THE SHOW OF SHOWS! Tonight’s concert at The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was another sold out event! Il Volo put on another fabulous show for us and the crowd went wild with standing ovation after standing ovation. The solos were nothing but perfect and the duets were amazing. The crowd enjoyed the banter among the boys. The Maestro was enjoying the concert as much as the fans did. Here are a couple of pictures you might enjoy!
~Madeline
♦♦♦♦♦♦
Maria:
Easton State Theatre, 2/22/16 IL Volo Concert shared with my son Steven Leps
A great evening shared with my son Steven, 40, who is a graduate musician with a major in classical guitar, and has had several small bands through college and even recorded 4 CDs. This is just the background so you will knowhow wonderful it was seeing IL Volo again through his eyes. Of course he has heard me go on and on about them for the past year and a half and lived through my tales of my trip to Italy with the Granny Groupies (Madeline Vitella, Joan Brenin and Deborah Georgini Beaupre.
We had seats 15 and 14 first row in the stage ‘pit’. We were so close our knees touched the stage! As we sat there and the excitement mounted he explained all that the orchestra and IL Volo’s personal band was doing to prepare and how all the technical equipment was set up. Gianpiero Grani waved to me and Giovanni Granaro, Lead Guitar, also waved to me and pointed to Steven saying hello to him. I had told him at the Kennedy M&G that I would be bringing my son to Easton and he remembered!
Then I received a tap on the shoulder from a lady who asked me if I was Maria Leps who had written for The Flight Crew! She reads The Flight Crew all the time and loves it and that morning had read my article that Marie Crider had posted regarding the Borgata concert. She said she loved reading it and knew all about the Granny Groupies and would I write more. My son said ‘Mom you are famous’. It made me feel so special.
Then the concert started with their famous intro by the orchestra and band. Throughout the show Steven said many times ‘Mom, they are fantastic, they have such powerful voices’. He loved their music and songs. He explained the lung power they must have for these high notes and hold them so long and the fact that they have perfect pitch. We, like the entire audience gave them tremendous applause and innumerable standing ovations. As a musician himself, he loved being close enough to see everything they were doing. It was so special sharing this with my son and the fact that Gianluca, Piero and Ignazio recognized me and gave me a smile and wave as they looked right at me while they passed by on stage.
So now, for sure, IL Volo have another ‘younger’ fan to their credit, my son Steven.
Don’t forget to print out your badge. Look under “Flight Crew Badge” upper left or…Here are copies:
For Badge
For Lanyard
We hope to meet as many of you as possible!
Also, I have some extra badge copies. If you are unable to print one let me know and I’ll snail mail it to you.
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Note from Jana for DETROIT concert goers:
Just FYI – for those attending the Sat, Feb 27 show at the Detroit Fox Theatre…
I just talked to someone that is a regular usher at the Fox and they are ushering the night of the Il Volo concert. She gave me some additional info on what to expect, etc. She said you can bring in a bag or purse to carry.
They will have merchandise to purchase – Il Volo has come out with some new things – t-shirts, mugs, pins, etc. So, you can put them in one of your bags, not sure if they will hand out bags? I imagine, so? You can bring your cell phone/camera, as we know Il Volo allows pictures. She said of course nothing professional/recording devices. She said the ushers do not take things away from you, unless they are abused, but they will ask you to put them away, if necessary. She said 7p is a good time to get there, but they won’t necessarily open the doors to the actual seating area at 7p. Likely, it’s about a half hour before, maybe around 7:30p, but she said there is no set time.
You will be ushered to your seat, if you have the more front rows/orchestra pit area. You can mill around and go up to the mezzanine, to look around, but be sure to take your ticket with you, in case someone asks. Just tell them you are looking and tell them you have tickets on the main floor, etc. She said to be sure not to get in the “line” for seating if you are looking around, or you will get stuck there – just go around. She says you can take pictures before the concert starts. There is also an elevator to get to the mezzanine. Doesn’t sound like security will be a big deal, but of course they will do a bag/purse check. We will need to mill around the back lobby area until the actual theatre doors open. I’m still planning on taking just my phone/camera/wallet thing. Not sure if I will buy anything or not. I want to be “object free” to stand and clap and not have to worry about anything falling or dropping, or losing anything!
