Ferragosto 2024 Entertainment Schedule
12:00pm: Opening Remarks by Alyssa Tucker, Executive Director of the Belmont Business Improvement District
Italian National Anthem Performed by Jenna Esposito
American National Anthem Performed by Nick Vero
12:15pm – 12:45pm: Nick Vero
12:45pm – 1:00pm: Department of Fools (performing on festival route through 4:45pm)
1:00pm – 2:15pm: Jenna Esposito
2:30pm – 4:15pm: RockSteady
4:30pm – 6:00pm: Elio Scaccio
The stage is located on East 186th St between Arthur Ave and Hughes Ave
Learn more about our Ferragosto Performers
Nick Vero:Nick Vero was born and raised in the Bronx and has been performing the duties of Master of Ceremonies for nine Ferragosto Festivals, and is delighted to be back again. Nick worked for the City of New York as a Deputy Chief for the DSNY, and served proudly in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2001-2004), as a Lt. Colonel in the United States Air Force. He keeps the momentum going during the entertainment portion of the feast by telling animated stories about his childhood in the Bronx, and singing American and Italian standards.
Jenna Espostio: Vocalist Jenna Esposito made her New York nightclub debut in 2004 and has been delighting audiences across the country ever since, with her dynamic, high-energy shows. She is renowned for her tributes to Connie Francis and Dean Martin, as well as her tributes to “The Great Italian-American Songbook.” Jenna also has a passion for the rock and pop music of the ‘50s and ‘60s, and often performs tributes to the music of that era. Jenna has headlined at major NYC nightclubs including Birdland and Feinstein’s/54 Below, as well as renowned theatres, nightclubs, and festivals across the country. Jenna was also recently named as a world finalist in the Sanremo Senior competition, held at the famous Teatro Ariston in Sanremo, Italy. In May, 2021, Jenna released her fourth CD, More Amore: Songs From The Great Italian-American Songbook, which, like her previous album, That’s Amore, features songs that have their origins in Italy, songs that were made famous by Italian-Americans, or both! Jenna is a graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and a proud member of the Friars Club and the Lambs. For more information, please visit www.jennaesposito.com. Facebook & Twitter: @sparklejenna Instagram: @jenna_esposito
RockSteady: RockSteady is made up of Mary Elissa DeSalvo vocals, Steve Connolly vocals, Oshane Moore vocals, Jose Fernando vocals, Frank Cifali guitar and vocals, Rich O’Neill keyboards and vocals, Michael Parrino bass guitar and vocals, Mark Veralli drums and vocals. RockSteady performs music of all eras to packed dance floors everywhere. While best known for recreating music that transports you back to the best times of your life, RockSteady’s roots go far deeper. Many of the band’s families came from Italy through Ellis Island and settled in New York, and several on Arthur Avenue.
Elio Scaccio: Elio is truly the epitome of the modern day/classical crossover. Considered a gifted vocalist since childhood, Elio is a classically trained versatile performer of the highest caliber. This Peabody Conservatory trained artist has performed everything from Verdi and Puccini at Carnegie Hall, to original Rock Ballads at venues across America. Elio performs music in genres ranging from the classical realm to Italian pop to American favorites. He is part of touring trio called The Sicilian Tenors, an award-winning group that recently released their second PBS Special, A Journey to Highclere Castle, a tribute to hit series Downton Abbey. Visit www.siciliantenors.com for more information!
Department of Fools: The Department of Fools brings Renaissance-style street theater to NYC. The Fools have performed at venues around NYC, including at the New York International Fringe Festival and at the Peoples Improv Theater. The company members share a love of pure unadulterated play and a commitment to promoting the traditions of Commedia dell’Arte. Through the Fools’ unique brand of masked mayhem, they bring Commedia dell’Arte alive for 21st century audiences. Learn more about the Fools at https://departmentoffools.wordpress.com/.
Schedule subject to change.
Interested in performing at Ferragosto? Contact us.
