Tarantata Performance and Dinner Fundraiser 2023
Sun Dec 17, 2023 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Lunella Restaurant, 173 Mulberry Street, Little Italy, New York, NY 10013
Description
Join us to celebrate the holidays Italian style, the 43rd anniversary of I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA and the birthday of our music director, John La Barbera. We will share food, drink and wonderful music while celebrating four decades of Alessandra's Belloni's work!
During this holiday end-of-year fundraiser, you will meet some special people as we also honor Tony and Obie award-winning producing artist and formerly Artistic/Executive Director of Cherry Lane Theatre Angelina Fiordellisi, Award-Winning Actor, Writer Saverio Guerra, Emmy-Award Winning Director & Photographer Lisa Leone, and Award-Winning Author, Therapist & CEO Alex Iantaffi.
You will have the opportunity to listen to Alessandra Belloni, author of the book "Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna", published by Inner Traditions-Bear & Company. This fundraiser will also help Alessandra support herself during her upcoming knee surgery on December 21st and her recovery.
This will be such a special celebration of over four decades of work for I Giullari di Piazza, a non-profit organization, who are artists in residence at the Cathedral of St. John Divine and who have also performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Symphony Space, to name but a few.
The joyous afternoon will include a performance of "Tarantata," by award winning percussionist, singer, author Alessandra Belloni with composer, guitarist John La Barbera, founders of I Giullari di Piazza, in their famed production of "Tarantata," an impeccably researched production rich with songs, tarantellas, and magic rituals used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula, along with healing chants and ritual drumming in honor of the Black Madonna. With its authentic music, costumes, and instrumentation, Belloni and company here unite the fascinating and similar legends, traditions, and musical rhythms of Southern Italy and Brasil. And, as always, the fun concludes with audience members being invited to join the cast for a "raise the roof" tarantella.
Featuring: Alessandra Belloni - Artistic Director, Percussions and Vocals
John La Barbera - Music Director, Composer, Guitar, Mandolin, Chitarra Battente
Wilson Montuori - Guitar
Joe Deninzon - Violin
Steve Gorn - Bansuri Flutes, Saxophones, Clarinet
Dancers - Amara & Mark Mindek also playing the commedia character Arlecchino
www.facebook.com/alessandrabelloni54
https://www.instagram.com/belloni.alessandra
Press quotes:
Don Hackman, writing in the Los Angeles Times, found that "Alessandra Belloni and "Tarantata: Dance of the Ancient Spider" is a revelation, utterly fascinating."
Drum Magazine noted that "Italian-born virtuoso Alessandra Belloni is established as a unique phenomenon, not just a percussionist, but also an actress, lecturer, entertainer, and healer."
Jon Pareles of The New York Times, reviewing an I Giullari di Piazza show, remarked that "Ms. Belloni sang in an exultant voice. The songs blazed with an age-old momentum."
Do not miss this wonderful winter celebration of life, joy, and community!
Tickets and donations include dinner and the performance, 75% of the ticket price is tax deductible.
Can't make it to the fundraiser? You can still support I Giullari di Piazza, a non-profit organization under the 501-c-3 code, and Alessandra Belloni's work by donating here:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/black-madonna-center
Location
Lunella Restaurant, 173 Mulberry Street, Little Italy, New York, NY 10013