festa 2025 ENTERTAINMENT
Below you will find the needed forms to fill out and register for all applicable venues concerning the up and coming Festa Italiana. Simply download/print and complete, then mail with payment to appropriate individual(s).
May 31st
Saturday (Sabato)
10:45 AM
Live with Jasper Mirable
Celebrity Italian chef hosts hour show with guests.
Hosted by Jasper Mirable
11:30 PM
Chef Silverio Pagano
KC’s Singing Italian Chef’s Recipe
12:00 PM
U.N.I.C.O’s Cannoli Eating Contest
Hosted by Jasper Mirable
12:30 PM
The Gumba’s
A musical journey through Italy.
*Special Appearance: Watch for The Strolling Gumbas from 1:00-2:00 on the Festival Grounds*
1:00 PM
Michael Donze
The Italian Elvis Tribute!
1:30 PM
The Viviano Brothers
Singing Italian Favorites
2:30 PM
Cory Pesaturo Returns
World Champion (x3)
Accordion Player
3:30 PM
Dolwite
KC’s Classic Hip Hop Experience.
5:00 PM
Disco Dick & The Mirrorballs
The nation’s number one disco experience
6:30 PM
Joseph Vincelli
Internationally Acclaimed Saxophonist, Flautist and Jazz Artist
7:30 PM
Kate Cosentino
Local Pop, Jazz Artist,
Former Contestant on 'The Voice'
9:00 PM
The Bronx Wanderers Return
Electrifying Las Vegas Act
May 30th
Friday (Venerdì)
5:00 PM
Frank Favoroso
Classic Rock & Country
5:20 PM
Monroe Rich
Festa’s youngest dancer
5:30 PM
Frank Cherrito
KC’s smooth Italian crooner
6:00 PM
Cory Pesaturo
World Champion (x3)
Accordion Player
7:00 PM
Flashback
Classic rock, R&B and funk band
8:30 PM
UNICO's Meatball Eating Contest
Very entertaining!
9:00 PM
The Bronx Wanderers
One family, one dream, one amazing rockin’ show!
June 1st
Sunday (Domenica)
10:00 AM
Catholic Mass
Presiding celebrant – Fr. Alex Kreidler
11:00 AM
Chef Chris Canzoneri
Secret recipe from Garozzo’s head chef
11:30 AM
Maria Milazzo
Singing Italian arias and classics
12:00 PM
The Gumba’s
A musical journey through Italy
12:50 PM
Elizabeth Vigliaturo Tabor
Festa’s young dancer returns in 2025
1:00 PM
K.C. Rukus
Jazz, Country & More
1:30 PM
Melrose’s School of Dance
Liberty’s Showcase Dancers
2:30 PM
Four Fried Chickens and a Coke
Upbeat, fun rock band since 1997
4:00 PM
Recognition of
U.N.I.C.O. Scholarship Winners
Italian Motor Show
Sunday, June 1st — Noon - 2 PM
UNICO
Wine Tasting Tent
Located on the west side of the festival grounds
We are very excited to see you and your families attend the 2025 Italian Festival this summer. We hope to meet your expectations with GREAT FOOD, FABULOUS ENTERTAINMENT and just an all around HAPPY ATMOSPHERE, consistent with the way our families, and our families before us, were raised. It's a little taste of the old country, American style!
5:00 PM
Frank Favoroso
Classic Rock & Country
Frank Favoroso is a returning performer of the Festa. He will be singing a variety of music ranging from country, rock and roll and top 40 hits from the day.
5:20 PM
Monroe Rich
Festa’s youngest dancer
At just 8 years old, Monroe has already made a name for herself in the dance world. She has been dancing since she could walk and currently trains at Priscilla and Dana's School of Dance. Last summer, she showcased her talent on the national stage in Florida, which resulted in her becoming a two-time National Dance Champion.
Beyond dance, Monroe is a well-rounded performer and athlete. She plays piano, enjoys volleyball, swimming and softball, participates in Girl Scouts, and practices gymnastics. She is also a dedicated student at the Kansas City Ballet School, further refining her passion for movement and artistry.
