Views Navigation

Event Views Navigation

Today

  • Bishop Watterson Student Dancers

    The San Giovanni Dancers are joined on stage by Watterson HS Students . After several lessons from Director Claudio Pasean, The Italian language arts students will demonstrate regional dancers with the pro’s.  “ I'm so proud of my students' hard work and passionate pursuit of Italian language and culture.  I'm honored that Bishop Watterson HS has been chosen […]

  • Pesto Championship

    Let Your Passion for Pesto Take You Around the World! In partnership with Greater Columbus Sister Cities International, the Columbus Italian Festival will host the inaugural Columbus Regional Pesto Championship on October 8, 2017 at 3:00 pm to crown the city’s premiere pesto maker. The winner will represent Columbus and advance to the World Pesto […]

  • Aristos

    The Columbus Italian Festival is proud to welcome internationally acclaimed Aristos from Sicily.  Featuring  Giovanni San Giovanni on electric violin and keyboards, Salvo San Giovanni on percussion and soprano Grazia Maria Luca. This dynamic trio will delight with Neapolitan classics, Italian Opera, mixed with fresh arrangements of American pop Italian Style.

  • Voices of Ohio

    THE VOICES OF OHIO is a dynamic, exciting, professional adult vocal show group that performs a wide variety of contemporary and traditional music. Our repertoire includes music that celebrates the American heritage and spirit, with a variety of pop, rock, country, show tunes, songs of faith and patriotic music. During the past four decades, members […]

  • The Cavaliers

    The Cavaliers Band has been thrilling crowds throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia,   Kentucky, North Carolina, and Canada for the past 25 years. Their musical repertoire is   Impressive and ranges from traditional Italian dance music to swing tunes to American rock.   The Italian-American genre is a favorite among audiences wherever they perform.  This musical group is […]

  • Eddie Pollina Band

    The Eddie Pollina Band is one of Columbus’ premier party bands! Formed in 1969, their focus remains simple: it’s all about having a good time! The band performs a great mix of classics from yesterday (60s, 70s & 80s) along with contemporary hits of today. "After all these years, we’re still the life of the […]

  • Dr. Zoot

    Performing the American/Italian Songbook, Amanda has traveled the world singing on cruise liners and has entertained at New York City’s Metropolitan Room, and Ferrara’s in Little Italy.

  • Urban Transit

    Eclectic yet focused;  Bold yet melodic; Urban Transit captures the gist of the piano driven rock movement made popular by such bands as Coldplay, Something Corporate, the Fray, and Keane while still remembering those who first inspired them to begin their careers in music.

  • Catholic Answers Room

    Have questions about the Catholic faith?  Faithful parishoners will be on hand to answer your questions

  • Church Tour

    See and learn the history of the magnificent St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.

  • Graziana Maria Lazzaro

    Graziana Maria Lazzaro was born in Massafra, provincia di Taranto located in the historic Puglia region of Italy. Massafra, has so much history it dates back to 970, from the Castle of Massafra to the Gravine and il Santuario della Madonna della scala, which my mom was named after. My grandparents loved music, my mom […]

  • Imber Solis

    Ohio-based singer-songwriter Imber Solis (meaning rain and sun in Latin) presents a soulful blend of pop and jazz with smooth vocals that leave you wanting more. Her musicality and lyricism are woven into an immersive and introspective melodic experience in which she whisks listeners into an escape from their every day reality. Boasting conscious lyrics […]

  • Julie Anna Gulenko

    Julie Anna Gulenko is praised for her graceful soprano voice and sensitive musical interpretations. The northeast Ohio native is an alumna of Oberlin Conservatory, where she studied with Marlene Rosen and performed in several Oberlin Opera Theater productions. The young artist has sung in master classes with Serbian mezzo-soprano Milena Citic and Venezuelan soprano Ines […]

  • Tre Bella

    Tre Bella (Three Beauties) Reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters Italian Style this dynamic trio will entertain with American and Italian Pop Hits.

