Ok, I thought we might all enjoy a little throwback to the Detroit concert last year, just about a year ago… Some fond memories of the guys and good friends. I miss them so, as I’m sure we all do right now. Impatiently awaiting their new album! Enjoy!
(I have to say, I just reread this myself and was pleasantly surprised, or maybe not, that I had actually forgotten some of this. It’s so amazing we have these archives for us to remember these magical moments!)
This year, we didn’t have to wait quite as long as last time. November 29th could not come quick enough though, as soon as we knew when the pre-sale tickets were going on sale. We were all waiting with fingers and credit cards ready at 10:00am EST to get our hands on the best seats we could. Ten AM hit and we were off. Our fingers flying like a tornado, tearing through all the codes, and commands, and “I’m not a robot” games! Then it was sticker shock for Detroit! $450 each! Ok, you only live once and it was front row. So, trying not to think about the price, we took a quick breath of recovery, and painfully punched in our credit card numbers! There, it was done. Our tax returns were coming soon, right?
Ok, fast forward – after many months of careful planning, the Detroit Il Volo Girls, were joined by a few out-of-towners for a fantastically planned evening. Most of us met at my place in Dearborn and were whisked off by our contracted driver in a Ford Transit to the original “Antonio’s” called Roman Village in South Dearborn. We had 3:30p reservations, as we did not know what kind of traffic we’d run into. We had a lovely meal and left about 5:30p. Due to the construction on I-75, there was a lot of traffic going south, so we just stayed on the side roads and got there in plenty of time; arriving approximately 5:45p. Thankfully, the box office was open, so we got our tickets from will call. We still had to wait a little bit for them to open the doors. I was anxiously waiting for the arrival of Marie and Leelee. As I was looking out the door, I saw them get out of the taxi! It was so good to see them – I had their front row tickets waiting for them. As soon as they got in the door, they were letting us in the lobby. We went through security, then quickly bought our souvenir t-shirt and little furry bag. Awaiting us in our VIP bag were the Il Volo wintergreen mints, another long, fuzzy, black bag with Il Volo on it, and a deck of cards with their picture on the box, and of course, our signed VIP badge for the night.
We were escorted to our seats. I sat on the end in the front row, with a direct view of where Gianluca would be standing. They were only about 5 feet or so from the stage. Our seats were so close, we could touch the stage. We mingled with the others and met up with old friends; making some new friends along the way. It was so great to see so many people you knew and remembered and who remembered you! Before you knew it, it was 7:30p and time to begin. They started pretty much on time.
The lights went down on the theatre, and they went up on the stage, a deep blue light created a reminiscent backdrop of the evening sky in Florence. The smoke machine started to create a subtle breeze in the air. A quiet hush fell over the audience as the orchestra members strolled out onto the stage. The crowd clapped politely. Then the maestro, Joseph Modica, came out; again, the crowed clapped. The lights changed from red, to blue, to purple, to teal, and back again, all night. Very similar to the Florence concert, actually. Joseph raised his hands and the first notes of the violins could be heard resounding over the crowd. That song, that most of us had only heard on the CD or TV, was now playing live, right in front of us. The sing-songy violins spoke and the cellos and bass answered back to them. Soon, it was over. The audience cheered and clapped, knowing that what they were really waiting for was about to appear before our eyes. Seconds later, the notte magica truly began. The guys, dressed elegantly in their velveteen jackets, strolled out onto the stage, amidst what would be the first of many standing ovations that night.
Ah, it began…. Gianluca with his first note of Nessun Dorman…..his velvet voice caressing our ears and his gorgeous eyes, penetrating our very souls. After their first song, everyone in the first 5 rows stood up and gave them glorious cheers, whoops, and applause! Then came Granada. Ignazio stood with a devilish grin on his face, with his hands tightly clasped behind his back, just waiting, as Piero held that now famous long note. The crowd cheered, and then Ignazio began his part.
Soon, it was time for their solos. Ignazio was first with Una Furtiva Lacrima…. To see him sing that with such passion, power, and anguish, was truly an incredible experience. He has such a soft voice when you talk to him. You would never believe something so
powerful could escape those lips. Standing ovations from all! More whoops, and cheers! Especially from the first 2 rows!
