State’s largest Italian festival to feature live entertainment, bocce tournament, cooking demonstrations and more!
On Friday, September 29 through Sunday, October 1, the Society of Italian American Businessmen (SIAB), a Maryland-based charitable organization supporting organizations focused on education, family and child services, mental health and addiction, will host the largest Italian festival in Maryland at the Harford County Equestrian Center in Bel Air, Maryland.
The Inaugural Maryland Italian Festival kicks off National Italian-American Heritage Month and coincides with the 10th anniversary of SIAB and Harford County’s Sestercentennial (250th anniversary) celebrations in 2023.
The family-friendly festival will include Italian food and retail vendors, carnival rides and midway games, national and regional entertainment and a piazza serving wine, beer and liquor. In addition, SIAB’s annual Bocce Tournament will be folded into the festival allowing teams to compete for big cash prizes on Saturday and cheer on athletes from the Special Olympics as they compete in a multi-state regional tournament on Sunday.
“This festival is all about embracing the Italian heritage by giving people of all ages and ethnicities a place to experience the sights, sounds and culture of the Italian people, share it with our Maryland neighbors and have a lot of fun along the way,” said Joe Papa, SIAB president. “We are excited to use this opportunity to continue our long-term support of the Special Olympics and other non-profit organizations in Maryland and make an impact on our core mission to help in the areas of education, family and child services and mental health and addiction.”
The entertainment lineup features a diverse array of performers to delight audiences of all tastes including:
- Hailing from Columbus, Ohio, Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms, an Italian-American band that captivates audiences across the U.S. Their repertoire spans a wide range of genres, from traditional Italian music and Italian swing to American pop and rock. Catch them headlining Friday night, with a couple of bonus shows on Saturday and Sunday.
- Headlining Saturday night is The Atlantic City Boys, the best touring Frankie Valli tribute act in the country, comprised of four dynamic lead singers. They have showcased their talents in renowned venues such as Las Vegas, Walt Disney World, Atlantic City and various cruise ships worldwide. Their electrifying show combines world-class vocals with interactive comedy, featuring harmonies reminiscent of iconic groups like the Beach Boys, Drifters, Bee Gees and the legendary Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.
- DJ Victor Tosti will turn The Maryland Italian Festival into an Italian Discotheque on Saturday night after The Atlantic City Boys. Victor has spent 15 years mesmerizing audiences everywhere with his DJing skills. His remarkable talent has garnered recognition from local and regional magazines and newspapers, as well as Billboard Magazine. Victor’s signature old school dance party will transport the audience to the Italian nightclubs, back to the disco era, the vibrant club freestyle music of the 80s, and the techno and high-energy dance music frenzy of the 90s.
- Taking the stage together Saturday and Sunday, Louis & JoAnn and the Uptown Band will captivate audiences with timeless classics to contemporary pop hits. You may recognize Louis Vanaria from his debut role in A “Bronx Tale” as “Crazy Mario”, and other hit films like “The Irishman” and “The Kitchen, and more recently as Lombardi in “Godfather of Harlem.” Their repertoire also includes Italian and Italian-American pop music.
- On Sunday, The Sicilian Tenors headline to close out the festival. Dubbed “The Three Tenors meets The Rat Pack,” by the late Joan Rivers, they enchant listeners with their powerful tenor voices, offering a diverse selection of songs that traverse Hollywood, Broadway and Italian classics. Their talent has earned them an award-winning program broadcasted on PBS and Public Television Stations nationwide, with a second PBS Special honoring Downton Abbey coming fall of 2023.
Additional performers and schedule details will continue to be shared online at the festival’s dedicated website: www.marylanditalianfestival.com.
Tickets to the Maryland Italian Festival start at $10 and free for kids 12 and under. To purchase tickets or to purchase a VIP Villa for the day or weekend, go to www.marylanditalianfestival.com.
The Maryland Italian Festival is sponsored by Tito’s Vodka, Hilton Garden Inn Bel Air, WBAL News, Visit Harford Maryland and more. To become a sponsor, please visit www.marylanditalianfestival.com/become-a-sponsor.
ABOUT THE SOCIETY OF ITALIAN AMERICAN BUSINESSMEN
The Society of Italian American Businessmen (SIAB) believes that “in giving you shall receive.” The organization’s humble beginnings in 2013 fostered a movement among members to be a part of something bigger than themselves. This desire has become a resounding reason why people have been drawn to this organization. SIAB focuses on giving to Maryland 501(c)3 charities in the areas of education, family and child services, mental health and addiction. The organization’s major fundraising events include the annual Spring Gala, Golf Outing and The Maryland Italian Festival, debuting in 2023. SIAB’s fundraising events to date have resulted in charitable giving to over 75 area 501(c)3 nonprofits and more than 33 educational scholarships — totaling over $750,000 in impact to the community. More information about SIAB is available at thesiab.org.
