A Memorable Night in Little Italy

(L-R) Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa, Giovanni Pellerito and Michéal Castaldo

Photos by New York Scugnizzo

By Giovanni di Napoli

Thursday night (Sept. 5th) I attended a special double feature at the Italian American Museum in Manhattan. The program included a book presentation by author Giovanni Pellerito and a live performance by acclaimed Calabrian singer-songwriter Michéal Castaldo. 

Italians: Un Tricolore A Stelle E Strisce
is on sale at the museum

Treated to a glass of sparkling prosecco, we got comfortable and listened to Mr. Pellerito speak proudly about his latest work, Italians: Un Tricolore A Stelle E Strisce (A Flag With Stars And Stripes). Featuring the spectacular photography of Peter Zullo, the book is an intimate look at contemporary life in New York City's various "Little Italies." Spanning the boroughs, Pellerito and Zullo perfectly captured the essence of New York's Italian American community.

Museum founder and president Dr. Joseph V. Scelsa spoke glowingly about the book and showed a short film promoting the project. I think Italians: Un Tricolore A Stelle E Strisce would be a superb compliment to any book collection on the Italian American experience.

After a short intermission, Michéal Castaldo performed a spectacular set, singing songs from his extensive repertoire and showcasing his immense talent. Not surprisingly, passers-by from bustling Mulberry Street crowded the museum's doorways to listen to him sing. Michéal is an engaging performer; he talks to his audience between songs, sharing interesting personal and historical anecdotes, including his many influences (e.g. Byzantine and Spanish music) and eclectic interests. 

Michéal Castaldo sang a fantastic rendition

of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah in Calabrese

Familiar with his music—he just released his 8th CD, Bergamot—I was delighted to learn he's also an entrepreneur and philanthropist, investing in his native Calabria. In addition to his musical career, Michéal produces his own olive oil (New York City Olive Oil Coop) and line of perfume called Musica. What a pleasure it was to see him again.

Since the night was still young and I was feeling pretty lively after the event, I decided to cap off the evening with an espresso and sfogliatelle at Ferrara Bakery. First, however, I stopped by E. Rossi & Co. on Grand Street to browse for a bit (I was looking to buy a new Napoletana coffee maker). Boy, am I glad I did. While chatting to Ernie Rossi, the proprietor, the sensational Neapolitan singer-songwriter Simona De Rosa walked in. 

Currently living and studying in New York City, Simona is performing all around the tri-state area. We spoke for a while about her many projects, including an upcoming gig at the San Gennaro Feast (September 21st, all day by the shrine). Extremely talented and passionate about her art, Simona was kind enough to give me a copy of her latest CD, Kisses from Naples, which I'm thoroughly enjoying at the moment. 

Ernie Rossi sings a romantic ballad with Simona de Rosa

During our conversation, I was surprised to learn that Ernie was a musician as well. He took out his old guitar and played a couple of ballads for us—to my delight Simona joined in. In true Neapolitan fashion the songs were romantic tearjerkers. Completely unexpected and enjoying the moment, I regret not recording them on my iphone. Even though I forgot to purchase the coffee pot, it was a night I won't soon forget.