Not sure what kind of line there will be at the “will call” so if your tickets are at will call, may want to be sure to get there early. 🙂 see you all there!
~Jana
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Let me “Show you a good thing”. Get up and dance! ~Marie
Thanks Ann
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A note from the Las Vegas Fan Faire Folk:
I want to thank all of you on the Fight Crew Blog who have chosen not only to come to The Il Volo Concert but also chose to attend the first ever Il Volo Fan Faire Convention at the Palms Hotel and Casino here in Las Vegas… Your participation will help make our goal of having fans in one place to honor Il Volo a success… We have reached our attendance goal, but we always have room for more… So if any of you would like to join our Fan Faire Convention, please email us atIlVolo@LV@outlook.com…
Remember that we want all of Il Volo’s concerts to be sold out concerts and we have almost reached that goal at the Pearl theater at the Palms Hotel and Casino… So if you decide to see Il Volo and come to the fan convention, make your decision soon as the seats at the concert are almost sold out…
Thank you and see you soon.
Jeannette Giglio
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Please update me, in comments, if I have it wrong or your name is missing. It will live over there on your right under “Topics”.
For the most reliable dates and times for an IL VOLO CONCERT call your local Ticketmaster, Venue or PBS station.
~Marie
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EVERYONE HAVE A GREAT TIME!
WHO’S GOING/BEEN WHERE
Il Volo U.S./Canada Tour Dates 2016
Fri, Feb 05, 2016 Buffalo, NY Kleinhans Music Hall ~Jill ~Georgana
~Loretta ~Loretta’s friend ~Loretta’s other friend
~Lijoy
Sun, Feb 07, 2016 Orillia, ONCasino Rama Entertainment Center ~Penina Honig
Tue, Feb 09, 2016 Montreal, QCSalle Wilfrid Pelletier Place des Arts
Wed, Feb 10, 2016 Boston, MAWang Center ~Simone ~Mary M.
~Husband ~Julie Bernache
~Ornella
~17 high school students
Fri, Feb 12, 2016 Wallingford, CTToyota Presents Oakdale Theatre ~John from CT
~5 friends and co-workers
~Ornella
~Husband
Sat, Feb 13, 2016 Atlantic City, NJEvent Center at the Borgata ~Maria Leps ~Donna Cunnane ~Beverly Schreiner ~Maddie
~Geri Z
~Daughter Sue
~Camille Greco
Tue, Feb 16, 2016 Albany, NYPalace Theatre ~Lynn Keough
~Karen St. Germain (3 generations attending)
~Laura St. Germain
~Anna St. Germain
Wed, Feb 17, 2016 New York, NYBarclays Center ~Geri Cee
~Daughter
Fri, Feb 19, 2016 Washington, DCJohn F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts ~Eileen ~Randomilvolofan ~Miu ~Janis Blank ~Maddie ~ Those world traveling Granny Groupies: ~Joanie Brenin ~Deborah Beaupre ~Maria Leps ~Madeline Vitella (Maddie)
Sun, Feb 21, 2016 Easton, PAState Theatre Center for the Arts ~Maria Leps ~Donna Cunnane ~Margaret Ladolcetta
~Valerie D’Antonio
~Camille Greco
Thu, Mar 03, 2016 Jacksonville, FLFlorida Theatre ~Renee Bourg
Sat, Mar 05, 2016 Miami, FLThe Bank United Center- University of Miami ~Marie Crider ~Ineke Poisson ~Leelee ~Tippy ~Joaniefl2
~Vivian Liebgold
~Marion
Sun, Mar 06, 2016 Tampa, FLTampa Bay Performing Arts Center ~Dorothy ~Nancy H.
