Local News

  After a more than 2-year hiatus, “Cabaret Queen” will perform the timeless music of the Great American Songbook back by a 17-piece orchestra at 3 p.m. on Nov. 8 at the Des Plaines Theatre. “Denise Tomasello in Concert: Celebrating Decades of Music and I’m Still Here,” will highlight songs in the tradition of Sinatra, Bennett, Streisand, Minnelli and Garland. Known for her glamorous and glitzy, Las Vegas-style performances, Tomasello has headlined for the likes of Jackie Mason, Don Rickles and Alan King at iconic Chicago venues, as well as top spots in New York and Las Vegas. For more, …

The documentary short “Bob Dole — A Walk Through History” will premiere at several locations throughout November. The film explores the World War II military service, life, legacy and historical impact of former U.S. Sen. Bob Dole, focusing on his time with the 10th Mountain Division in Italy’s Apennine Mountains. It features original music by composer Alessandro Moro. Admission is free. Screenings will be held at the Des Plaines Theatre, te Arcada Theatre, Chicagoland Veterans Campus & Museums, Park Ridge Public Library and the Chicago History Museum. To view the trailer, click here. For more on the Arcada viewing, click …

The Italian Cultural Institute in Chicago inaugurated its new offices at 150 N. Michigan Ave. with a grand opening on Sept. 22. The institute had occupied its previous location at 500 N. Michigan Ave. since its founding more than 40 years ago. “This relocation sets us in even closer proximity to the heart of Chicago’s cultural center and enhances our visibility and opportunities to interact and collaborate with the people and organizations of Chicago,” says Chiara Avanzato, director of the institute. A highlight of the evening was the first U.S. performance of the Italian singer/songwriter duo Colapesce Dimartino, best known …

The Italian American Women’s Club of Northwest Indiana pulled out all the stops for its first-ever Cuori Aperti (Open Hearts) Award. Members sold tickets and home-baked desserts, secured sponsorships, and organized raffles and auctions on the road to raising $10,000 to be bestowed on a local charity. Non-profit organizations nominated by IAWC members made presentations at a June meeting, with members voting to select the recipient. The $10,000 award went to top vote-getter Safe Haven Baby Boxes. The award was presented on Sept. 9. “The Cuori Aperti Award reflects the club’s commitment to Italian heritage, fellowship and giving back to …

The National Italian American Foundation has awarded Casa Italia a $2,500 grant to support Casa volunteer Olivia Greco’s initiative, Saving Italian American Stories. The grant request was written by fellow Casa volunteer Carla Simonini, co-founder of Passaggi d’Italia, LLC. “The funds will help to develop the project’s digital presence and programming aimed at documenting, preserving and sharing Italian-American family histories and personal stories,” Simonini explains. “A portion of the grant will support our family history writing workshops, and help us expand outreach and encourage participation from a broader cross-section of the Italian-American community;” Central to the initiative is the website …

Gabriella Gariti Gabriella Gariti was crowned queen of the 2026 Columbus Day Parade at a glittering pageant on July 29 at the Des Plaines Theatre. Sponsored by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, the event was chaired by Rose Mary Ranallo, president of the JCCIA Women’s Division, and emceed by Ron Onesti, president of the JCCIA. Excitement radiated from family members, friends, community leaders and other attendees, and the young women were perfect examples of confidence, courage and leadership. “You are all winners tonight,” Onesti assured them. “We are grateful to each of you.” A graduate of St. Francis High School …

The pulse of Chicago’s vibrant Italian-American community was palpable at the Mazzini Verdi Club in Franklin Park on July 18, when the Harlem Avenue Little Italy Business Association hosted its first annual business awards banquet. The evening’s primary honors went to two steadfast advocates for the neighborhood, Elmwood Park Mayor Angelo “Skip” Saviano and Chicago Alderman Nick Sposato. Both men were recognized for their tireless public service and their commitment to preserving the cultural and economic vitality of the Harlem Avenue enclave. Perhaps the most emotional moment of the night came during a surprise presentation. The room erupted in applause …

A year ago, when I first envisioned a memorial to honor the victims of the 1896 Gilorma Mill landslide in Alessandria del Carretto, where my great uncle Alessandro Arvia perished, it existed only as a quiet hope, born from love for a town and its history. That hope was also shaped by my family’s journey: The Arvia family immigrated to Chicago, carrying with them memories of Alessandria del Carretto and the stories of those lost. Today, that hope stands in stone. What began as a heartfelt idea has grown into a community triumph shaped by generosity, determination and a commitment …

The Global Penitent, a Substack blog focused on Catholic history and traditions, has ranked the Feast of Maria SS. Lauretana among the top 10 Italian feasts in the country. “A distinctive feature is the ‘Flight of the Angels,’ a tradition brought from Sicily dating back centuries,” the post notes. “This dramatic ceremony has become the feast’s signature event. This feast is one of two that still maintain this tradition.” During the flight, young girls dressed as angels are suspended above an enthroned painting of the Madonna and Child, where they sing a song of praise to her in Italian. Celebrating …

U.S. Forest Service veteran Adam Bianchi has been appointed general superintendent of the Forest Preserves of Cook County following nomination by Forest Preserves President Toni Preckwinkle and approval by the Board of Commissioners. “Over the last 15 years, the Cook County forest preserves has transformed as an institution, becoming a leader in ecological restoration in a highly developed landscape, in connecting a diverse population to the wonders of nature, and in operations and transparency,” Preckwinkle said. “Adam Bianchi’s experience, energy and perspective are an outstanding fit as general superintendent for the next chapter of the preserves.” Prior to his current …