Ferragosto 2025 Entertainment Schedule
12:00pm: Opening Remarks by Alyssa Tucker, Executive Director of the Belmont Business Improvement District
Italian National Anthem Performed by Vanessa Racci
American National Anthem Performed by Nick Vero
12:15pm – 12:45pm: Nick Vero
12:45pm – 4:45pm: Department of Fools (performing on festival route)
1:00pm – 2:15pm: Vanessa Racci
2:30pm – 4:15pm: RockSteady
4:30pm – 6:00pm: Bob Bisaccia
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 ten 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:
Vanessa Racci: Vanessa Racci is a touring Jazz/Pop vocalist with a passion for retro Jazz and music made famous by Italian Americans. She grew up living with her Barese grandfather, who played Jazz and Italian classics throughout the house. This inspired her to combine her two loves (Jazz and Italian heritage) in her first album, Italiana Fresca. After touring her album around the country (and in New Orleans in particular) Vanessa was inspired to record her second album, Jazzy Italian (Zoho Jazz Label), celebrating Italian Americans in Jazz from Louis Prima to Chick Corea. Produced and arranged by Grammy winner, Steven Feifke, Jazzy Italian made the top 10 Jazz albums of 2022 on the RMR chart and is programmed on Siriusly Sinatra, NPR and network television in addition to 150+ radio stations globally. Her music also recently made the coveted Spotify playlist, Italian Dinner Party. Vanessa also produces and stars in several other “edu-tainment” shows including Hot Speakeasy Nights, a Tribute to Harry Warren and Forbidden Love: the love story of Bobby Darin and Connie Francis. Vanessa performs at over 50 venues and festivals annually with a social media following of 15K+. When she isn’t performing, she teaches voice and is building her non-profit, Italian Americans in Music, devoted to preserving the history and promoting the future of Italian Americans in the music industry. To learn more or subscribe to her mailing list, go to www.vanessaracci.com or follow on Instagram @VanessaRacci. To learn more about Italian Americans in Music, go to: italianamericansinmusic.org or follow on Instagram @ItalianAmericansinMusic
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.
Bob Bisaccia: Bob Bisaccia serves as President of Robert R. Bisaccia, Inc., a consulting firm dealing with NYC Building Code/Zoning Law, real estate development, and construction management. Bob’s network led him to becoming part of the partnership for the Broadway show, “Annie” as well as other productions. Bob’s own passion for performing was heightened following 9/11 when he started producing musical fundraising events for the NYPD and FDNY. After several years of performances with the “Bobby B Quartet”, Bob met legendary promoter, Sid Bernstein. Sid encouraged Bob to follow his dream and introduced him to a network of associates in the music industry. For nearly 20 years Bob has pursued his passion for singing, and he continues to reach audiences by promoting musical shows for Fisher House in support of our troops and their families.
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.
