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Back by popular demand after his successful performance last year, to open the main stage entertainment again this year is Todd T. Taylor. He is no newcomer to the Festival having been born in Uhrichsville, the middle son of Carmen and Nellie Civiello, and graduating from Dennison St. Mary's. His uncle and aunt, Dominic and Angie Ferchill were the host and hostess of the 1990 festival, the second year. He and his wife, Nancy, presently live in Strasburg. Todd has worked in radio and television since the 60's as a broadcaster in Minnesota, D.C., Louisville and Chicago. Returning to Ohio and becoming one of the top DJ's, area people will remember him for his on air shows at WHLO, WAKR, WHBC and WINW in the Akron-Canton area. Having worked in the Columbus area, Todd also became known around the U.S. as the "Voice of St. Jude" for his work with Danny Thomas and his daughter Marlo. Working closely with them he helped raise millions of dolllars hosting radio-thons around the country for ALSAC, Leukemia Stricken American Children. Todd recently produced and performed in a hit benefit, "For the Love of the Children", at the Kent State Performing Arts Center for leukemia patient Cooper Schaar and "Standing up for Down Syndrome". He is a member of the Radio/Television Broadcasters Hall of Fame of Ohio in Akron.
In 1973, Todd started his own investment company. He has been kept busy with this, RMC, Retirement Marketing Consultants, which he is still operating as President. About three years ago friends convinced him to get back into the music business. Picking up a microphone again, this time as a singer, Todd has developed a great show. Entitled "A Tribute to All the Oldies" it includes the hits from the 50's until the present time. The show is a non- stop, high energy performance that you will have to see to believe. Performing throughout the area, he has become a very popular entertainer, leaving everyone happy, smiling and with a super warm feeling like the one you had during high school. Be sure to see Todd's conclusion to his performance, as he transitions to a new role as emcee of the opening ceremony of the 23rd annual festival.
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Todd performed at the 2010 festival on the main stage. He was so successful, we have booked him for two performances this year. In addition to performing at 4 PM on Friday on the main stage, he will be returning to perform in the beer garden on Saturday at 4:30 PM with an entirely different show to entertain everyone.
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Todd sings "Traces" click here
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Born into a music family, Timothy Paul began to sing at age three. Not a very good singer at the time, he was encouraged to begin taking drum lessons. By the time he was eight he was playing drums in "Neon Moon", his father's country music band. Learning by ear, he was guided by his family into the music business. Growing up in West Lafayette, not much was happening with his career until 1996 when he and three other musicians were selected to enter a competition in Las Vegas. Winning the competition, they decided to continue performing under the name "751". At age eighteen, after having performed with the band in more than fifteen states, Timothy decide to go solo. From 2000 to 2005 Timothy performed more than 6800 shows before deciding to head for Nashville. Concentrating on writing songs during that time he performed on the same bills as Kenny Chesney, Ty Herndon and Travis Tritt. Moving back to Ohio in 2007, his career continues to grow and so does his fan base. With four CD's on the market, he continues to give his fans his best.
A spirit of life is captured in all of Timothy Paul's songs as they embody an array of feelings, thoughts and inspirations that keep any listener enjoying and asking for more. Family memories, love songs, aspirations and heartaches are all described and perceived in his songs. His emotionally penetrating voice captures all of the excitement of modern country music without sacrificing his heartfelt respect for traditional country music. His soulful and heartfelt delivery of new and classic ballads, along with his energetic style when singing a "toe tapper", is sure to appeal to any crowd. Back for his fourth year at the Festival, with his strong vocals and rhythmic guitar, Timothy Paul continues at full force to reach out to his audience every time he hits the stage. Timothy can be heard at www.timothyonline.com
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Timothy has been a very popular entertainer in the beer garden for the past three years. This year he will be the opening act in the beer garden. Be sure to be there Friday evening when he begins to sing at 5 PM.