  • Gayla Smith

    Gayla Smith, vocalist, pianist,guitarist, bassist, and composer, has performed in central Ohio for over three decades and has also shared her talents with audiences in Milwaukee, Nashville, New York, Washington D.C.,Key West, St.Thomas, and Nassau. In 2008-2009 Gayla was hired by Carnival Cruise lines as a piano bar entertainer on The Carnival Glory playing in […]

  • Donna Mogavero

    Donna Mogavero has a history in Columbus Ohio. She has been performing music for over thirty years which has labeled her an icon, a legend a "diva" and a big fish in a little sea. To label her music is another animal. Her voice is thick and smokey yet soft and crystal clear, powerful yet […]

  • Opera Project Columbus

    Join Opera Project Columbus for a delightful program of highlights from Italian Opera, featuring Hannah Bullock OUR MISSION We seek out, find, and nurture raw and emerging operatic talent as we reinvent the art form to appeal to contemporary audiences. We also aim to grow and raise the standards of the Central Ohio arts community […]

  • Vanessa Racci

    Vanessa Racci

    Vanessa Racci is a jazz and cabaret singer of Italian American descent with a passion for retro jazz and music made famous by italian Americans. She has produced an album and currently performs several shows that celebrate American jazz composers, Italian American music and their contributions to jazz and pop in the US.  She will […]

  • The Hip Replacements

    The Hip Replacements are comprised of seven veteran and talented musicians that have been playing around Columbus for many years. James ‘JT’ Toland fronts the band with his amazingly strong vocals. The horn section is Bob Larson on trumpet and Steve Powell on sax, both who have long played in the big bands around town, […]

  • Nadia Marshall, soprano

    Soprano Nadia Marshall presents a program of Italian Opera and art songs. She is also our official Juliet of the Festival Theme - "A Weekend In Verona". You will also hear her throughout the weekend in the cultural tent and the balcony area on the side of the church where we will  reenact the story […]

  • Vanessa Racci

    Vanessa Racci with Cory Pesaturo

    Vanessa Racci is a jazz and cabaret singer of Italian American descent with a passion for retro jazz and music made famous by italian Americans. She has produced an album and currently performs several shows that celebrate American jazz composers, Italian American music and their contributions to jazz and pop in the US. Cory Pesaturo […]

  • Street Players

    Our repertoire reaches back to the Big Band era of the 1940's with hits from Glen Miller, Duke Ellington, and Tommy Dorsey.
    Twist your way through the Fabulous 50's with Chubby Checker and Fats Domino.
    Rock through the 60's, 70's and 80's with the Beach Boys, Elvis, Beatles, Chicago, Eagles, Commodores and Kool And The Gang.

  • Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses

    In the tradition of his Father Louis Prima and Keely Smith, Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses are bringing Prima music into the 21st century.

  • Brian Michael Smith “Being Frank with Tony”

    Accompanied by the 17-piece Rick Brunetto Big Band, the Columbus Italian Festival proudly  presents the music of two of the greatest Italian American singers of all time, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett.

  • Linda Dachtyl Quartet

    Linda Dachtyl-Hammond Organ Linda is a Chicken Coup/Summit Records recording artist having released recordings nationally in the jazz organ genre, “Blue Bop” (2006), “For Hep Cats” (2008), A Late One” (2015) and “Waves of Change” (2024) in the progressive rock genre. Chicken Coup Records is owned by international B3 organist Tony Monaco. She is a Hammond Organ USA […]

  • Cory Pesaturo

    Cory Pesaturo

    Cory Pesaturo (“C Pez”) is revolutionizing the Accordion.  The only person to ever win the trio of World Championships on Acoustic, Digital & Jazz Accordion, and the only Accordion graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.  In 2017, Pesaturo became a Guinness World Record Holder, as RedBull® flew him to Austria […]

  • Radio City

    Columbus, Ohio based High Energy Party Rock cover band playing songs from the 80’s and today. Radio City was formed to accomplish a single goal: To create the ultimate party band for music fans of all ages. Driven by a genuine love of music, and the desire to entertain, the band gives it their all […]

  • Lisa Dellarosa

    Lisa’s soothing vocals has been compared to the calmness of Karen Carpenter, but
    also packs a punch with showstoppers and Italian and Broadway favorites.  Lisa has the power and the talent to evoke in you the emotions she feels when she performs.

