The 4th Annual Italian Walk of Fame
UNVEILING & COMMON SPIRIT AWARDS GALA – Friday September 21st, 2012 (Buy Tickets)
The stars came out in 2011 and united with a community anticipating the thrill of a lifetime. Production of the 4th Annual Italian Walk Of Fame event is currently underway. Join us on Friday Sept. 21st, 2012 as we celebrate our people with the world.
The Inductees TBA
Red Carpet Unveiling Little Italy, College Street, Toronto 1:00 p.m.
Awards Gala Riviera Parque Banquet & Convention Centre, 2800 Highway 7 West, Vaughan Cocktail & VIP Reception: 6:00 p.m., Dinner: 7:00 p.m.
Reserve your gala tickets now contact email us at iwof@rogers.com or call 416-941-9905.
MASTER OF CEREMONIES: TBA
Be sure to mark Friday September 21st, 2012 on your calendar. You won’t want to miss this full day of excitement beginning with the red carpet unveiling of the stars and culminating with the black-tie gala awards dinner!
PERFORMANCES BY:: TBA
Carlo Coppola… Award-Winning Singer/ Songwriter
He’s hotter than hot. With a charisma that captures audiences of all ages – on or off stage around the world! As an award winning singer-songwriter, Carlo Coppola has been crafting musical gems that transcend the generation gap since he can remember. His style incorporates intelligent pop, melodic rock, and heartwarming ballads with showcases that fill the room with a remarkable voice. A superb musicianship both in the studio and on stages around the world, Carlo sings in English, Italian, Spanish and French as well as plays piano, guitar and trumpet. For more on Carlo Coppola visit: carlocoppola.com
Pop Sensation…Laura Palumbo
Laura Palumbo is proud of her Italian heritage and performs in both English and Italian with a style frequently described as edgy and subtly sexy. A woman of many talents, her debut EP “What Are You Thirsting For?” has been racking up the accolades and features the crowd pleaser “U.R.” (also frequently performed in Italian, “Tu sei il mondo per me”). The song is a melodic gem exploring the deep love and affection of a blossoming romance. Winner in the category of Best Pop New Music Award of the Year, Laura also recently garnered first place in the Original Song Category at the 2010 CHIN Italian Idol Competition. For more on Laura Palumbo visit: laura-palumbo.com
Canadian Music Icon…Michael Burgess
His voice resonated broadway or stage with a mature and seasoned delivery. Serenading our senses with familiar songs and melodies, the focused crowd appreciated his rendition of You Lift Me Up, a song that Josh Grogan made popular recently. The 100th anniversary of the O.P.P. had brought in heavyweight Michael Burgess. How do I know that? Because I googled him. Burgess first came to national prominence as Jean Valjean (Les Miserables) and has since accrued an impressive and critically acclaimed track record in opera and musical theatre. His pure tenor voice has been heard around the world at major events, including the Italian Walk of Fame Awards Gala, where he performed with pianist prodigy, Ethan Bortnick. Burgess is the proud holder of the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. michaelburgess.com
Funny Man…Can He Be Frank? Frank Spadone
I laughed so hard that the cicatelli was coming out of my nose. This well-seasoned comic uses his audience as a canvas to create his colorful satiric humor. Mr. Spadone is still paying his dues. His childhood days of bringing oil-stained paper-bag lunches to school are memories that he delivers with precision-timing. Frank is a family man and that also helps him with his routine. He uses his cultural idiosyncrasies to display the light comedy that has been the hallmark of his performance since his beginning. A regular laugh-maker on the hit comedy show, “Just For Laughs”, makes Spadone one of the most sought after comics around. His comedic talent will grace the IWOF gala with wit and class. Catch Frank as he emcees the event of the year. Read more atfrankspadone.com
Italian Walk of Fame Proudly Presents Ethan Bortnick
Ethan learned to play the piano at the early age of three by mimicking any music he would hear, whether on the radio or while listening to the popular Baby Einstein series. At only 9 years of age with a talent well beyond that and the ability to play almost any song by ear, he has developed a repertoire spanning from classical masterpieces to timeless jazz standards to current chart-toppers and has appeared on The Jay Leno Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, The Martha Stewart Show and Yo Gabba Gabba. In August 2010, Ethan achieved the honor of being the youngest musician with a PBS concert special. Recorded at the historic El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles, it featured musical classics from all eras with special guest appearances by legendary artists such as Arturo Sandoval and Gloria Gaynor.ethanbortnick.com
Italian Walk of Fame Gets A Taste of Rezza Bothers Hip Style
Having had the opportunity to work with the Rezza Brothers, I can confidently say that these three talented musicians have it going on. In a day and age when recording has been reduced to cupboard space and electric power, I am amazed by the quality of the finished product. Jeff Gunn, Lucas Rezza and Adrian Rezza have found the formula to create stylish and hip sounds. These three minds not only manage to compose unique vibrations and release them to inviting ears, but also manage to maintain a grip on reality knowing that hard work and sensibility will allow them the freedom to make it happen. They are currently working on new CD which is expected out soon. See the Brothers live Sept. 6th 8:00 PM Riviera Parque Banquet and Convention Centre. rezzabrothers.com
Abraham’s Children Rock Italian Walk of Fame Gala
Canadian pop rock group, Abraham’s Children, has performed for millions of fans all over the world and are best known for such hit songs as Gypsy, Goddess Of Nature, Thank You, and Goodbye Farewell. Bye Bye Bambina Occhi Blu, their Italian equivalent of Goodbye Farewell was written by the group’s founder Jimi Bertucci. The late Johnny Lombardi debuted the song on CHIN Radio where it went on to become a huge international hit. Their newest CD release, AC Hits, has been receiving great attention throughout North America. The group’s current line-up includes, Jimi Bertucci, Shawn O’Shea, Gerry Fielding, Glenn Olive, Roxanne Tellier, Monte Horton and Bruce Hemming, with a special performance by Cathy Young at the 2009 Italian Walk of Fame gala. thechildrenrock.com
Illusionist Timothy Drake Wows Guests
Timothy Drake is the creator of The Shriners Haunted Mansion. Billed as Canada’s largest indoor Halloween attraction, the Haunted Mansion is a 20,000 square foot display filled with holographic ghosts and mind boggling special effects. Drake has also developed award winning custom illusions and displays for corporate clients including vanishing 7 people at once! timothydrake.ca
