Rob Bailey | bailey@siadvance.com By Rob Bailey | bailey@siadvance.com Staten Island Advance
Borough President James S. Oddo presents a celebration of Italian culture & history featuring food tastings, live chef demonstrations and musical performances by Joe Piscopo and Michael Amante
When: From noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 10.
Where: On the grounds of Historic Richmond Town, the living history village at 441 Clarke Ave.
How much: Free, thanks to co-sponsors Richard & Lois Nicotra, Rampulla Associates Architects, Jerry Amerosi & Ray Masuci.
More information: Call the Historical Society at 718-351-1611 or check out HistoricRichmond Town.org .
Concert stage:
Performance stage:
3:30 p.m. «Christopher Columbus Live!» performed by the Order of Sons of Italy in America
1-3 p.m. Cooking demonstrations featuring chefs from Max’s Es-Ca, Da Noi and A&C Superette
Streets of Richmond Town:
Courthouse courtroom:
Noon: Vino e Libri! with Joseph Squatrito; enjoy complimentary glass of wine with the author of «Conde Name Ginny»
1 p.m. Vino e Libri! with Fred Gardaphe: enjoy complimentary glass of wine with the author of «From Wise Guys to Wise Men: The Gangster and Italian American Masculinities.»
2:30 p.m. «Meucci’s Message» performed by Sundog Theatre
All day, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge 50th Anniversary Exhibit
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When in Rome, do as the Staten Islanders do — and by that I mean celebrate authentic local culture to its fullest extent.
«Rome Through Richmond Town» — a new collaboration between Borough President James S. Oddo and a host of community leaders — launches over Columbus Day weekend. The free culture and cuisine fest runs from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at Historic Richmond Town, 441 Clarke Ave. Rain date: Sunday, Oct. 12.
More than two dozen S.I. cultural institutions and colleges have signed on to pay homage to Italian art, architecture, theater, music, fashion and food.
«I thank all of the groups that have already signed on to participate in what is shaping up to be a very special event,» BP Oddo says. «… This event will provide Staten Islanders, Italian-Americans and non-Italian-Americans with a rich celebration of the contributions made by those of Italian descent. The event will be informative, educational, and a whole lot of fun.»
Expect «In Cucina» cooking demonstrations from the chefs and Max’s Es-Ca, Da Noi and A&C Superette. Limited samples of what they’re making will be offered to the audience.
Pizza, of course, makes a presence at the Italian expo. Expect New Springville restaurateur Mario Rapaglia of Bario’s Pizza & Restaurant to illustrate his pie-making skills and dole out complimentary tastes to onlookers.
Students from the distinguished culinary programs at both New Dorp High School and Port Richmond High School will be on hand to roll turkey meatballs and fill cannoli pastries, skills they learned in their respective schools, for an instructional showcase.
For those who love Italian food but don’t want to pack on the extra pounds, Dr. Ginny Mantello, the BP’s director of health and wellness, will demonstrate how to cook healthy Italian meals.
Singer Michael Amante and actor-comedian Joe Piscopo, will perform live with their respective orchestras, thanks to entertainment sponsors, hoteliers Lois and Richard Nicotra.
A Broadway and concert performer, Amante has played opera leading men in Puccini’s «La bohéme,» Puccini’s «Madame Butterfly,» and in Mascagni’s «Cavaleria Rusticana.»
The suave song stylist — whose approach to opera is light and easy and who’s been on the show biz circuit since age 6 — was once dubbed the next Mario Lanza by legendary singer Tony Bennett.
Piscopo, who launched his stand-up comedy career in the late 1970s, became a household name in the ’80s as a cast member on «Saturday Night Live.»
The master impressionist, who’s channeled a slew of actors, politicos and crooners, is perhaps best known for his impersonation of Frank Sinatra.
Among the other exhibits set to offer insight into Italian-American culture:
GREENBELT PUMPKIN FESTIVAL: The great «Pumpkin Festival» returns this weekend.
Yep, Greenbelt Conservancy’s annual celebration of The Big Orange will squash Willowbrook Park from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at 1 Eton Place.
It’s part pumpkin patch pageant, part puppet show and part smart.
«The prettiest pumpkins prevail at our old-fashioned fall festival that takes place around the Carousel for All Children,» says Dorothy A. Reilly, director of public relations for the Greenbelt Conservancy. «…Pumpkins will be for sale in our patch until we run out, so arrive early for the best selection!»
The «smart» part: Environmental educators will present a fall-inspired activity for the family and the Carousel will spin throughout the day («rides are still just $1.50,» Reilly reminds us).
OK, here’s the entertainment rundown: 11 a.m., Music with Patrick; noon, pumpkin patch, face painting and crafts; 3 p.m., puppet show; 4 p.m,. pumpkin patch closes; 5:45 p.m., Carousel closes. Refreshments will be on offer throughout the day.
Rain date: Oct. 12. More info: Check out SIGreenbelt.org .
C.R.E.A.M. RISES IN STAPLETON: «Concrete Rules Everything Around Me» — a live music and skateboard show from 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at 5050 Skatepark — gives cred to the surface most conducive to shredding.
5050 Skatepark and Richmond Hood Co. co-host, with S.I.-born fashion designers Dee and Ricky serving as emcees. The event’s title plays on Wu-Tang Clan’s famous single «Cash Rules Everything Around Me (C.R.E.A.M.) .»
Live music: Includes Harlem rapper A$AP Nast , Staten Islander and electro-soul artist Laya LaRoche , Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist Mack Wilds (aka Stapleton-born actor Tristan Wilds) and Ghostface Killah protege Trife Diesel .
The contest: Pro skateboarders will showcase their skills during an hour-long exhibition, followed by a competition. Organizers plan to shell out more than $1,000 in cash and prizes.
ART IN THE PARK: Local artists, foodies, musicians and more will flock to Tompkinsville Park once again from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. «Art in the Park» continues Saturdays through Nov. 2 at the corner of Victory Boulevard and Bay Street.