Monroe’s love for Italy runs deep—She describes it as her favorite vacation spot because she can indulge in gelato at any time of the day. She especially loved welcoming her Italian cousins to her home last summer, sharing her world with them. She is thrilled to be performing at Festa Italiana and celebrating a culture that holds a special place in her heart!
5:30 PM
Frank Cherrito
KC’s smooth Italian crooner
A native of Kansas City, Frank Cherrito’s singing career began over 40 years ago at a restaurant on Admiral and Grand. Soon Frank found he was booking gigs around the metro area and beyond. He has become a featured entertainer at numerous clubs, restaurants, hotels and various other events.
A Three-time world accordion champion CORY PESATURO (“C Pez”) is on the forefront of the accordion world, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the accordion.
Cory is the only person to ever win a World Championship on Acoustic, Digital And Jazz Accordion, and the only accordion graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA. In 2017, Cory became a Guinness World Record Holder, as RedBull® flew him to Austria to break the Marathon Accordion Record, in which he played for over 32 hours. Cory’s main contribution is his visionary thinking of how the accordion should be used, played, taught, and presented in modern music; this vision led him to give a TED talk, develop his own electric accordion, and make the first ever skinned accordion which includes a symmetric lighting system attached to the keys.
We’re Flashback, a Kansas City based group that is bringing crowds together for fun and dance with great music. Our songs are easily recognized as the most enjoyed classics, as well as contemporaries in Rock, R&B and downright Funk genres. No boundaries- just good soul moving, butt-shaking fun! You can enjoy our following the most fun-loving and beautiful crowd in town! Flashback is a collaboration of hometown KC boys that sprouted from a summer ‘07 party jam and developed into a hard-working, fun-breeding rhythmic cornucopia suitable for any event. We party through our music, come party with us!
8:30 PM
UNICO's Meatball Eating Contest
Very entertaining!
The UNICO KC meatball eating contest is a lively annual event where participants race against the clock to be the first to devour a set amount of savory Italian meatballs. This spirited competition brings the community together, blending friendly rivalry with a delicious tradition.
The Bronx Wanderers are a dynamic musical group known for their energetic performances and rich blend of classic rock, doo-wop, and pop hits. They capture the spirit of the Bronx's musical history, drawing inspiration from legends like Frankie Valli and Dion. Led by Vinny Adinolfi and his sons, the band brings a multigenerational twist to timeless favorites, creating a nostalgic yet fresh concert experience.
They’ve built a strong reputation through live shows in Las Vegas and nationwide tours, winning over fans with their tight harmonies and infectious stage presence. Are you thinking about featuring them in your podcast or just exploring their music? Let me know!
10:45 AM
Live with Jasper Mirable
Celebrity Italian chef hosts hour show with guests.
Hosted by Jasper Mirable
Famed Kansas City Restaurateur and Chef, Jasper Mirable, will be doing on stage interviews Saturday at 11:00 AM. Jasper’s Restaurant has been rated as one of the premier Italian restaurants in the Midwest for nearly 60 years. Jasper’s is located between State Line and Wornall on 103rd Street in South Kansas City. Adjacent to Jasper’s is their Marco Polo’s Italian Market. This is an ideal place for a quick lunch, for fresh salads, made-to-order sandwiches, homemade dressings, and so much more.
Silverio “Sil” Pagano was born in 1955, a year after his parents, Ugo and Esterina, immigrated from Italy to Crystal City. His grandfather, Biagio, had settled in Crystal City years before and worked for the Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co.
“I was brought up in the Italian culture and language,” he said. “It was my first language.” Silverio said he and his family, which included older brother, Biagio “Bill,” lived with his grandparents most of their lives. Silverio said he learned how to cook from his mother and two grandmothers and was making tagliatelle pasta from scratch by age 6. He said his first job was at Ponza Pizzeria, which his aunt and uncle, Maria and Tony Pagano, owned.