  • Cory Pesaturo

    Cory Pesaturo

    Cory Pesaturo (“C Pez”) is revolutionizing the Accordion.  The only person to ever win the trio of World Championships on Acoustic, Digital & Jazz Accordion, and the only Accordion graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.  In 2017, Pesaturo became a Guinness World Record Holder, as RedBull® flew him to Austria […]

  • Common Thread

    Common Thread consists of Kevin Plaugher, Hugh Price, Jim Stevenson and Tim Hofmeister. With a touch of CSNY, Jimmy Buffet and more, this all acoustic band will delight your afternoon festival experience.

  • Lisa Dellarosa

    Lisa’s soothing vocals has been compared to the calmness of Karen Carpenter, but
    also packs a punch with showstoppers and Italian and Broadway favorites.  Lisa has the power and the talent to evoke in you the emotions she feels when she performs.

  • The Fair Weathered

    The Fair Weathered have been playing thrilling rock and roll around Columbus for a decade. Forming as 6th graders in 2005, Evan Brack (bass) and David Smith (drums) joined with John Edgar (lead vocals, guitar, harmonica) in 2012, with Kevin Brennan (lead guitar, vocals) in 2013. With a setlist that covers the history, as well […]

  • The Sensational Soul Brothers Showband and Revue

    The Sensational Soul Brothers, based in Dublin, OH, are a professional cover band that offers a wide range of musical services. With their energetic performances, they are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on both you and your audience. From the soles of their iconic white socks to the tops of their famous Fedoras, The […]

  • Trans Fat Orchestra

    The Trans Fat Orchestra is a group of local musicians primarily from the Grandview area. The band has been in existence around 15 years. They have an eclectic song list including Johnny Cash, Rolling Stones, Joan Jett, Tom Jones, Beatles, Louie Prima, Steely Dan, and Bruce Springsteen along with other more contemporary artists.

  • Cory Pesaturo

    Cory Pesaturo

    Cory Pesaturo (“C Pez”) is revolutionizing the Accordion.  The only person to ever win the trio of World Championships on Acoustic, Digital & Jazz Accordion, and the only Accordion graduate of the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.  In 2017, Pesaturo became a Guinness World Record Holder, as RedBull® flew him to Austria […]

  • San Giovanni Dancers

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    The San Giovanni Dancers feature authentic dances from the regions of Italy. With colorful costumes and traditional Italian music they are a highlight of the festival. Accompanied by the Stromboleros Band they are a festival favorite that is sure to delight.  Come dance with us, learn the tarantella and enjoy authentic Italian culture.

  • Featured

    Blue Cats

    Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage

    Four veteran blues-jazz musicians, Rick Collura (elec. guitar), Terry Finneran (keys, vocals, blues harp, flute), Andy Smith (or occasionally Randy Huff) on percussion and York Procter on bass form the core of the Blue Cats.  This 4 piece combo unites to bring you energy intensive, yet volume controlled original arrangements of favorites from their musical […]

  • Opening Ceremony

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    The annual cork off of this years Columbus Italian Festival begins with a procession of the 20 flags of the various Italian Regions by St. John The Baptist Catholic Church Parishioners.  Join Pastor Vince Nguyen, Adam Montemarano, Executive Director of the Italian Festival and the Executive Board as we celebrate the opening of the Columbus […]

  • Stromboleros

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    Authentic Italian dance music that celebrates the culture and many regions of Italia.

  • Long Play

    Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage

    Whether it is the first time you heard your favorite song on the radio or that once in a lifetime concert experience, Long Play evokes those memories every time they take the stage. Relive the moments you can never forget as Long Play masterfully pays tribute to the most iconic classic rock bands: Queen, Boston, […]

  • Alla Boara

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    Alla Boara celebrates the deep history of human music-making by cultivating fresh sounds from the ancient roots of regional Italian folk songs. Amanda Powell’s impassioned vocals burst with the drama and humor of Italian life propelled by drummer and ensemble founder Anthony Taddeo. The storytelling behind this daring ensemble is intoxicating and has the dazzling […]

  • Tom Carroll Organic Chemistry

    Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage

    The classic jazz sound of the Hammond organ B3 with guitar and drums will keep your afternoon swingin' Tom Carroll, guitars John Eshelman, organ Seth Rogers, drums

  • Stromboleros

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    Authentic Italian dance music that celebrates the culture and many regions of Italia.