Then came La Danza, with Gianluca. Again, flawlessly executed. How he gets all those notes in there is pure magic, that is for sure! Another standing “O!” Then it was Piero with No Puede Ser, I believe. I have to say, that is one my favorites by him. Piero does seem to always be the crowd favorite with thunderous applause and cheers. Still, Ignazio is my favorite!
I was fearful that the concert would be a little on the stiff and boring side, but I was pleasantly surprised, as the guys were joking and laughing in between each song, and fooling around as much as they dared; standing in relatively one spot all night. They did take a few breaks and let the orchestra play. What was also nice was that they would come out to center stage to take a few bows after their songs, so everyone was able to see them. Of course, those of us on the left or right side of the stage, could still not see them well to get any good pictures. However, I was able to get some good shots from my vantage point, although many were close to just profile views.
I loved their one little joke about Piero and Ignazio calling their siblings, or in Ignazio’s 
case, his dog; the others’ names! Piero admitted to sometimes calling his brother and sister Igna or Gian. But then he said it was worse that Igna called his dog, Franz, by THEIR names – Piero, or Gian. Ignazio said, with his cute accent, “it happens….” And I can see how it can, for I called my own cat by my other cat’s name! Comes out Kam-ari (for Kamina and Mari). Lol!
When it came to O Sole Mio, Gianluca did a little intro saying that many artists recorded this song and the different versions. He mentioned liking the Elvis version and Ignazio says “ELvis!” in his deep voice, and does a little hip movement. (of course being polite here, but it was pretty slight…) Yep, can’t get away from that one!
As mentioned in previous reviews, they did Grande Amore and the awesome new Ave Maria, which Gianluca says was written for them and they want to sing to the Pope one day. It was hauntingly beautiful and amazing to hear them sing it in person, since that was not part of the Florence concert.
Our group and the first several rows stood and clapped after every song. All too soon, the notte magica quickly came to an end. In their reprise of Nessun Dorma, the whole theatre was on its feet, with cheers and more thunderous applause! They did not take a break, and it ended just about 9:30pm.
MEET AND GREET
Yes, one part of the magical night was over, but we were still anticipating the real finale of the evening where we could touch these angelic creatures with these heavenly voices! Unlike last year, things moved pretty quickly. It was a little confusing at first, but they directed us to the elevator to the 2nd floor. Good, much better than last year. We ended up on the 2nd floor, near the mezzanine area, I believe. It was a nice area and much bigger and better than last year. It was very pretty and a nice open area, overlooking the downstairs lobby. When we got up there, we saw where the guys would be. Shortly, the OMGVIP guy came out and gave us the usual “lecture” but he was very nice and told us how things were going to go. They were very organized and had tables so we could set our belongings on them. Everything was pretty orderly. We waited maybe a little over half an hour. Shortly after 10p or so, out came the guys through the velvet curtains. Before it began, there were like two groups – one to the side and one to the front of where the guys would be. The OMGVIP guy actually said – just come on up here and you guys decide who wants to go next! Wow, that was cool! No pushing, no shoving, etc. There were also nice chairs scattered around the perimeter if you wanted to sit down. Like a total 360 from last year’s cattle call! So, by the time the guys came out, everyone was relaxed. Barbara and Alessandra came out first and we were able to chat with them if we wanted to. Leonora came out also, but then hid back in the wings – I guess she didn’t want to join us that night. Gaetano was on the sidelines as well. It really is nice they all have a family member present. I guess Ignazio figured all he needed was Alessandra on this trip. Vito and Caterina stayed home this tour.
Some of you knew I made these scarves for the mothers, Nina, and Barbara. Marie graciously took Caterina’s and Eleonora’s, along with the one for Nina, to them when she visited Sicily. But I still had Leonora’s and Barbara’s left. So, I was able to give the remaining scarves to Barbara and she said she would give the other to Leonora. 
