Tag Archives: Gianluca
Fantasies and Dreams do Come True! Part II
Part II – Vegas Concert!
Before they came out, the Pearl manager came out on stage and said he had heard their sound check and that we were in for something special and emotional. The orchestra finally came out and started to play. Just love the Grande Amore intro….then, the opening chords of Volare and there was Gianluca! Ah, there were our guys again, just 20 feet away!
Wondered if they recognized any of the faces from the Fan Faire in the front row? (later on, we find that they did, indeed, recognize several of the front row persons!) They sang one gorgeous song after the next. It was nice for me, that I was able to hear them sing some of the Spanish songs, so at least I got to hear ONE of my favorite songs (twice, even) “Si me falta tu Mirada…” The persons in the front row had been to many concerts and I thought for sure someone was going to steal the punch line from some of their jokes! At one point, where Gianluca is making a pretense of trying to sit on the stage because his pants are too tight, I think someone said “but your pants are too tight…” Yes, Gianluca heard them and said “yes, but my pants are too tight….” And then started to talk to those in the front row saying “all of you in the front row here….” And swept his arm across them! It’s actually quite ironic because I don’t think they wear their pants too tight at all…? They almost look rather loose, and funny, no one seems to wear a belt? Don’t know if it was me, but I swear they made every song just a little different for us – a note or phrase here and there. It was special. Although some are not so enchanted with Ignazio’s Godfather routine, he is wonderful at adlibbing in the moment! (also, Gianluca gave Igna REALLY big pieces of bread to put in his mouth – he really looked like he had chipmunk cheeks!”) About halfway through the Godfather, some girl in the front row decided she was hungry, so she attempted to get up and leave, probably figuring she wouldn’t miss much since they weren’t singing. Well, she was right in line with Ignazio’s view and he saw her. He says, in his Sicilian Godfather accent…”where, are you going?” She said she was hungry. He says, “Come back here…” She did as he said and I think she was pretty mortified by then! They talk some more and he went on with his “show.” Someone said she did get up later and come back with some water and chips! Here is the link, I hope it works… Godfather Ignazio Las Vegas 
Earlier in the show, they sit on the stage, but Ignazio runs off for a moment. Piero asks where he is going. Someone gave him a cup. Ignazio puts his hand on his tummy and says he does not feel good, he ate too much. Must have been some Alka Seltzer or something? Piero smells it and makes a face. Ignazio smells it, makes a face, and drinks it! He made a few more funny faces and finishes it off! Then he sang right after – not sure how he did that, but his voice was fine! Another time, they brought up a little girl and everyone got a kiss from her except Ignazio. They went to sit on the stage again to sing and when Ignazio sat down he was kind of gesturing with Piero about not getting a kiss from the little girl, so Piero leans over and kisses him on the cheek! Ignazio is so funny, he quickly “wipes” the kiss off his face, then goes over to the water bottle and splashes water on his face! Then comes back and sits down. Piero says – you have water in your hair! Lol!
There was no extra conductor this time and Giampiero conducted from the piano. All too 
soon, they sang O Solo Mio, Surrender, and Grand Amore! At least the audience was a little more active this time. I think we stood after almost every song, not just their solos or duets, which were magnificent, as always. Then it was meet and greet time!
We went back out to the main lobby area and we watched as they set up the backdrop for the pictures. It was nearly 10:45p or so before I think they finally came out. I had been standing all that time and my feet were beginning to hurt! It was in a really open area, although a little on the dark side. Was kind of nice, as we could watch everyone else go up there before we even got in line. I think they let all the PBS persons go through first, then the rest of us got in line. I was so tired by the time I got to the guys, but I think with all this waiting and fatigue, any nervousness I had was long gone! My plan was to hug them all this time – of course, and give the notes to Gianluca and Ignazio. So much for plans! They were standing, left to right, Gian, Piero, Igna. Must be the standard pose… I quickly went to Gianluca and I did give him a hug and gave him my note, I then went to Piero – shook his hand again and thanked him for being so nice to my dad in Detroit. He smiled, even though I’m sure he did not remember. I gave Ignazio my note and I think told him to read it later, and told him Tonight was wonderful. He did say, in his ever so soft and sweet voice, “thank you so much!” I find it comical that these guys have these powerhouse voices that could move mountains and their regular speaking voices are soft as silk? (I was able to record the song “Tonight!” this time, so I was happy!) Then again, it was hurry up take the picture. No, no hug for Piero or Ignazio! I don’t even remember shaking Ignazio’s hand that time? I do remember, however, turning around and saying, “ok, let’s make this quick!” But my arm was firmly around Ignazio’s waist! I didn’t get a hug from him, but he got one from me! 