12:00 PM
U.N.I.C.O’s Cannoli Eating Contest
Hosted by Jasper Mirable
The UNICO KC Cannoli eating contest is a lively annual event where participants race against the clock to be the first to devour a set amount of mouth watering Italian Cannolis. This spirited competition brings the community together, blending friendly rivalry with a delicious tradition.
12:30 PM
The Gumba’s
A musical journey through Italy.
The Gumbas began singing together in 2004. Originally organized because they love Italian music, they wanted to perpetuate the singing of their favorite Italian folk songs and love songs.They have performed at Italian Festivals in Lawrence Kansas, Des Moines Iowa, and Kansas City Missouri, as well as numerous private events. “We love to sing, you’ll love to listen” For bookings contact Frank Ancona 816-547-7860 or e-mail to frank.ancona@att.net
1:00 PM
Michael Donze
The Italian Elvis Tribute!
My father Paul Donze was born in Camporeale, Sicily and immigrated to Kansas City with his mother and siblings in 1960. I was born in Kansas City and spent my early childhood in Northeast Kansas City before moving with my parents to Independence, MO. I attended St. Mary’s High School and Rockhurst University, later following my passion for cooking by working my way through the ranks and attaining the rank of Executive Sous Chef at The Country Club of Blue Springs, then later became the Executive Chef for Lakewood Oaks Golf Club, as well as two other establishments.
I left the culinary field to pursue a new career in the financial services industry. Currently I am an entrepreneur, Property Manager and Elvis Tribute Artist. In August of 2019 I started singing Karaoke and was repeatedly told I sounded like Elvis without really trying. I then started singing Elvis’ songs and with the encouragement and support of my girlfriend Dee, I started to perform Elvis Presley music in my own tribute shows in retirement communities, for special events, and at a local bar. This is his third time performing at the Festa Italiana.
1:30 PM
The Viviano Brothers
Singing Italian Favorites
Jerry: is a proud active member of UNICO Kansas City Chapter and the entertainment director of Festa Italiana for the 20th year. He is also the chairman, founder and director of the Viviano Benefit Variety Show held the third Saturday in November at Rockhurst High School’s Rose Theatre. The event has netted over $2,400,000 for several Kansas City charities since its inception in 1985.
Frank: the youngest of the Viviano brothers, performs at clubs, hotels, festivals and private parties in St. Louis. He has written and recorded four original songs that have been played on major radio stations. Frank has performed with members of the Jimmy Buffet band, Sheryl Crow, and was an opening act for Chuck Berry.He has also produced and performed in a TV commercial for Popeye’s Restaurants.
Tony: and his band have performed at the most prestigious hotels, country clubs, restaurants and night clubs in St. Louis, Las Vegas, Chicago, Kansas City, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and at numerous Italian Festivals around the country. He has performed with such greats as Tony Orlando, Carol Channing, and Tony Bennett.
Rose: Rose’s greatest performances and influences have been offstage. She is the biggest cheerleader of the Viviano brothers and is always supportive of the family and our heritage in all she does. She was the caretaker of Mama Viviano in her last years and continues to give to her family and friends. Rose, a widow, is the mother of 3 daughters, Antonena, Sharon, and Julie, a grandmother of 11, and a great grandmother of 5.
A Three-time world accordion champion CORY PESATURO (“C Pez”) is on the forefront of the accordion world, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the accordion.
Cory is the only person to ever win a World Championship on Acoustic, Digital And Jazz Accordion, and the only accordion graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA. In 2017, Cory became a Guinness World Record Holder, as RedBull® flew him to Austria to break the Marathon Accordion Record, in which he played for over 32 hours. Cory’s main contribution is his visionary thinking of how the accordion should be used, played, taught, and presented in modern music; this vision led him to give a TED talk, develop his own electric accordion, and make the first ever skinned accordion which includes a symmetric lighting system attached to the keys.
3:30 PM
Dolwite
KC’s Classic Hip Hop Experience.
