Louis Prima Tribute Concert Angelo's Nido Italia 12020 Mayfield Road July 17, 2025
After the preview tour of the new Louis Prima: A Life in Rhythm & Music exhibit at the Italian American Museum of Cleveland the attendees went across the street in Cleveland's Little Italy to Angelo's Nido Italia for dinner and a concert.
Italian American Museum of Cleveland curator Pamela Dorazio Dean welcomed and thanked the crowd.
Pamela Dorazio Dean
She presented a plaque of appreciation to Judge Deborah J. Nicastro who served as president of the Museum for four years and was instrumental in its creation.
Judge Deborah J. Nicastro and Pamela Dorazio Dean
Next were remarks from Anthony J. Sylvester, Trustee and Member of the Gia Maione Prima Foundation owners of the Louis Prima memorabilia collection. He spoke of the courage of Louis Prima who showcased his Italian American heritage during a difficult time. He also said "Cleveland certainly knows how to throw a party" and "This Italian neighborhood is fantastic."
Anthony J. Sylvester
He was followed by Basil M. Russo, president of the Italian Sons and Daughters of America and president of the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations. Basil spoke about how many were pressured to "Americanize" their names but Louis Prima not only kept his name but his songs were a tribute to Italian American heritage and the experience of growing up Italian.
Basil M. Russo
Watch a video of the above events.
Basil introduced Italian American jazz trumpeter, composer, and big band leader Dominick Farinacci. Farinacci is from Cleveland, and began playing trumpet in sixth grade at age eleven in the Cleveland suburb of Solon. Dominick and the band's tenor saxophone player Christopher Burge came walking through the audience as the band played on stage.
Christopher Burge and Dominick Farinacci enter in through the audience
Dominick Farinacci playing in through the audience
After an introduction the band played the classic Louis Prima song Sing, Sing, Sing. Watch.
Dominick Farinacci introduced drummer Ray Porrello who played for years with Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra and others. Dominick told how he learned so much from Louis Prima and first they imitate, then emulate and possible innovate. He played Louis Prima's solo from Basin Street Blues note for note and inflection for inflection.
Next, Dominick Farinacci called up vocalist Hayden Grove who has appeared on NBC's The Voice to sing the Louis Prima classic Buona Sera.
Dominick introduced tenor sax player Chris Burge who had played with Sam Butera. Dominick told about the influence of jazz pioneers like Louis Armstrong, Jelly Roll Morton and other New Orleans musicians on Louis Prima and then later on musicians like himself. He then played a New Orleans piece featuring pianist Dr. Dave Thomas.
Next, Dominick introduced bass player Bryan Thomas who had played with Sam Butera. Dominick told about his first jazz concert and picked up a cup to use with his trumpet while the bassist and guitarist soloed. He then did some back and forth - trumpet and vocal scat - with Hayden Grove. The band played Louis Prima's I Wanna Be Like You from Disney's The Jungle Book.
The band then played the Louis Prima classic Just a Gigolo - I Aint got Nobody. The sound from the band was amazing. My recorder did not capture the quality of the live performance.
Before the encore, Dominick spoke about Louis Prima and the influence on Italian American artists and others. Their encore was the Louis Armstrong classic When You're Smiling.
Here are a few photos from the performance.
Dominick Farinacci and Christopher Burge
Dominick Farinacci
Hayden Grove, Dominick Farinacci and Christopher Burge
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