~Rose Marie Paliobeis
~Daughter-in-law
~Maria Mutino
Tue, Mar 08, 2016 Fort Myers, FLBarbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall ~Marie Crider ~Ineke Poisson ~Leelee
~Julie Bernache ~Robert Bernache (son) ~Joaniefl2 ~Kate Antico
~John Antico ~Mary Strickler ~Bob Strickler
~Alice White
~Cousin Debbie
Thu, Mar 10, 2016 Orlando, FLWalt Disney Theater ~Joaniefl2 ~Deanne Smith ~Deanne’s friend ~Deanne’s Daughter ~Mary M ~Husband
Fri, Mar 11, 2016 Atlanta, GAAtlanta Symphony Hall ~Janay
Mon, Mar 14, 2016 New Orleans, LASaenger Theatre ~Lynn B.
~Husband Ron ~Sister Carrie
~Mom Lorraine ~Vicki V. ~Carol Mason ~Daughter
Wed, Mar 16, 2016 Austin, TXBass Concert Hall ~Sandra Schmidt
~Emilia ~Husband Luis ~Friend Rene ~Friend Carmen Thu, Mar 17, 2016 San Antonio, TXMajestic Theatre ~Dorothy Henderson
~Dorothy’s daughter, Jennifer ~Liz Vines
Sat, Mar 19, 2016 Dallas, TXMajestic Theatre ~Gina
~Kim (Gina’s daughter)
~Daughters friend, Jewell
~Daughters other friend, Janie
~Kim ~LindaP
~Andrea Luttrull ~Anna Rogers
~Barb Nelson
~Lijoy
Sun, Mar 20, 2016 Oklahoma City, OKCivic Center Music Hall ~Gale Wall ~ Becky her daughter ~Dory
~Gale Cramer
~Sherry
Tue, Mar 22, 2016 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre ~Jim Douglas
Thu, Mar 24, 2016 Mesa, AZMesa Arts Center (MAC) ~Kitty ~Kitty’s son ~Barbara Walther
~Sheryl ~Terry
~Terry’s sister ~Barbara in AZ ~Susan ~Ruth Rapp ~Ruth’s sister ~Ruth’s other sister
~Anne Quinto ~Myron Heaton ~Jeannette
~Jenny Newman
~Marie Brown
Tue, Mar 29, 2016 San Jose, CACity National Civic ~Anne Quinto
~Anne’s guest
~Dan
~Nancy
~Janet Pilkington ~Antoinette Surma
~Sister
~Brother-in-law ~Alejandra
~3 yr. old son
~Gerri
~Helen
~Kathi Balbi
~Marie Brown
~Cheryl VanDyke
~ Maureen Bozeman
Wed, Mar 30, 2016 San Diego, CASan Diego Civic Theatre
I’ve always known that the mix of pop music and classical singing is one of the most popular music styles in Italy. What I didn’t know until last night’s Il Volo concert was that it is “Fan Girl” (Fan Woman, Fan Grown Man…) levels of popular. Numerous standing ovations, countless screaming fans, and more than one mid-show selfie told me I was not in Kansas any more; and the energy, excitement, and passion of Italy was clearly brought to Washington, DC for one wildly entertaining night.
Making their Kennedy Center debut, the Italian pop opera trio might have been nervous, but you never would have been able to tell. They packed their 90-minute performance with breath taking technique and a school boy excitement that kept both the Italian and English speakers in the audience laughing. Starting with an impressive lightshow, the orchestra rock band fusion put the party into full motion with the album titled single “Grande Amore,” but the applause changed into deafening cheers as one by one, Piero Barone, Ignazio Boschetto, and Gianluca Ginoble appeared.
Immediately they launched into a rapid-fire set of popular Italian hits, including the Dean Martin staple “Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu (Volare).” Toe tapping from the start, you couldn’t help but dance in your seat. Breaking into duets and solos, they rotated through “Memory” from Cats, “Il Canto,” and “Beautiful That Way” taking the audience through a full range of emotions. A range also represented in the personalities of each member. Ignazio was the goofy, fun loving type who reminded me of a mixture of Ben Platt (Benji from Pitch Perfect) and the now all too grown-up Matthew Lewis, while Gianluca was all about playing the cool Italian, constantly winking and waving at the many adoring ladies in the audience.
But it was Piero, the pop opera Justin Timberlake of the group, who couldn’t help but stand out from his fellow singer. His interpretation of Puccini aria “E lucevan le stelle” was simply stunning and on more than one occasion his Plácido Domingo-like tambour caused the hairs on the back of my neck to stand on end.
