Category Archives: Piero

911 Remembered ~ Janis Rahner Blank

I started writing a remembrance of that awful day.  Then I read this and it was better.

From Janis Rahner Blank – posted in Piero Barone’s Romantica

September 11…today is one of my elevens. It was my grandmother’s birthday. But something else happened on this day that must never be forgotten. Fifteen years ago today, our country was attacked…in New York, and in Washington DC. Almost 3000 people lost their lives…policemen, firemen, first responders, members of the military, residents, and workers…all going about their daily routines. I was doing the same thing..working..when I heard what happened. The rest of the day was like moving in slow motion, in a dream. On September 12, my husband and I sat in the car at a busy intersection, waiting for the light to turn green. I looked ahead, as I had done every work day, toward the east and the New York skyline. But that gorgeous view, some 20 miles away, was no more. It was almost 24 hours since the attack and all I could see was a large plume of smoke rising in the air and drifting off over the ocean. Those gorgeous One World Trade Center buildings that glistened in the sunlight for me on every clear morning, were gone. I don’t think anything in my life has ever affected me like the events of September 11, 2001. I think almost every day of all those who lost their lives in New York, in Washington, DC, and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. They were brave souls who will never be forgotten.
Gianluca, Ignazio and Piero, thank you for being here for us in times of sorrow. You help us to get through these moments with your music and videos and the good memories we have of seeing you in concert and meeting you. We know your thoughts are with us today and for that and all your sweet, caring ways…WE LOVE YOU!! eleven

Beautiful!  Thank you Janis.

 

Il Volo Professional ~~ “Qui dove il mare luccica”

lucianopavarottilogo

On September 6, Il Volo participated in a musical tribute to Luciano Pavarotti in his hometown of Modena, Italy.  It was a free concert held on the ninth anniversary of his death.  I can only imagine how our guys felt being a part of such an event.

Enjoy!  ~~ Kelly

 

 

 

 

 

Granada, Torna surriento, O sole mio, O surdato ´nnammurato , Libiamo ne’ lieti calici, Caruso

 

Photos: Restaurant “Europa 92” BIG LUCIANO – dinner in memory of the maestro , ~~ Ristorante “Europa 92” Facebook

 

 

 

TRC news
Il Volo at 1:58 and 3:25

 

Photos: “Qui dove il mare luccica” ~~ Luciano Pavarotti Foundation Facebook

 

 

Il Volo Interview to Gazzetta di Modena on Youtube

 

 

Photos: “Qui dove il mare luccica” ~~ Enrico Ballestrazzi Facebook

 

Personally Speaking ~ Una Magica Notte Per Mi ~ Mary Bohling

Yes, it was a magical night for me, in spite of the disappointments as Jana has written.  Magical just by virtue of even being there, which was a miracle in itself.  When we first got the letter announcing the event, my granddaughter, Kate, said that she would like to take me as my present  for my birthday and Christmas.

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So we planned our strategy for hitting the computer button at just the right time to get the tickets.  She, being the most techno-savy and quick with the finger, was designated to do the job.  The tickets were to go on sale at 10 o’clock.  I called her in the morning to remind her to be ready.  Then at five minutes to nine, our time, it suddenly hit me that ten in Detroit was nine here.  I quickly called her at work to tell her to get on it NOW, but she was in a meeting, and couldn’t be disturbed.  She was able to call me back ten minutes later and got through right away and get our tickets-just in time.  Jana was right, they were sold out in twenty minutes.  So getting them was in itself a small miracle….thanks to the guardian angel that whispered in my ear “time difference” at the very last minute.
The dinner at Antonio’s was great–seeing old friends, Chris, Jana, and Ginny, and meeting new ones, Sharon, Donna, Emelia and more.  But on to the main event at the PBS studio.  First, the diningroom--tables beautifully set with several bottles of wine included.  My daughter, granddaughter, and Allene were in our party and others at our table that I got acquainted with, including Jo Longstreth and Kerri Buchanan.
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 Our  table went first to the Meet and Greet.  As Jana said, it was even more rushed than usual.  We requested that I have a picture alone with the guys and then a three generation one.  He, (the photographer) said that it wouldn’t be possible, so we opted for the group.  As we were disassembling from that, someone, I wish I knew who, said, “let the birthday girl have her own picture.”  They had already been told that it was my birthday.  So back I went for that…..just the first of many kindnesses shown to me on that magic night.
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After the Meet  and Greet  it was back to the dining room for coffee and dessert and she raffle.  Michelle, the PBS hostess of the event, told everyone that it was my birthday, and all sang Happy Birthday, and there was a cupcake with candles.  Kerri Buchcanan, a new friend, won the raffle prize, a huge poster of the guys mounted on a thick backing and autographed that night.  Everyone was so impressed with it.  Kerri brought it back to the table where we oohed and aahed over it, and the next thing I knew she was standing next to me and saying that she wanted to give it to me for my birthday!!  I absolutely couldn’t believe it–who could give that prize away?  It was just the most generous gesture ever.  Another great kindness that I was blessed to be shown on that magical night.
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Going into the studio for the filming, a woman in a wheelchair and Allene and I, who had our walkers, were put at the head of the line, which meant that we had front row seats and an excellent view of the guys, who were sitting at a high table.  Piero was sitting at the end of the table closest to us, and throughout the evening he would look over our way and smile and say something.  I think he was trying to compensate for the fact that they weren’t coming down during breaks to mingle with the people as they did the year before.  It was a grueling taping with many retakes, and must have been hard for the guys considering how exhausted they were.
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When the time was up, they filed out of the room, going right by the front row seating.  When I saw Piero coming toward me I threw all caution to the winds, jumped up and grabbed him, saying “I need another hug” and threw my arms around him, and yes, I admit it, planted a kiss right on his delicious neck.  Friends, before you censure me for being so aggressive let me say in my own defense–after all I’m 87 and it was my birthday--I couldn’t help myself take advantage of the situation.  He gave me a real hug, too--not  just an arm slung across the shoulder, and then he looked me right in the eyes and said, “Happy birthday.”  What a guy!  Amazing, isn’t it, what that can mean to an old gal?  (another major act of kindness on this magical night)
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I have to mention Gianluca’s display of his ever sweet and caring nature as shown when the guys were filing out.  When he came to the woman sitting next to me,  she took his hand and started telling him something that seemed important to her.  It was a long story and she was speaking in Italian.  She held on tightly to him, and although the security guy was telling her in no uncertain terms that Gian had to move on, she didn’t stop.  Darling GG never took his eyes off of her face–he kept smiling sweetly and ignoring security.  He was going to let her have her say.  When she let him go and he moved over to me he smiled and touched my arm and then kept moving…..by then security was about ready to pick him up and move him bodily.
So that was the end of the PBS event and the next day I had to decide what to do about the poster.  It was too big to take on the plane, so I opted for sending it by UPS.  The cost was $75, but I didn’t think twice…..worth every penny.  The boys arrived yesterday, and they are smiling at me now from across the living room.  So it was a “magical night” for me, filled with many blessings.  Just wish all of you Flight Crew friends could have been there, too.
Added note:  I think we have to commend and thank the Detroit Public Broadcasting system for what they have done for the boys by producing the DVD’s over the past few years.  They have brought Il Volo to the attention of the American public.  And I thank them also for putting on the studio event allowing some fans the opportunity to be a party to the unveiling of the new DVD and have a close encounter with the boys.
 

~~Mary Bohling~~

 

Photo credits to:

Kerri Buchanan

Anne Thode

Kate Dudley

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