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A newcomer to our festival, The Wild West Band is from Canton and has grown to become very popular in that area. Bob King on vocals, Jeremiah Dougherty and Mike Begue on rhythm guitar, Marvin Thomas on bass, drummer Bob Metzger and Joe Burkhart on keyboards play some of the best classic, country and southern rock in the area. They will appear on the main stage Friday evening beginning at 8 P.M. until 11 P.M.
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After a great performance last year, this ever popular band is returning for a second year. Having appeared around the area for many years it has remained in high demand.
Originally founded in 1967 at Massillon by twins Pete and Steve Nervo as " The Noblemen" the band went through many changes in musicians, music styles and names over the years. AKA "The Blues Soul", "Ragweed" and "Flavour" they were one of the hottest dance bands in the area. The band became "LaFlavour" with the release of their first album "Mandolay" in 1980. The album reached #7 on the Billboard chart, which attracted MCA Record Company. MCA changed the band to "Fair Warning" and their music to pop/rock. After MCA shelved the new album project, LaFlavour took to the road and the nightclub scene and became a popular dance band once again. In the 90's the hotel and nightclub scene was fading and the band went back to a high energy dance format. With the turn of the century they entered a new era as they were being sought to do community concerts. Still appearing are four original members of the group, Pete Nervo, Craig DeBock, Gino Milchak and occasionally Steve Nervo. Joined by John Casey, Rick Dotin and Vince Scarpitti, Laflavour still brings the high quality entertanment that has kept the band in the spotlight for the last 40 years. Learn more about the band and listen to their music at www.laflavour.com
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After performing at the 2010 festival on the main stage with a super high energy performance, it was decided to move the band to the beer garden stage. Be sure to be there on Friday night beginning at 8 PM for what promises to be an extremely entertaining performance.
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Listen to LaFlavour sing "Can't Get Enough of Your Love" click here
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Another newcomer to our festival is from Columbus. The world of entertainment is nothing new to this beautiful singing sensation. Brandi Lynn Howard began entertaining at the age of six. By twelve years old she had won several talent contests, including Loretta Lynn's in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. At fourteen she landed her first record contract which she wrote, co-wrote and co-produced. Following that she won the CMAA's National Awards of Vocalist and Rising Star Female Entertainer of the Year in Las Vegas. A real crowd pleaser, Brandi performs at many state and national events. She has the charisma and natural attraction that stars are made of. Brandi performs the latest in country, pop and oldies with a stage presence that will keep you in awe. Brandi Lynn Howard is somebody extra special and will leave you knowing you have witnessed a very bright and talented young star. You can learn more about Brandi at http://www.reverbnation.com/brandihoward
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The Dominic Greco Band brings the old-fashioned concert in the park to the streets of downtown Dover. “Every year we look forward to performing in front of audiences across Tuscarawas County,” said Delphia. “Getting the opportunity to perform at the Tuscarawas County Italian-American Festival is always a highlight of our season. Due to the band’s roots, we are honored and privileged to play at the Italian-American festival. ”
The band got its beginnings in 1917 when Dominic Greco moved from Pittsburgh to Dover and formed the Italian Band. The band’s name was changed in 1919 to the Dover Concert Band as it grew in numbers and popularity. The talented musicians found themselves becoming a staple at the Ohio State Fair and sharing the stage with many well-known entertainers, including John Phillip Sousa.
Dominic Greco remained director for nearly 40 years, until Harper Froman succeeded him. Following Froman as director was Robert Lyon. A dedicated musician, you can still find Bob playing clarinet or saxophone in the band.
In 1973, band members agreed to change the group’s name to the Dominic Greco Band in honor of its founder.
Present day director Frederick Delphia took possession of the director’s baton in 1983. The band continued to perform until 1990 until it took an 11-year hiatus. Hitting the stage again in 2001, the Dominic Greco Band, under Delphia’s direction, has resumed the old-fashioned concert in the park format that made the Italian Band popular in the early 1900s.
