ITALIAN JAZZ DAYS Festival, October 1-10, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/19/2011 The Italian Cultural Institute of New York in collaboration with Twins Music announces a press conference to present: ITALIAN JAZZ DAYS Festival, October 1-10, 2011 Wednesday September 21, 2011 at the Italian Cultural Institute, 6:00 pm The Italian Cultural Institute New York, in collaboration with Twins Music, presents the Third Annual Italian Jazz Days Festival. Performances will be held at venues in New York City and Peekskill, including, the Kitano Jazz Club, Smalls Jazz Club, the Ford Piano Factory, and the Bar on Fifth at the Setai Hotel. Showcasing the artistic talent of Italy and paying tribute to the country s rich jazz heritage, Italian Jazz Days features performances by prominent Italian and Italian-American jazz musicians, including Antonio Ciacca, John Patitucci, and George Garzone. Event: PRESS CONFERENCE Presentation of Italian Jazz Days Festival Date: Wednesday September 21, 2011 Italian Cultural Institute New York 686 Park Avenue (between 68th and 69th streets) New York City Press contact: Email: eva.zanardi@esteri.it tel: +1 212 879 4242 ext. 333

ITALIAN JAZZ DAYS Festival: PROGRAM divided by location 1 October, 2011 PEEKSKILL,NY Ford Piano Factory 15 South Division Street Peekskill, NY ph 914-739-1224 www.fordpano.com Opening Day of the 3rd Edition of the Italian Jazz Days Festival: Workshop - 11:00am Concert - 7:00pm Antonio Ciacca piano & leader Daniela D Ercole voice Joe Magnarelli trumpet Marco Panascia doublebass Luca Santaniello drums Jazz pianist, bandleader, and educator Antonio Ciacca brings his wealth of musical experience to Peekskill, NY, on a day-long intensive jazz workshop.taking place at the Ford Piano Factory in downtown Peekskill, the music workshop will provide participants of all ages and skill levels with intensive training in jazz harmony, theory, and improvisation, and will also give students an opportunity to form bands and perform in a dynamic and fun environment. Antonio Ciacca and his bandmates will keep the day moving briskly through a variety of small group discussions, one-on-one practice sessions, and master class activities to ensure that participants receive top-notch support throughout the day. That evening, Antonio will lead his band in a performance at the Ford Piano. 1-4 October, 2011 Bar on Fifth at the Setai Fifth Avenue Hotel All shows 8:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m No cover charge, one-drink minimum 400 Fifth Avenue - New York, NY

Alberto Pibiri Trio Drawing inspiration from such artists as Oscar Peterson, the Italian pianist Alberto Pibri has worked with a range of American and European artists, including Sheila Jordan and Nicola Stilo. Pibri, who was recognized at the 2011 Orsara Italian Summer Camp as one of the most talented students, has evolved into a highly sought-after artist throughout Europe in both jazz and classical venues, including the 2011 Calagonone Jazz Festival. Italian Jazz Days marks the United States debut of his new ensemble. 5-6 October, 2011 Bar on Fifth at the Setai Fifth Avenue Hotel All shows 8:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m No cover charge, one-drink minimum 400 Fifth Avenue - New York, NY Simona Premazzi Quartet featuring Melissa Aldana Italian pianist and bandleader Simona Premazzi debuts her latest ensemble at the Setai Hotel on October 5 and 6. Drawing from her original compositions, Premazzi collaborates with tenor saxophonist Melissa Aldana to create a remarkable modern jazz sound. 7-8 October, 2011 Bar on Fifth at the Setai Fifth Avenue Hotel All shows 8:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m No cover charge, one-drink minimum 400 Fifth Avenue - New York, NY Fara Music trio with Zeppetella Gianluca Vigliar (sax), Enrico Morello (drums), Luca Fattorini (bass) Fabio Zeppetella (guitar) Led by saxophonist Gianluca Vigliar, the Fara Music Trio performs a vital blend of timehonored standards with exciting new compositions inspired such artists as Sonny Rollins and Ornette Coleman. Appearing at the Setai Hotel for two nights, the trio will be joined by Fabio Zeppetella, one of the most talented new guitar talents to emerge out of

Europe.In 2010, the trio was recognized with the prestigious Jazz Live Award at the Fara Music Festival in Italy. 9 October, 2011 Bar on Fifth at the Setai Fifth Avenue Hotel All shows 8:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m No cover charge, one-drink minimum 400 Fifth Avenue - New York, NY Fabio Zeppetella- guitar, Aruan Ortiz- piano, Rashaan Carter-bass, Eric McPherson- drums QUARTET Guitarist Fabio Zeppetella concludes his tenure at the Setai Hotel with a performance featuring the Aruán Ortiz Trio, led by the critically acclaimed Cuban pianist Aruán Ortiz. Drawing inspiration from Afro-Cuban culture and contemporary classical compositions, in addition to jazz, the Aruán Ortiz Trio has helped to forge a unique new multicultural musical language while establishing itself as one of the most creative new ensembles on the scene today. 10 October, 2011 Bar on Fifth at the Setai Fifth Avenue Hotel All shows 8:00 p.m. 11:00 p.m No cover charge, one-drink minimum 400 Fifth Avenue - New York, NY Italian Jazz All Star Jam Session All Musicans from the Festival and friends are invited to show up and play! 4-5 October, 2011