Clearly close friends with each other and the members of their band, the trio threaded a delightfully and purposefully accented banter through out the show. Their hat tip bit to The Godfather’s Sicilian accents went off the rails when Ignazio ended up with too much bread in his mouth to be able to deliver a few famous Marlon Brando lines, causing Piero to nearly collapse to the floor in laughter.
Sometimes electing to sit along the front of the stage, they sang of love arm-in-arm in “Eternally” or “Unchained Melody” (during which several couples in the audiences put their arms around one another and swayed to the beat); and at other times they stretched the corners of the stage into the audience such as with the high energy “Delilah.”
And I certainly have never seen anything more Italian than their triumphant faces after the end of particularly long and/or high ending notes than when an audience member handed each a bouquet of a dozen red roses. Grazie, bella. But it was Piero and Gianluca’s tribute to Frank Sinatra (Gianluca’s idol) and Luciano Pavarotti (Piero’s idol) in the duet of “My Way” that really stole the show for me. Their sincere, nearly matching version of the classic duet showed just how much music has meant and continues to mean of this wonderfully talented trio.
By the end of the night, I had no doubt they would find much success as they continue along this 35-city tour of the U.S. and it seems now only inevitable that I’ll be checking out their album,Grande Amore, whenever I’m in need of a big, fun, schmaltzy, Italian pick-me-up.
Running Time: 90 minutes, with no intermission.
Il Volo played for one night only on February 19, 2016 at The Kennedy Center – 2700 F St NW, Washington, DC. For future performances and information: call (800) 444-1324, or check out the Kennedy Center’s calendar of events.
Here is my impression of my first Meet & Greet with IL Volo, last night at the Borgata Hotel & Casino. The boys were absolutely in top form and their singing was the most powerful I have heard outside of CDs on my stereo. The theatre was sold out and we were packed like sardines but it was a very happy group to be there seeing these wonderful boys. They boys looked absolutely adorable …as ever.
While being first in line before the doors opened I chatted with several Security Personnel and they said they have never seen a concert fill up like IL Volo’s or the people getting in line so early.
I stayed at the hotel and met many wonderful fans while walking around due to me wearing my IL Volo necklace. After the concert we waited in line for about half hour and were ushered into this very large room where the boys were standing and waiting for each person or group to go up and chat and have a photo taken. Never rushing us. What a thrill to be standing next to them. Gianluca recognized me and remembered me. He requested the photo with me showing the banner I am wearing and the flag (which I held up many times during the concert) I had made with the ‘Granny Groupies’ (Deborah Georgini Beaupre, Madeline Vitella and Joan Brenin) news articles of our trip in May. They loved it and looked at it very carefully. I wanted it signed but unfortunately we were told nothing to be brought to be signed, just photos.
After my turn I was able to hang around in this room and spoke with Gaetno Barone (Piero’s Dad) for about a half hour. I also spoke with Barbara Vitali (she is so pretty!) and Maestro Diego Basso. Maestro Basso seemed surprised that I knew who he was. Of course I congratulated him and thanked him for doing these concerts. Gaetano and I chatted in Italian (he does not speak English). He told me how proud he is of Piero and Mariagrazia and Francesco. I asked about Eleonora and he said she told him all about the Granny Groupie’s trip to Naro in May. I felt honored. He knew that I had gotten the courage to return to my homeland after 50 years of being afraid to fly because of IL Volo and especially Piero whose picture I carried of him sleeping like a baby on the plane. He said he loved hearing this.
I can’t wait for my second and third Meet & Greet next week in D.C. and Easton.
Ciao. ~Maria
Come in and share the love of life, friends and Il Volo!
A great evening shared with my son Steven, 40, who is a graduate musician with a major in classical guitar, and has had several small bands through college and even recorded 4 CDs. This is just the background so you will know how wonderful it was seeing IL Volo again through his eyes. Of course he has heard me go on and on about them for the past year and a half and lived through my tales of my trip to Italy with the Granny Groupies (Madeline Vitella, Joan Brenin and Deborah Georgini Beaupre. 