Smile, and it was over! The guys literally had to get on the bus as soon as it was over to head to LA. I believe Sharon was the last person and she was back in our room about 12:30a or so. She told us Gaetano was running for the bus! Oh, saw Papa Barone again, on our way up to our room after the meet and greet. He was waiting at the other elevator tower that went to the pent houses… lol! I said “Ciao” to him again and “great night!” He just kind of looked at me and nodded… I doubt he recognized me from earlier in the day! Also, Ignazio seemed to be texting the whole time he was at the meet and greet – wonder who he was texting with?
I gave up and took off my shoes and back to the room we went. Chris and I were too charged to go to bed, so we went down for a drink and some cake. By midnight, all they had left was red velvet with the cream cheese frosting – oh, it was yummy, along with my white Russian! We saw the “group” in the 24/7 Café at a large table. I teased Jeannette, as she said she was too tired earlier and there she was! Lol! I just said hello and went back to our table. We went back to our room and fell into bed about 1am, after we quickly packed – we had another big day ahead of us, as we were heading for LA – the third, and last, of our concerts!
Part III – California Dreamin…
Today, a quote from the Facebook of Janis Blank.
“April 25th…a significant day for more than one reason. First, Happy Liberation day to all our Italian friends. Today is a national holiday in Italy that is annually celebrated on April 25th. It marks the fall of Mussolini’s Italian Social Republic and the end of the Nazi occupation in Italy in 1945, towards the end of the 2nd World War. Secondly, on this date in 2009, Roberto Cenci, producer of the Italian talent show, Ti Laschio Una Canzone, put 3 young voices together for the first time on the 4th episode to sing O Sole Mio. And what was the result? Do I really have to say it again? Happy Anniversary to our guys! Seven short years have gone by and look where you are now!! I guess Mr. Cenci really knew what he was doing!”
Thanks Janis
BOYS AND THEIR TOYS ~ Mary Bohling
BOYS AND THEIR TOYS
We all know the saying, “Boys will be boys.”
They love to have fun, and they love their toys.
Il Volo boys are no exception,
Going fast is their confection.
Ignazio loves Walter, that’s for sure,
But for real speed, his hogs the cure.
Piero says race cars are hard to resist,
But riding his bike still tops the list.
Guys, we know you need to relax,
But dangerous deeds stress us to the max.
Go have your fun, but please take care.
You are such a precious pair.
We need the wonder of your singing,
And all the joy that you are bringing.
So do your thing, but don’t be daring,
Remember your fans are always caring.
Please be safe, and stay around,
With two feet planted on the ground.
Oh, no! Is GG getting interested, too?
They might need new jackets.
~Mary
Fantasies and Dreams do come true…Part 1
Ok, sorry guys… you know what they say,
“what happens in Vegas; stays in Vegas!”
Ok, now you knew SOMEONE was going to have to do that, didn’t you? Lol!