  • Italian Concert Band

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    The Concert Band has been a tradition at the Italian Festival almost from the beginning. Originally directed by Lucian Tiberi, then by Gene D’Angelo the band is now under the direction of Rick Brunetto. Featuring some of Columbus’s finest musicians, this instrumental ensemble celebrates our rich cultural Italian heritage with Italian marches, Neapolitan favorites and […]

  • Chaz and Nicki

    Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage

    Chaz and Nicki are a dynamic duo act that teamed up to create an upbeat live acoustic show that mixes feel-good classic covers with harmony-rich originals. Singer and guitarist Chaz Mechenbier has been performing locally, nationally and internationally for decades with well known acts such as Jerry Reed, Ronnie Milsap, and local favorites, Phil Dirt and the […]

  • Alla Boara

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    Alla Boara celebrates the deep history of human music-making by cultivating fresh sounds from the ancient roots of regional Italian folk songs. Amanda Powell’s impassioned vocals burst with the drama and humor of Italian life propelled by drummer and ensemble founder Anthony Taddeo. The storytelling behind this daring ensemble is intoxicating and has the dazzling […]

  • Tae & the Wave

    Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage

    LA-based music artist Dante Brunetto takes listeners on a sonic journey of ups and downs, and highs and lows with his solo project, Tae & the Wave.

  • Micheal Castaldo

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    michéal CASTALDO Artist/Producer/Songwriter   michéal CASTALDO is an award-winning singer/songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur from New York City. Music is a lifelong passion, and he loves performing his heart-warming Italian songs to adoring audiences.Michéal is a native of Calabria in the "tip of the toe" of Italy, is an accomplished pop-classical crossover singer of his native […]

  • PopGun

    Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage

    PopGun features all your favorite hits from the 60's through the 80's

  • The Rick Brunetto Big Band with vocalist MaryLee Melendez

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    As central Ohio’s foremost and finest big band the Rick Brunetto Big Band has been entertaining audiences for over 40 years. This 17-piece orchestra features the music of the 30’s and 40’s swing era on up through the present. On a typical evening you might hear Glenn Miller’s “In The Mood”, “Moonlight Serenade”, or swing […]

  • Catholic Mass

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    Catholic Mass Celebrated by Father Vince Ngywen in the big tent (Tradional Stage). Gina Bishop, Music Director Music provided by the Italian Concert Band directed by Rick Brunetto

  • Dante Brunetto

    Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage

    DANTE BRUNETTO is an accomplished, experienced, and versatile Special Events Musician, singing and playing guitar for Southern California clients and their guests for over a decade now. Originally from Columbus, Ohio, Dante lived in Los Angeles for 12 years as a songwriter and performer for indie-rock band BRAVE NATIVE, and his solo project TAE & […]

  • Italian Concert Band

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    The Concert Band has been a tradition at the Italian Festival almost from the beginning. Originally directed by Lucian Tiberi, then by Gene D’Angelo the band is now under the direction of Rick Brunetto. Featuring some of Columbus’s finest musicians, this instrumental ensemble celebrates our rich cultural Italian heritage with Italian marches, Neapolitan favorites and […]

  • Columbus Italian Festival Parade and Marching Band Competition

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    With Marching Bands, Italian cars, Floats, local celebrities, the parade begins at 1:00 at Goodale Park, down Buttles across High St., down Warren to Fourth. The parade culminates at the festival big tent with the Marching Band Competition. Click here to learn more.

  • Brian Michael Smith with the John Vermeulen Octet

    Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage

    Columbus native Brian Michael Smith is well known as the area’s premier performer of the great American Standard. He has earned his incomparable reputation both here and on the New York scene where he performed for thirteen years in Off-Broadway productions, Manhattan nightclubs and most notably, at the world famous Rainbow Room at Rockefeller Center. […]

  • Stromboleros

    Carfagna's Traditional Stage

    Authentic Italian dance music that celebrates the culture and many regions of Italia.

  • Gas Pump Jockeys with Mike Losekamp from Cyrkle and Dean Kastran from Ohio Express

    Rosati Windows Contemporary Stage

    The Gas Pump Jockeys are very excited to feature Mike Losekamp formerly of the band Cyrkle and Dean Kastran from The Ohio Express. You will hear Mike and Dean sing their gold record hits. Also this year they are joined by special guests Dean Kastran & Dale Powers, founding members of The Ohio Express. ("Yummy Yummy […]