Scuda e Fabio Vagnarelli) are five singers, actors and comedians trained at the Academy of Musical in Bologna, who have recently become very successful in Italy by posting videos of their performances on YouTube. Inspired, among others, by the Monty Python, their varied show combines musical and satire: it is a sort of music "puzzle" for the audience to solve and play with, explains Davide Calabrese. Nevertheless, this point of strength may turn into a weakness when addressing a foreign public due to all the Italian songs and cultural references, from Dante's Inferno to Collodi's novel Pinocchio. Yet the Oblivion's freshness and smart humor are irresistible, and Davide says that they will start working on a more "internation- al" script soon. The event "Sotto le stelle" was produced within the framework of 2013 - Year of the Italian Culture in the United States by Studiomusica USA, under the auspices of the Consulate General of Italy in Los Angeles, and in collaboration with Hit Week, Puglia Sound, FIMI, the Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles, the Italian Trade Commission (ICE) and the City of Beverly Hills. The contribution by prestigious sponsors such as Ferrarelle, ENI, FIAT, Ferrarini, Berlucchi, Bank of the West, Euro Caffè. Danesi and Intesa Italian singer and songwriter Erica Mou performing in Beverly Hills San Paolo benefited the IAMLA Foundation, committed to promote the Italian heritage in Southern California. Another successful Families of Italian Community In Pictures Lineage ferragosto Picnic veNus MAZZoNI FRANCesChI On August 25, Families of Italian Lineage held its second annual picnic at the beautiful Laguna Regional Park overlooking the Lake. This location was reserved only for F.I.L. event. The expert organization of chairladies Franca Masdea and Joanne Koeppe made this views. Amid this back-drop there were many tables where everyone was busy eating, partaking of fresh figs, "fichi d'India", freshly brewed Espresso, playing cards or just socializing with other members and guests. Family friendliness is a recurrent theme of F.I.L. and everyone seemed to bask in its glow. The Chairladies Franca Masdea, Joanne Koeppe and new members incredible day possible. Franca and Joanne chose to serve Roasted Chicken, large baked potatoes with the necessary trimming, antipasto salad, fresh buns, fresh fruit and a large square cake made especially for the F.I.L. picnic. Some of the guests said that the success of this picnic was also due to the perfect location; spacious well-groomed areas of grass, perfect for Bocce enthusiasts, walking trails, and scenic area looked like a game of musical chairs, where members and guests went around chatting with one another. Six guests requested to become members of this very active, popular, family-oriented organization. All attending were anxious to be part of the next F.I.L. functions; in particular THE COLUMBUS DINNER DANCE on October 13, at Mission Viejo Country Club. For more information: (949) 3635348 On Friday, September 13, the Casa Italiana in Downtown hosted the event A ray of sunshine under the stars of Los Angeles, featuring young Italian singers directed by vocal coach and soprano Ida Decemvirale. An amazing three-hour performance and unique occasion to listen to some Italian greatest hits of the past reinterpreted by the clear and powerful voice of artists between the ages of 12 and 18. The event was organized by Maria Bruno, President of the San Padre Pio Society, within the framework of 2013 – Year of the Italian Culture in the USA, with the aim of promoting and supporting new generations of music talents from Italy. Don't miss the next edition of L'Italo-Americano to read more about this engaging initiative. Community Highlights A special weekend dedicated to baseball, art, and the Italian heritage Two days celebrating sport and culture on the occasion of "Little Italy Night" at Petco Park in San Diego on Saturday, September 21, and the "Italian Heritage Day" at Angel Stadium in Anaheim on Sunday, September 22. Both events support the exhibi- tion "Artists' Tribute to Italian American Baseball" on display at the Little Italy Heritage Museum at Convivio Center in San Diego, featuring artwork, photographs, uniforms and articles regarding players of Italian descent. Celebrating Fall at Pelican Hill in Newport beach The end of the summer season couldn't be more pleasant thanks to the third edition of "Festa dell'Autunno" (Fall Feast), taking place at Pelican Hill in Newport Beach on September 20 to 22. The main event, the Italian Street Festa scheduled on Saturday, September 21, will feature also wine tasting, visual art, live music, automobile exhibitions, and an olive oil pressing demonstration. For more information: www.pelicanhill.com/festa.

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