The band is presently comprised of more than 80 musicians, ranging from their teens to over 90 years in age. Their occupations include music directors, students, business professionals, mechanics, doctors and retirees.
Beginning its concert with the National Anthem and closing with the ever-inspiring Stars and Stripes Forever, the Dominic Greco Band will perform a variety of Italian favorites, overtures, marches and Big Band hits, leaving the audience wanting more.
Learn more about the band at http://dominicgrecoband.org
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Fred Delphia has controlled the baton of the Dominic Greco Band for 28 years. During this time the band took a break and didn't perform for several years. In 2001, Mr. Delphia got the band to come out of retirement. We welcome Mr. Delphia and the Dominic Greco Band back to our Festival for the eleventh consecutive year and hope to see them return for many more years.
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Back again this year, Badstone has become a fixture at the Festival. They have added a Classic Rock show to their already huge selection of music. Their show will be tailored to the audience they will be performing for, maintaining the high energy, powerful show the band has become famous for. In fact, they plan on taking these shows to a higher level of sound, lights and props. The sets will be chronolgical progressions from the 50's through present day rock.
Tim and Gregg Martini reformed the band in 1993, added Tim Burris on drums in 2000 and in 2006, Jim Tucker left the Kiss Tribute Band to join Badstone. The band's website can be found at http://badstone.net
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Asking the audience for help, Badstone fills the stage. They will be be back this year for the seventh year and hope to fill the beer garden tents.
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Back for his seventh year at the festival, Mickey will be found back at the main stage this year after spending Sunday in the beer garden last year. (Pun intended) President of the OFEA, in charge of the Dennison Railroad festival queen's pageant, member of TCIAFFI, professional photographer, entertaining throughout the area and working a full time job keep Mickey pretty busy. He still finds time to travel around the state on queen's pageant and OFEA business.
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Mickey also entertained at the Spring Fling in April for the fourth year. A very popular entertainer wherever he performs, be sure to be at the main stage on Saturday evening beginning at 9 P.M. for a great evening of entertainment.
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Born in Aliquippa to American-Italian parents, Egidio Faiella grew up listening to his grandfather, Jimmy, playing the mandolin. After his grandfather passed away in 1981, his grandmother gave his mandolin to Egidio. Collecting dust in the closet because it only got played occasionally and then only when someone in the family encouraged it, Egidio decided in 1996 to play it seriously. Inspired by a priceless homemade recording of his grandfather in the 1970s, Egidio has mastered the "Italian folk style" of mandolin playing.
Egidio offers you the truly beautiful sounds of Italian and Italian-American music as only performed on the mandolin. The long forgotten sounds of the mandolin are still very much alive and well. Those who have heard him play know that he plays from the heart.
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You will find Egidio strolling the Festival, playing his mandolin Saturday and Sunday. Be sure to stop and listen to this excellent entertainer.
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Egidio plays "Egidio's Theme" click here
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Texas Roadhouse Line Dancers
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After a great performnce last year we certainly feel lucky to have them returning for their second year. Organized in 2007, these girls are all employees of the Texas Roadhouse and compete against dance groups from other Texas Roadhouse restaurants in an annual competition. They also perform at the local rodeo, Midvale Speedway and area parades. In 2009, they began going to local schools and teaching line dancing in physical education classes. Mascot Andy the Armadillo accompanys them. Next to him is Kristy, Ciera the chaperone, Taren, Amanda and Melissa.
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These ladies can certainly strut their stuff and they enjoy doing it.
