If you in any way feel a connection to Italian food or culture, the three days of Festa Italiana may be for you.
This family-friendly event aims to bring the sights, sounds and tastes of Italy to Metro Detroit. More than 30 food vendors serve Italian food and there will be Italian wines, beer and cocktails.
Annual contest favorites are back, like the Cannoli Eating or Meatball Tasting. You can also take in the sounds of national and local performers presented on the Lucido Family Stage.
The 2017 headlining acts include Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, of America’s Got Talent, and Ray Massa & The Euro Rhythms. Also taking the stage this year will be Mark Randisi, Aaron Caruso, Pino Marelli, The Simone Vitale Band, Tre Belle and many more.
The festival runs 6-11 p.m. on Friday, July 14, 2017; Noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2017; and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metro Parkway in Sterling Heights. The event is free, but parking is $10 on their lot.
FESTA ITALIANA MUSIC SCHEDULE:
Friday, July 14, 2017
6-6:45 p.m. Opening: Anthems; Parade of Clubs; Coro Italiano; Emcee Dino Valle
7-8 p.m. Tre Bella
8:15-9 p.m. Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, formerly of America’s Got Talent.
9:15-11 p.m. Ray Massa & The Euro Rhythms
Saturday, July 15, 2017
Noon to 1 p.m. Anthems; Coro Italiano; Dino Valle; Aaron Caruso
1:15-1:30 p.m. IACS Children’s Choir directed and accompanied by Dianna Guglielmetti
1:30-2:30 p.m. Meatball Contest
2:30-4 p.m. Italian American Idol Contest Age Categories: Up to 8 years; 9-12 years; 13-17 years; 18 & over.
4-5 p.m. Tre Bella
5:15-6:15 p.m. Bellini Opera Foundation, Phantom Mask & Opera, Eva Evola, Aaron Caruso, Dino Valle, Gina D’Alessio.
6:30-7 p.m. Anna Hiliard
7-8 p.m. Ray Massa & The Euro Rhythms
8:15-9:15 p.m. Aaron Caruso with Francesco Cavallini on mandolin, David Passalaqua on accordion and Billy Cairo on drums.
9:30-11 p.m. Ray Massa & The Euro Rhythms
Sunday, July 16, 2017
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be hosted at the park with celebrant Fr. Enzo Addari from St. Louis Center, Coro Italiano and Cantors Aaron Caruso, Dino Valle and Eva Evola.
12;30-1 p.m. Opening anthems with Coro Italiano, Dino Valle and Aaron Caruso.
1-1:45 p.m. The Beautiful Baby Contest
1:45-2:30 p.m. Cannoli Eating Contest
2:30-3:30 p.m. Simone Vitale Band
3:45-4:45 p.m. The Sounds of Frank Sinatra with Mark Randisi
5-6 p.m. Pino Marelli
6:30-7:15 p.m. Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, formerly of America’s Got Talent.
7:30-10 p.m. Ray Massa & The Euro Rhythms
* Entertainment schedule subject to change