When I gave the package to Barbara, she saw the crystal wing and her eyes got real big! I gave her the black one. So, I think she liked it, even though she didn’t open it right away. I really should have had her open it, but I didn’t. I also gave each of them a card that had a picture from my Italy trip that I had made on Shutterfly, with a note inside. I did see Barbara open the card and could tell she was reading the note. But, the deed was finally done and they were out of my hands. I got back in line and awaited my turn.
Soon, I was next. I had it all planned out. I was going to say each of their names and give them all a big hug, and I had practiced in my head what I was going to say to each one of them! So, here is how it went….
They were in their “almost” usual spots… Gianluca was on the left, Piero in the middle and Ignazio on the right. I went up to Gian and said “Gianluca!” and gave him a big hug. I told him I was in Montepagano last summer and it was beautiful. Next was “Piero!” I told him “sempre perfetto!” Got a smile out of him. “Ignazio!” I hugged him and whispered again that he was always my favorite. I got his “aww….” again in his sweetest little voice. I also handed him the package of M&Ms we had left over from celebrating his birthday last year and told him we celebrated all of their birthdays. Then, again, it was all too soon that I felt that familiar tap on the shoulder to turn around and take the picture. I quickly felt a lot of movement beside me and realized Gian was pushing his way in between me and Piero. Odd?
Wait….no, YES, it really DID happen that way this time!!! I guess the 6th time is the charm? I was not nervous at all, it was like they were old friends I had not seen in at least 7 months or so? Lol! I met each of them with open arms and hugs.
Then it was time to go home. I think, for the first time, I was actually very pleased and happy with myself on how things turned out. I also said “ciao” to Alessandra and said to her, “I’m sure everyone tells you, you are the luckiest girl in the world.” And she said, “yes…” She is a beautiful girl, even with her glasses on!
Next is Chicago!
Again, I can’t stress enough how much we want to hear your comments and reviews from the concerts! Please send your quotes and comments to: flightcrew.nottemagica2017@gmail.com
Grazie Mille!
Jana
I gobbled up all the comments. This memory of your Detroit concert made me drool that you were in the front row. Your whole email was just a joy to read tonight. God love you for reminiscing with us. We can never get enough of the boys. Tonight I found some concert I had never seen and it was thrilling. WE ARE ILVOLOVERS EDAIONI on YouTube. Learning Italian is slow going. I will be in bed for quite a while. SLOW is the word I’m learning and recovering from the subdural hematoma (from the plane accident) made me realize what a gift it was that we went to Italy before Jay’s fall off the roof and my head injury. I relive that trip every day and love all your emails. You are all darlings and make my life possible right now. I love the parties and celebrations of everything. Hugs and kisses to everyone. Victoria
So sorry about the accidents. May you both be healing up perfectly. xoxo
Victoria – I have to get to bed, but forgive me, I must have missed something in previous post comments – what plane accident? That sounds really scary!!
Victoria & Jay am so sad to hear of your accidents I so hope you both heal fast & do some serious healing. I have put you both in my prayers that you both heal fast. Take real god care of yourselves so you can continue to keep in touch with us.
Jana I know you know how lucky you were to have been so close to our precious young men & to see the concert in the front row. I so wish I could have been with you. I think if I had been able to give Ignazio a huge hug he would have had to wresle me from the hug. Your story was so informative & I am so jealous I wasn’t there. It was great that Alessandra was there to support Ignazio I wish they were still going together. But they must have parted for a reason & hope they are still friends.
When and why? — Re/ Ignazio and Alessandra news? Thanks, Loretta.
yes, we were very fortunate, our group…. 🙂
Jana, thank you for allowing me to relive that special night. It made my day! 😁
Any time, mom! 🙂
I would love to experience hugging Piero. But $450.? Just can’t do it. Ralph would shoot me. Nice to have front row at the Fox, because I think seating at the Fox is awful. Your memories are so much fun to read.
If they come around again, maybe it won’t be that expensive?? Everyone said it cost so much because they had to pay the orchestras, I think, in each town they played in.
Well where have I been? When did Ignazio & Alessandra split up? I noticed he did not have his engagement ring on and thought it was an oversight. Please advise! It can be heartbreaking so I hope this is what they both wanted.
