L'Italo-Americano

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2014 www.italoamericano.com L'Italo-Americano 7 Musician Dreams of Publishing Italian Song Book Department of defense," mused Di Bona, recalling his eight year diversion from his music. But even while stationed for eight years on the island of Guam, he managed to join a "wonderful quintet called The Islanders." Upon his return to his native home of San Diego, he got back into music again and joined a variety band that played swing and disco music. " W e w e r e c a l l e d F r i e n d s Limited," and friends they were as some of them still perform w i t h D i B o n a i n h i s R o m a n Holiday ensemble. "I also per- formed for four years at one of San Diego's famous jazz clubs, T h e B l a c k F r o g , " D i B o n a fondly remembers. " It is no l o n g e r i n e x i s t e n c e a n d w a s bulldozed in 1988." As a native San Diegan, Di "Although I have been busy writing about traveling around the globe, I have been getting arrangements to put together an Italian Gig Book," said piano player Tony Di Bona. He, and v o c a l i s t w i f e G i o v a n n a , r u n Roman Holiday Music. "We do weddings, festivals and themed parties, just to name a few," said the Italian-American who is a native of San Diego. Mrs. Di Bona doubles as an editor and photographer for 10- B e s t T r a v e l M e d i a G r o u p a t USA Today. The couple travel all over the globe, then come home, edit their photos and put together travel writings when they are not involved with their music gig. Di Bona's father was one of the original cadre of fishermen that settled in San Diego in its early development. "The sea has always been a passion of mine," recalled Di Bona, adding, "being surround- ed by a fishing family, I was q u i c k l y f a s c i n a t e d b y t h e prospect of joining the seafarers of our community." When his uncle Leo D'Angelo asked if the young Di Bona wanted to join him on the Dante, the 13-year- old Di Bona was "absolutely thrilled to go to sea and join the summer fishing crews." This adventurous fascination lasted u n t i l h e w a s 1 9 - y e a r s - o l d . Although uncle encouraged the young Di Bona, father advised against it. "My first and lasting experi- ence with music was when I was 8-years-old," recalled Di Bona, who took piano lessons from maestro Lou Salerno, the neigh- borhood music master. "Music has always been a major part of my life since my early launce into my side career," but his passion for music has persisted since. "Through the years I have been performing with several bands arranging music from big band swing to jazz groups. "I also had a good tinkering sense with electronics and soon began a career in the technical electronics field at North Island Naval Station employed by the Bona was born in December of '39 at 2363 Columbia Street, Di Bona married his lovely wife and they had their reception in w h a t i s t o d a y k n o w n a s Mimmo's. After their marriage they were eager to combine their t a l e n t s a n d p r o m o t e I t a l i a n musical culture. That was when they formed the Roman Holiday Ensemble, which has persisted u n t i l t o d a y . A l t h o u g h t h e y became quite successful in festi- vals in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Pittsburg and Florida, the couple's roots were in San Diego where they returned and have stayed. ROBERT GALLO "We have produced a studio quality collection of popular s o n g s h e a r d a t I t a l i a n w e d - dings," said the musician. "And our Roman Holiday ensemble is still performing for festivals and themed corporate events right here in San Diego." Being of Sicilian parents, Di Bona became quickly involved w i t h L i t t l e I t a l y ' s F e s t i v a l Siciliano, providing music at e a c h y e a r ' s f e s t i v i t i e s . H e recalled that the organization was an efficient business model with directors for entertainment, production, volunteers, vendors and executive direction. " T h e e v e n t s a t t e n d a n c e quickly rose to approximately 80,000 attendees annually," said Di Bona. Tony Di Bona Fishing vessel "Dante"

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