Nestled between the softly painted mountains of Red Rock Canyon and the Mojave Desert, lies Las Vegas, where our long-awaited fantasy is about to come true – literally in the Fantasy Tower of the Palms Casino and Resort! Chris G. was my faithful companion and guide in this adventure, so let our story begin…
There is a reason it is known as the city of lights! We arrived about 9:30p to a bustling airport and managed, somehow, to make it outside and to where we would pick up our Uber ride. We made it to the hotel, only to find out we had to walk clear to the other tower! Finally, our room at last! We were able to doze a bit on the plane, and we weren’t tired, so we decided to explore the Palms. Our room was in the Fantasy Tower – where all the festivities would take place on Friday night! But, we realized our elevator towers only went as far as the 34th floor? Ok, must be another elevator somewhere? With a little snooping, we found the “hidden” elevator behind some walls and twists and turns! Jana Super Sleuth followed her nose and we went up to the 52 floor! Voila! There was the room and oh, what a view at night! It was gorgeous! There was no one around and the room was filled with several pool tables and a craps table in the middle. Hmmm….we were thinking, there’s no way they are going to get 16 tables in here unless they move something? Well, we were glad to see that they did – of course!
We came down and kept on walking….I knew there was supposed to be a McDonald’s in the casino. At one point, I said, “I swear I smell McDonald’s French fries!?” Sure enough, Chris says “uh, yeah, the guy ahead of you and to your left” – yep, my nose once again rang true, as McDonald’s was literally on my left!” Lol! We found out where the Pearl Theatre was and passed the box office. Saw their adorable faces plastered on many marquees, over the registration desk, above the slot machines, and even on a blackjack table! It was real – the fantasy was coming true, minute by minute – could Friday come any sooner? Well, found all the important spots… so we went back to our room to try and get some rest as the next day was our only free day.
Despite the best intentions of relaxing a bit and sleeping in, I had forgotten to turn off my alarm and off it went at 6:30am! So sorry gals!! (Sharon B. also shared the room with us for a few days) We ended up getting up by 7a and facing the new world below us, and outside. It was a beautiful day! So, after a nice breakfast at McDonald’s and a slight run-in with a door, we were off to Caesar’s Palace on the hotel shuttle. We had to take care of a little business after breakfast and when we were done there we saw Marie arrive and I ran to her to give her a big hug, and said, “Hi, mom!” While waiting for the shuttle we saw the MN 4 gals arrive and reunited with them for a few minutes! We arrived Caesar’s and made our way to the strip. We decided to head to the Venetian. I had never been there and Chris had never been to Vegas. Like everything in Vegas, things are, unfortunately, much further than they appear! But we finally made it to the Venetian. It was quite beautiful inside and 
we saw the gondola ride. I did a little shopping and we took a break to have some gelato – we felt like we were in Italy! We were going to take the monorail back to the Bellagio, but by the time we got to the station, we realized we were pretty much there already! So, back to the strip we went, over the bridge and to the Bellagio. We had some very expensive drinks in one of the bars at the hotel. By then it was nearly 5p and we were exhausted. My phone said I had walked over 13000 steps!
Sharon went back to the room to rest and Chris and I checked out the buffet. Free wine with dinner! Yea! We were there! Food was ok, but the desserts were fabulous! Went back to our rooms – it was like 8:30p. Ok, we were in a buzzing town, with hundreds of Ilvolovers around and we were in bed by 9:00pm?? Something is really wrong here. Ok, in our pj’s we went. Just lying in bed watching bad TV. Just after 11p or so, I was saved by a text from Donna. Come down and meet us for a drink! Yea – finally!! Crazy me, got up, got dressed, and flew down to the lobby! Met a few of the other gals, had a drink and some chit-chat. By 1am, it was back to the room – tomorrow was the big day. We heard the guys had been stuck in Denver on Wed, but made it to Mesa and were on their way to Vegas. We were hoping they were going to stay at the Palms, but did not know for sure…
Friday – it was finally here. The day some of us had been waiting for, for almost 2 years. The event of events, in the planning over for 2 years, thanks to Myron and Jeannette! And, sure enough, the guys and crew were in our hotel! Proof was given by Eleonora on Instagram that they had arrived in the wee hours of the morning and from her picture, looked like they were in the Fantasy Tower, as well – she had the same view we did, just a little higher!! Ok, a lot higher…