Each member of the band wears a tracksuit. A fashion statement that has begun to carry over into the growing fan base at every show. They use a video backdrop showing different moving slides and animation. As well as samples between songs. Props and gifts for the crowd are also used alongside two confetti cannons that shower the partygoers each night. Whether your crowd prefers a live rock show or the experience of dancing to a D.J. Dolewite will entertain them all. Each song in the set is a well known hit played. They play it with an abundance of energy, and a tongue planted firmly in cheek. Comical and impressive, imposing yet inviting. Once you’ve experienced Dolewite, you won’t forget Dolewite.
Disco Dick and the Mirrorballs are the Midwest’s Premiere Tribute to the Disco Era. The Dick was formed in Kansas City, Missouri in 1998. With nearly 20 years under their belts’, Disco Dick & the Mirrorballs have gained quite a reputation for their one of a kind show. Playing the greatest hits from KC and the Sunshine Band, Kool and the Gang, the Commodores, Earth, Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson and many more, the group has certainly established themselves as a premiere disco act. However, Disco Dick’s roots are also very evident, raised on Rock & Roll, the guys have gained notoriety from also including groups like Van Halen, Bon Jovi, Poison, Def Leppard and many more within their sets.
With the musical style and calendar-guy looks this New Jersey native exhibits, David Sanborn and other popular pop-jazz sax men better look out! Joe Vincelli, recognized for his upbeat and passionate style, has reviewers describing his music as "smooth" with an "edge". Others have simply used "high octane". Vincelli says, "I like to express what I feel whether I'm performing on stage or in the audience. There is such a communication there through the music, and I feel that they pay me the highest compliments when my performance touches them."
Kate Cosentino is a Nashville-based songwriter with a flair for the quirky and a passion for storytelling. Described by Niall Horan as a “ready-made star,” she blends jazz guitar with indie-pop brilliance, drawing inspiration from Sara Bareilles, Regina Spektor, and Remi Wolf.
From writing an original song for American Girl Doll at 15 to captivating audiences on The Voice, Kate has built a dedicated fanbase through her vibrant performances and humorous social media presence. A Kansas City hometown hero, she’s sold out venues like Helzberg Hall and performed for over 10,000 at the Plaza Lighting. She’s also shared stages with Katy Perry, Ricky Montgomery, Judah & the Lion, and Niall Horan, playing iconic venues like Brooklyn Bowl and GEODIS Stadium.
Kate’s music champions self-love, empowerment, and life’s ups and downs—always with a touch of humor. Whether through her heartfelt lyrics or her colorful guitar straps from Big Chick Energy, she makes people feel seen. When you see Kate live, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll leave wanting more.
The Bronx Wanderers are a dynamic musical group known for their energetic performances and rich blend of classic rock, doo-wop, and pop hits. They capture the spirit of the Bronx's musical history, drawing inspiration from legends like Frankie Valli and Dion. Led by Vinny Adinolfi and his sons, the band brings a multigenerational twist to timeless favorites, creating a nostalgic yet fresh concert experience.
They’ve built a strong reputation through live shows in Las Vegas and nationwide tours, winning over fans with their tight harmonies and infectious stage presence. Are you thinking about featuring them in your podcast or just exploring their music? Let me know!
10:00 AM
Catholic Mass
Presiding celebrant – Fr. Alex Kreidler
Fr. Alex Kreidler, a grandson of Sicilian immigrants, grew up in St. Joseph. After graduating from Bishop LeBlond High School, he began studies for the priesthood which included living in Rome for six years. Fr. Kreidler was ordained a priest of the diocese on June 27th, 2015. He currently serves as Pastor of St. Gabriel Archangel Parish and, as a canon lawyer, serves on the Tribunal for the Diocese and teaches Latin part-time at St. Pius and St. Gabriel. In his free time he is an avid golfer, loves to cook, and enjoys flying as a private pilot.
11:00 AM
Chef Chris Canzoneri
Secret recipe from Garozzo’s head chef
He is the executive chef for Garozzo’s Italian restaurants. He is honored once again this year to cook up a favorite receipt for all to enjoy.