ANTONIO CIACCA QUINTET feat.dominick Farinacci-George Garzone- Steve Kirby-Lewis Nash 6 October, 2011 ANTONIO CIACCA QUINTET feat. Marco Pignataro-Matt Marvuglio John Patitucci- Billy Drummond 7 9 October, 2011 ANTONIO CIACCA QUINTET feat. Dominick Farinacci- George Garzone- Steve Kirby-Carl Allen For more than two decades, pianist and composer Antonio Ciacca has delighted fans and critics alike with his lyrical compositions and soulful, gospel-influenced touch. The curator of Italian Jazz Days, Ciacca has established himself as a champion of Italian jazz and a leading scholar of Italian-American contributions to jazz history. For one week, he will present his ensembles, featuring artists including George Garzone, John Patitucci, and Dominick Farinacci, at in performances exploring the Italian Songbook. 4-5 October, 2011 Luke Celenza-Joseph Lepore- Francesco Ciniglio

Under the tutelage of the legendary Michel Camilo, 19-year-old piano prodigy Luke Celenza quickly clarified his position as one of today s most exciting young pianistic talents. Celenza s formidable talent will be showcased at Dizzy s in two performances, featuring bassist Joseph Leopre and drummer Francesco Ciniglio. Celenza s trio won the prestigious Jimmy Woode Award at the 2011 Tuscia in Jazz. 6 October, 2011 MARIO ROMANO QUINTET Mario Romano piano, Pat Labarbera-ten sax, Guido Basso- trumpet, Roberto Occhipinti-bass, Mark Kelso -drums Celebrating his long-awaited return to jazz performance, pianist Mario Romano brings his vibrant quintet, including saxophonist Pat LaBarbera, to for a rare United States performance of classic jazz works. 7-8 October, 2011 Roberto Occhipinti trio with Cristiano Arcelli Cristiano Arcelli alto sax, Roberto Occhipinti bass, Dafnis Prieto - Drums, Manuel Valera Piano Bassist Robert Occhipinti has long been renowned as a first-class collaborator and firstcall sideman. He will showcase his skills as a composer and bandleader by performing with his trio, as well as guest artist Cristiano Arcelli on alto saxophone, at Dizzy s on October 7 and 8.

5 Ottobre, 2011 Kitano 66 Park Avenue NewYork, NY 10016 2 shows at 8:00 PM and 10:00 PM RSVP 212-885-7000 Alice Ricciardi Quartet Vocalist Alice Ricciardi has delighted critics and audiences alike with her sensitive interpretations of standards and effortless sense of swing. On October 5, she brings her quartet to the Kitano Jazz Club for a night of original Italian jazz compositions classic jazz works. 7 October, 2011 SMALLS 183 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10014 7:30 PM to 9:45 PM cover charge $20 Marco Pignataro Quintet Cd release Sofia s Heart Marco Pignataro sax Matt Marvuglio flute Kevin Harris piano Ben Street bass Marcello Pellitteri drums Marco Pignataro is a multi-talented saxophone player, composer and educator originally from Bologna, Italy. Marco maintains a very active international schedule of concerts, recordings and clinics and he has shared stages with artists such as Eddie Gomez, JoAnne Brakeen Danilo Pérez, Jon Faddis, John Patitucci and George Garzone, amongst many others. Together with Danilo Perez, Marco currently leads the Berklee Global Jazz Institute (BGJI), the premiere jazz center of musical creativity at Berklee College of Music in Boston. His latest CD "Sofia's Heart", was produced by jazz legend Eddie Gomez and recorded with a stellar group including Gomez and Billy Drummond.

For this New York CD release concert of "Sofia's Heart", Pignataro brings together Italian drums master Marcello Pellitteri, Kevin Harris on piano, Matt Marvuglio on flute and double bassist Ben Street as a special featured guest. 8 October, 2011 SMALLS 183 West 10th Street, New York, NY 10014 7:30 PM to 9:45 PM cover charge $20 Luca Nostro NYC Unser Quartet Feat. Donny Mc Caslin music from CD Ulrich Acclaimed guitarist and jazz scholar Luca Nostro brings his NYC Unser Quartet, featuring saxophonist Donny McCaslin, to Smalls for a performance of music from his latest CD, Ulrich. The Italian Cultural Institute of New York Founded in 1961, the Italian Cultural Institute of New York is an office of the Italian government, dedicated to the promotion of Italian language and culture in the United States through the organization of cultural events. Under the guidance of its trustees at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, its advisory board, and its staff, the Italian Institute of Culture of New York conforms to this commitment by fostering the cultural exchange between Italy and the US in a variety of areas, from the arts to the humanities to science. Central to the Italian Cultural Institute s mission is a constant effort to encourage the understanding and enjoyment of Italian culture by organizing and promoting cultural events in collaboration with the most prominent academic and cultural institutions of the East Coast. The Italian Cultural Institute of New York focuses on the development of initiatives aimed at showcasing Italian excellence in various fields, such as science, technology, the arts and design. The development of academic exchanges, the organization and support of visual arts exhibitions, the grants for translation and publication of Italian books, the promotion of Italian studies, and the cooperation with local institutions in planning various events that focus on Italian music, dance, cinema, theater, architecture, literature, philosophy etc., are just a few examples of the Institute s initiatives.

In conclusion, the Italian Cultural Institute of New York provides an open window on the cultural and social aspects of past and current Italy. For more information please visit: www.iicnewyork@esteri.it Press contact: Email: eva.zanardi@esteri.it tel: +1 212 879 4242 ext. 333