By the time we all got it together that morning, we were ready in time for lunch and met with Marie and a few others down in the 24/7 Café for lunch. After a brief visit with Marie back in her room, it was time to get ready. Check-in was supposed to start at 3p – 3:30p, with everyone ready by 4p, guys were supposed to be there between 4:30p – 5:30p. We got ready and were downstairs at promptly 3:15p. Although I was not lucky enough to have
lunch with any of the guys or gamble with any of the mothers, I did seem to keep running into Gaetano! I ran past him briefly as I was going back to the elevator to my room. I looked up and thought, hey he looks familiar…? Uh, duh, that’s Papa Barone! I had really already passed him but turned around and said, “Ciao!” anyway and when he turned around I just waved! He just kind of looked at me and I think grinned a little, but it was hard to tell… After a bit of confusion, we were all finally in the “room” for the event. Our fantasy was coming true – in less than a few hours, our guys would be walking through those elevator doors! When I got to the room, the table right near the entryway was still vacant. I quickly grabbed it as I figured I’d have a prime shot of getting the guys as they walked in. Surprised no one else had grabbed it yet? I guess they thought the outside view from 52 
floors up was better than the guys walking in? Not me. I claimed my seat and I wasn’t moving! I quickly saved a few seats for Marie and Kelly, Chris and Sharon. We were able to mingle a bit, and then we waited. And waited. And waited! Myron kept us up to date with texts from the guys and where their progress was, they were running late, but they’d be there. I tried to keep a close eye on the elevators – security was running up and down. It was nearly 6p, where were they? Finally, Myron seemed to have disappeared around the back and suddenly there was a 
hush and then a roar! The guys were coming around the corner and I had the best seat! They stopped and stood for a few moments on the steps, looking fearfully at the crowd, but with big smiles on their faces. OMG! All these screaming women in one room! Frankly, I’m surprised they didn’t turn around and run the other way! Barbara came down next to follow the guys. Pictures were being snapped left and right, along with videos, smiles, and screams! Myron had to hush everyone down. The guys were to go to everyone’s table for a group picture. It was time for our table and the group photo.
Everyone just rushed up there, the guys were standing still. By the time I got there, they were surrounded, so Mary and I went behind the guys. I was standing behind Ignazio’s shoulder! Poor Mary was right behind him. Ah, what to do? Oh yes, smell his cologne! So, that is what I did! I got close enough to him and took a big whiff! Yes, it was very nice! A quick click, and then it was over. It was a madhouse and before you knew it, the guys were making their way out again. I really don’t think it was even 30 minutes; it sure didn’t seem that long. The guys were gracious as always, putting up with all of us crazy women, and smiling as they left our presence. As they were leaving, I was able to snap a few pictures and I thought I had gotten Gianluca, but ended up with a blurry picture of Barbara, instead! But, as I turned around, Gianluca came up right behind me and gave me a little pat/back rub on my upper back as he was leaving. It was so sweet! I looked up and was just smiling into his grinning eyes…was a nice surprise! I guess that was way better than the picture? What do you think, Kelly? Maybe it was because I was one of the few that were just sitting down?
Was a little anti-climactic after that, but at least we still had the concert and meet/greet to look forward to. We ate our dinner, went back to our room quickly, then down again. It was
about 7p or so by then and the concert started at 8p. We got to the Pearl and kept walking – we then saw that the line snaked half way around the casino! Fortunately we saw Madeline, who was saving our spots and got in line. They hadn’t opened the doors yet, it was incredibly nutty! Finally, I think they opened the doors shortly after 7p and the line started to move. I saw mom heading toward me and I grabbed her in line! Good thing for long arms!! We got inside, got our VIP stuff and went to the souvenir area. They had a few things and they had the mugs. For some crazy reason, they would not sell us the mugs til after the show – they said we had to wait until after the show? Reason? They thought us crazy people would THROW them at the guys? Really?? Who would spend $25 on a mug to throw it on stage? Ok, fine, then! We made it to our seats. I was in the fourth row and seats were pretty tight! I was dead center though and it was awesome!
Part II to come…