Carnevale At Il Centro
On March 2nd, our friends at Il Centro in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn threw an unforgettably amazing event. Guests attended from all parts of the tri-state area to revel in treasures of Italian culture. Vanessa Racci and her swingin’ jazz trio wowed all who attended with a mix of reinvented Italian songs from her album “Italiana Fresca And American Jazz Standards.” From delicious food to warm company, all who attended were grateful to be a part of this beautiful event:
From Vanessa Racci’s website:
“Vanessa Racci’s 2017 debut album, Italiana Fresca, heralds the breakthrough of a fresh sound in jazz: a sweet-and-sour, wide-ranging contralto with a passion and sex appeal born of her Italian-American heritage. On this recording, Vanessa puts a jazzy spin on the Italian songs she sang with her grandfather as a child; “Al Di La”, “Buona Sera”, “C’e La Luna”, “Return to Me” and the lot. The songs are re-invented with modern jazz arrangements ranging from jump swing to lush string ballads to Louisiana Street. Several songs are updated with Vanessa’s own English lyrics. Her producer, the renowned bassist David Finck, has raved about her “natural sense of rhythm and flow, and her wonderful ability to communicate both musical and poetic language.” The songs were arranged by Yaron Gershovsky, long time Musical Director for The Manhattan Transfer and NYC pianist, Glafkos Kontemeniotis.
Birdland, the legendary New York jazz club, debuted Vanessa’s show to a sold out audience June 4th, 2017, which received rave reviews.”
Il Centro
The Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Brooklyn, also known as F.I.A.O. Brooklyn is proud to announce the opening of its flagship building “Il Centro.” This structure is the first Italian-American multicultural community center in New York, located in southern Brooklyn. Il Centro was designed to serve as a resource for the Italian-American community that will enable the preservation of Italian-American heritage and culture. Through various programs we hope to present a positive image and legacy of generations that strengthen ties within the community. (Source: https://fiaobrooklyn.org/il-centro-2/).
Il Centro is a multi-level 44,000 square foot facility outfitted with modern, state-of-the-art equipment and technology. Classrooms will serve to host a series of seminars and workshops as well as a full fitness center designed with contemporary exercise equipment that allows for both individual and group opportunities. A gymnasium will serve as an epicenter for sports teams and programs throughout the borough. A swimming pool is enhanced by a panoramic view of the city inviting both fitness and leisurely activities. An elegant event space designed to transition for various functions holds potential for a multitude of events such as private parties, vendor showcases, charity events and network gatherings. (Source:https://fiaobrooklyn.org/il-centro-2/).