11:30 AM
Maria Milazzo
Singing Italian arias and classics
Maria Milazzo, Italian-American Soprano and past UNICO Scholarship recipient, is thrilled to be singing at Festa Italiana! Maria graduated with her M.M. in Vocal Performance from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and her B.M. in Vocal Performance from Westminster Choir College. Maria has most recently worked on the role of Suor Genovieffa in Puccini’s Suor Angelica with Kansas City Opera on Tap. Maria enjoys singing arias, classical art song, musical theatre, oratorio, and liturgical song amongst others.
With an extensive background in music, vocal performance, music education, and theatre, Maria has directed choirs and musicals and worked with singers of all ages. She is currently the Director of Campus Ministry at Notre Dame de Sion High School having graduated in 2023 with her Masters of Divinity from Saint John’s School of Theology and Seminary. Maria has developed a love for teaching and music-making with people of all ages and hopes to continue bringing music to the Kansas City community in many forms for years to come!
Maria will be the cantor at the outdoor Catholic Mass at 10 AM on Sunday June 1 and will perform some Italian arias and classics at 11:30 AM on Sunday.
12:00 PM
The Gumba’s
A musical journey through Italy
The Gumbas began singing together in 2004. Originally organized because they love Italian music, they wanted to perpetuate the singing of their favorite Italian folk songs and love songs.They have performed at Italian Festivals in Lawrence Kansas, Des Moines Iowa, and Kansas City Missouri, as well as numerous private events. “We love to sing, you’ll love to listen” For bookings contact Frank Ancona 816-547-7860 or e-mail to frank.ancona@att.net
12:50 PM
Elizabeth Vigliaturo Tabor
Festa’s young dancer returns in 2025
Elizabeth (Vigliaturo) Tabor is 12 years old and has studied dance for nine years at the Dance Arts Center in St. Joseph, MO. She has performed in many dance recitals and the Nutcracker Ballet at the Missouri Theatre. She loves to dance and especially enjoys learning Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary.
Elizabeth is the great-grand daughter of longtime Unico member and past President, Joseph D. Vigliaturo.
KC Rukus formed in the late 80s with original founding member Russell Niccum AKA Rustifer Performing and open for major acts thru the midwest. KC Rukus added Big Dave Taylor on Saxophone in late 2022 and has been a pillar of the band ever since! Band consists of Rustifer Niccum Vocals and Guitar ,Big Dave Taylor on saxophone vocals, John Jones Bass guitar and vocals along with Buster Lee on Drums back up Vocals .KC Rukus strives to learn new material based on patrons request .Classic Rock to Jazz! Be sure to catch one of their electrifying shows in the area.
1:30 PM
Melrose’s School of Dance
Liberty’s Showcase Dancers
MelRoe’s School of Dance started in 1997 and is going on their 26th year of being in business. Rosemary Glorioso and Melanie Egbert are the Co-Owners of MelRoe’s School of Dance located in Liberty, MO and both hold B.A. degrees in education. MelRoe’s offers a variety of classes such as tap, jazz, ballet, hip hop, tumbling, leaps and turns, contemporary, modern, pointe, tiny tots, tumble tykes, adult tap, and more! We are currently taking enrollment for our Summer camps and Intensives and offer recreational and competitive classes.
If you would like more information about our studio please call us at 816-781-6989 or visit our website at www.melroesdance.net. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube. If you would like to try a class for FREE mention that you heard about us at the Italian Festival and you will also receive $10.00 off your registration fee and a free dance bag or T-shirt! We would love for you to become a part of our dance family. Call us today!!!
We are a 12-piece band complete with three vocalists and seven horns. We play cuts from the Blues Brothers and the Commitments soundtracks, James Brown, Otis Redding, Ike and Tina Turner, Royal Crown Review, Chicago, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Stevie Wonder, Stevie Ray Vaughn, our own original songs, and many more...
We formed in April of 1997, and have been performing regularly at events and clubs in the Kansas City area.
4:00 PM
Recognition of
U.N.I.C.O Scholarship Winners
Please join us in recognition of our U.N.I.C.O. Scholarship winners as we give a well deserved round of applause for all of their hard work and dedication, not only within this last year, but too, within their entire academia spanning over the past twelve years.