Sharon, I think we need to ask again on a new post. I had not been aware of that news which Loretta commented on, above, either.
Sure thing, you go ahead. I don’t even know where to start a new post. I’m a novice at this.
Sorry, Sharon! I meant the next, new posted IVFC article where we can post our question again, probably coming within a few days or so. ( I wish I could help out and contribute an article, but i haven’t been able to, either, Sharon). I think that is done initially via an email to Jana, Jane and Kelly right now, for I think they are currently the folks who consider what articles, videos, etc. can be posted and when. Have a fun St. Pat’s Day, Sharon.🍀
Sharon and Laura, compared to the news that Gianluca and Ignazio have broken with their girls, we talked about it in the post of March 02.
Gianluca broke with Martina before Christmas and Ignazio just before Sanremo.
I can say that they are true news.
Thank you very much for the date of the post, Daniela. 😘
To Sharon & Laura!!
We’d love to have you contribute an article or heartfelt piece here!! Although we try to stay away from the “gossipy” things as actual posts, like the girlfriend breakups, etc. 🙂
But feel free any time to email me at jvandela524@gmail.com with an article – completely written and with pictures, if you have anything. We will gladly post them!! 🙂
As you have probably read, Daniela, who lives in Italy, sends us a lot of info things. Jane puts most of them together.
Marie still. chimes in on occasion to either write or comment. 🙂
I’ve just been really lazy myself lately. Work has been a big stress and I just come home and eat, then crash, and the weekends I spend some time with friends and “should” be cleaning or washing clothes, but often just sit in my chair to relax. It’s also hard with my kitty sometimes, as she insists on being in my lap, which makes it difficult to type!
There are days I work 10 or 11 hours and I’m on the computer most of the day, so the last thing I want to do is come home and get on the computer some more!
We’re always looking for new people to contribute!!
Jana
Thank You, Jana (and Marie from awhile ago, also). I can only speak for myself in that I would be fine if you only post when you can, when you feel like it, so please take your time. 😘
Thank you Jana, I felt like I was there as i read your article. What a wonderful time you had! Thank you for sharing.
My pleasure – glad you enjoyed it the 2nd time around!
Jana, this evening must have been unforgettable.
Listen to the boys and see them from the front row, in an incredible theater, after the concert hugging them ….. I would not have slept all night with emotion.
Your scarves are very beautiful.
Yes, it was definitely magical, and 6 times in the making!! 🙂
Thank you on the scarves… I made one for Alessandra also and gave it to her in Atlanta.
Yes, thanks so much for your well-described memories, Jana. It must be ‘somethin’ else ‘ to meet the guys and even some of their family members in person; am very happy for those who have. Really appreciate the articles describing the personal experiences. Thanks again.
Thanks and you are welcome Laura! 🙂
You know, when we saw them for the last concert in Atlanta, I squeezed each of their hands, hugged them, and said I would miss them so. Igna was the ONLY one that squeezed my hands back! I love that guy!! 🙂 Maybe he does remember me somewhat? Although certainly not my name….. 🙁
That is all just so amazing to me, Jana! I definitely think he remembers you by now. How sweet that he squeezed your hands, too; I feel that you can take that as a sincere gesture in turn. Nice!!
Jana just a note, you would be surprised regarding Ignazio I asked him if he knew my name when I met him at a concert a few years ago & he said he did & that I was from Canada so I am sure he remembers you at least you should believe it to satisfy yourself. I am hoping they recognize us more than other fans mainly because we are from the States & Canada & it isn’t just wishful thinking especially since they are in the States more than Canada. Anyway keep believing.
