L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014 www.italoamericano.com L'Italo-Americano 17 Patrizio Buanne: A real ambassador for Italian music Abbruzzesi & Molisani di California Celebrate their 24th Aniversary Native of Naples and boasting millions of albums sold world- wide in the last 6 years, the young Italian singer Patrizio Buanne will perform in Orange County, at the premiere concert facility The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano, on Sunday, February 9, 2014. Patrizio Buanne spent his childhood between Italy and Vienna, Austria, soon revealing a natural aptitude for foreign lan- guages as well as a great singing and entertaining talent. Inspired by artists the likes of Elvis, Tom Jones, and Massimo Ranieri, he participated in sever- al contests, winning them all, and at the age of 17 he was selected to sing on the occasion of the Pope's visit in Wroclaw, Poland. His growing popularity led him to record his international debut album with an orchestra in 2004: The Italian, a collection of Italian classics and romantic pop songs that identified him as an ambassador for Italian music. Two years later, while his sec- ond work Forever Begins Tonight was released in October 2006, the Neapolitan-Austrian artist was invited by the National Italian American Foundation to perform in Washington D.C. in the presence of the U.S. President and other dignitaries. In 2007, Patrizio made his first appearance in California at the Wilshire Theater of Los Angeles, and he has often performed in San Francisco and San Diego. He has a very good feeling with the Italian American public, and some of the people attending the concert in OC will certainly rec- ognize the radio hits Il Mondo, Un Angelo, Solo tu my baby. On January 19th, 2014, the Abruzzesi e Molisani di California celebrated their 24th Anniversary at the Castaway restaurant, beautifully located at the top of a hill in Burbank. Approximately 100 members, relatives and friends were delighted to participate to such a happy occasion entertained by the music of Tony Ciaramitaro and his Sicilian Band. Most of the participants took the oppor- tunity to stretch their legs danc- ing or moving around the tables to socialize with friends or rela- tives whom they had not seen for some time. The atmosphere was very pleasant and everybody enjoyed the celebration. The highlight of the reunion was the awarding of "Il Distintivo D'oro" to Guy Consistent with the Italian songbook's tradition, Patrizio believes that the ability to con- vey real emotions is crucial: "The point of strength of my music and performance is the typical Italian melody, the authenticity, my voice, and the beautiful atmosphere that all of this creates", he says. Released in 2011 with the U.S. label Concord Jazz, the baritone's third album entitled Patrizio was recorded in Hollywood's Capitol Studios with Humberto Gatica (Celine Dion, Michael Jackson) and in London with Brian Rawlings (James Morrison, Andrea Bocelli, Cher). Still remaining true to that charming European approach and the roots into Italian popular music - featuring songs like Mambo Italiano or Tu vuo' fa l'ammericano - , it sounds more "international" and also includes original composi- tions. "I am not just an Italian guy singing Italian songs. It is important to give people the kind of music I am known for, but I also wanted to open myself up artistically, and give them some- thing else or rather something more of me. This is why we called the album Patrizio. I wanted to present my passion for interpreting any great song, no matter if Italian, American or new", he underlines. After the U.S. promotional tour, Patrizio Buanne will release a new album in May 2014, fol- lowed by a series of concerts all over the world. Despite such a great success, he likes to keep his expectations low to enjoy the surprise. But he has been work- ing really hard, and every applause from the public means a lot to him and to his family. SIlvIA SIMONETTI TONY GHEZZO Masciotra, one of the most active members of the club. The "Golden Pin", without doubt the most prestigious award, always given along with a certificate, is a solid 18 carat gold pin that comes from Italy and is assigned only to very meritorious mem- bers. It is assigned exclusively by recommendation of the presi- dent of an Abruzzese club or association directly to the FAA- USA (Federation of the Abruzzesi Associations in the USA) headquartered in Boston. Saverio Ficocelli, president of the Abruzzesi e Molisani di California, after receiving the approval of the board of direc- tors of the club, submitted the request for a Golden Pin to award Guy Masciotra. Rosetta Romagnoli, president of the FAA-USA immediately accept- ed it. As Saverio Ficocelli announced at the microphone that Guy Masciotra was the "honoree", the recipient of the award, everybody in the hall happily applauded showing their enthusiastic approval of the selection. They all appeared to be genuinely happy that Masciotra had been selected. The indefatigable Guy is truly an amazing man, always present at every Italian festivity, he never gets tired for working very hard and he never com- plains. Gaetano Masciotra was born January 13, 1922 at Agnone, Italy. During his career he was elected 3 times "President of the ICF" (Italian Catholic Federation) and always dis- charged his duties very effi- ciently. For the last half a centu- ry Guy has been organizing tours and excursions for Italians living in the Southern California area and often special events, like "polenta night" to please people that enjoy a good Italian meal and healthy food. Our sincere congratulations to the Abruzzesi e Molisani on the occasion of the 24th Anniversary of their Club and to Guy Masciotra for the well deserved award. President Saverio Ficocelli confers to obviously pleased Guy Masciotra the Golden Pin. V.P. Adelio di Gregorio stands by

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