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Growing up on the Southeast side of Cleveland and graduating from Holy Name High School, Ronnie possessed a great voice. With the desire to go further than the corner of E. 93rd and Union, he got some friends together and formed the Graduates. They soon became a hit club act in the Cleveland area. Hearing about the chance to go to Canonsburg, Pennsylvania to audition for a spot with the Four Coins, a pop group at the time, Ronnie was one of about 400 singers who were auditioned. Ten days later he made his debut with the Four Coins in Dallas. It wasn't long before Ronnie was singing the lead in most of their appearances in the top nightclubs around the country, including Miami and Las Vegas. After several hits, including their biggest hit, "Shangri La" the Four Coins did several tours of the Far East and Europe. Remaining with the Four Coins until they disbanded, Ronnie is using his experience with them to create his own one man show. Pop, show tunes, standards, swing and ballads are all included in Ronnie's New Millenium show. Entertaining throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Ronnie is a crowd favorite every where he entertains. You can learn more about Ronnie at http://www.ronniefiorentino.com/
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Ronnie sings "Copa Cabana" click here
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Skin n Bones have about 40 years of music experience between them. Long time friends Dan Gribble and Jerry Waltz decided to get together and try a fresh act by combining their music experiences and ideas into one energy driven show. Their music, from rock to folk to blues, from the 60's to today, and anything, anywhere in between is a collection of their personal favorites. These were just two old friends from the local area playing their favorite music and having a ball doing it! In a surprise to us last year they brought along another friend, Mike Brauning, as a drummer. It was very well received by their fans and now they spend a majority of the time playing as a trio. You can learn more about them and listen to their music at www.skinnbones.org
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Here is a photo of one of the initial performances by the Skin N Bones Trio, taken at the 2010 festival. They will be returning this year so be in the beer garden Sunday at 3:30 P.M. for another terrific performance.
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We feel extremely lucky to have added this group of brilliant, energetic and lovely young ladies to entertain the audience with their amazing dance routines.
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Back this year, after a rain shortened performance last year, is one the most sought after Frank Sinatra tribute artists in the country. Born and raised in Canton, Michael Sonata brings the sights, sounds and sophistication of "Old Blue Eyes" to our stage again. The St. Thomas Aquinas and Notre Dame graduate earned his Master's at KSU. Working in the family construction business and acting professionally in the Canton area, Michael played a variety of roles. In 2004 he decided he needed a career change and went into the performing arts for a living. Landing a role in "The Contraltos", playing a character loosely based on Frank Sinatra, led Michael to study the music, style and mannerisms of Sinatra. It was often suggested by people who saw the performances that he was lip-synching Sinatra's music. After the close of the show Michael continued to research and improve on his performance. After a few months, "A Tribute to Frank" opened to amazed audiences. He has continued to improve and expand his show encompassing approximately 100 songs recorded by "the Chairman of the Board".
We feel extremely lucky to bring this man to our Festival. If you were never able to see Frank Sinatra in person, be sure to see Michael Sonata. You won't know the difference! Listen to Michael at www.michaelsonata.com
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Michael sings "That's Life" click here
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The Moonlighters are an acoustic rock band whose music appeals to a wide variety of age groups. They specialize in three part harmony while playing songs from the Eagles, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, John Mellencamp and many more. Wherever they play, they leave the audience wanting more. Learn more about and listen to the Moonlighters at www.myspace.com/moonlightersacoustic .
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Last year the Moonlighters were a hit with the audience and will be back for another appearance this year. Be in the beer garden on Sunday at 6 P.M. to hear another super performance by a band that is becoming very popular around the area.
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Take 3 is comprised of three guys who have been friends for years and decided to get together and sing hits from the 50's to the 70's. Dave Atwood has been singing since high school in Vermont. He has been a member of several groups and a solo act throughout the east and midwest. Steve Nervo was one of the founders of LaFlavour and toured the night club circuit with them. He retired in 1996 but is back entertaining with his fabulous vocals. Touring with artists like Gladys Night, Bill Haley, Sly and the O'Jays, Gary Zeigler also is an extremely experienced entertainer. "Ziggy" as he is called, has produced several singles and an album entitled "Clockwork". Together they put on a great show.
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When these three guys get together, they bring back the memories of the early days of rock and carry it on through the present day. Be sure to hear them on the main stage beginning at 8 P.M. on Sunday evening.
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Main Stage sound system provided by Hitchcock Sound Company.
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