Loretta, I think you and Jana would be pretty unforgettable and Jana -with all the gifts, notes, and treats….. being in the front row had to be awesome. Talking to their family and friends had to be treasured moments. I believe those moments are especially remembered by those people who are close to the boys. I think back to our trip to Italy and we should have gone to more of their concerts. There is nothing like seeing them in person. I remember our ride back to the hotel from the woman who managed their Italy tour. They put my wheelchair in their trunk and that ride to our hotel was an incredibly memorable gift. The boys saw us on the road and sent their tour manager to drive us to our hotel. She wanted to know all about us and what we thought of every bit of the concert and the meet and greet. When she heard we came from the USA to see them for our anniversary, she said over and over again that she was going to tell the boys all about us – how we saw them and planned our trip to Italy because of their concert in Minneapolis. I think the boys are definitely interested in how their fans feel. I’ll never forget that night. At 1:00am, waiting on a lonely road with only the hope of a cab to pick us up, was a little scary. Can I tell you how we love the boys for sending someone back to get us? We saw their vehicle go by with the boys in it and within minutes their manager and a helper rolled up – gathered us up – including my service dog, Phoebe – and drove us 40 minutes back to our hotel. Their tour manager kept asking us questions and wanted to know everything about us. Believe me we felt very special that night in Rome. Everyone’s concert experience is special and fun to read about. I love getting all the emails and the comments. I’m glad to know everyone is as anxious as we are for news of the new album. Thanks for the prayers. Jay and I are finally making progress back to normal. Jay is already hoping the boys tour again. We will be there somehow. Hugs to all of you!
What a great story and memory of a special time-I enjoyed this!
Victoria, every time I read your story of “passing by car to Rome”, I congratulate the great heart of these guys.
Next time in Italy, we must meet!
Daniela, I can assure you Jay has already included a visit to meet you when we get back to Italy. We’ve gotten to know you well through all your work and kindness in keeping us in the loop on everything with the boys. How lucky you are to be in Il Volo country. Blessings to you!
That’s a beautiful, surprising story, Victoria, Dr. Jay and Phoebe❤️. Your guardian angels and “Il Volo” guardian angels had to be helping with that timing. So special and interesting. Thanks for sharing that here. ((hugs))
Victoria I loved your story of the times you saw the boys on the road & the ride to your hotel as a gift from our precious boys sending their driver to get you there. What treasures would only happen from them. Memories you will remember forever. Victoria keep praying for health because we are all praying with you that you & Dr. Jay will both be back on your feet real soon. Your memories will help you both recover.
Loretta, thank you so much for the encouragement and prayers. We’re gaining an appreciation of the words ‘slow recovery’. These words aren’t in most people’s thought process and we laugh at each other daily as we vigorously practice ‘slow’ in everything we do. The memories of seeing the boys in Italy are enhanced as we watch excerpts of some of their concerts in places we visited. How lucky it was that we took that trip in such an impulsive way. We saw the boys in Minneapolis and started planning our trip the next day. Now we love seeing the boys in Venice, Florence, and Rome – realizing we too walked the same streets. Thanks to Daniela we’ve found translations to all their songs. It is no wonder the boys display love wherever they go. They sing such beautiful words every day. I feel I get sweeter by the minute just listening to those words. This blog is a Godsend in keeping us in touch with all the boy’s travels. We wait with all of you for that new album to appear. Thanks again for all your comments.
Thoughts and prayers to you and your husband on your recovery. Listening to Il Volo just seems to soothe the soul and what beautiful memories you have of your trip to Italy . Best regards!
Thank you Jana for your “Throwback Thursday” on your Notte Magica experience. I have been off the radar for a while due to some family health issues but I always check in periodically to get any up-dates on our guys. Your review brings back my experience at the Miami concert. I was in the 4th row! It is hard to believe that it was almost a year ago !! Looking forward to their new music.
Jana, I loved reading your email in regards to the concert! It sure is a thrill of a lifetime!! I also has the pleasure of 1st row seats(actually 2nd row, people in first row never came!!!! I also had the meet and greet! We were at the concert in Foxwoods casino in Connecticut! Unfortunately it was February 1st and we were all getting ready to be hit by the pandemic!! Hugs and kisses were not what we wanted but we did manage a few kisses!! I also brought my handmade faux fur scarves that I made for the three of them! Got to give piero his gift bag and the other 2 went to Barbara!! The pandemic happened so fast that I never got to hear if they all got their scarves!!! I would love to know if they ever made it to Italy!!!! What a memorable experience!!