Gallery

Eat, dance, repeat! Here are some pics from last night’s Carnevale buffet at La Cupola! Great costumes, great music, great dancers! Grazie to all the people who attended our Carnevale party and to Limoncello Band! What a night!

On February 11, 2023 Casa Italiana di Las Vegas and Club Italiano at CSN organized the screening of the finals of Sanremo music festival at the West Charleston Campus of CSN. Thank you everyone came to cheers with us!

Some of best moments of our Italian Karaoke Night on January 27th 2023!

A lecture on the Prosecco wine while sipping Spritz and eating Italian food all together! We had such a great time today!

On November 18th, we had a pleasure to host journalist and director Francesco Semprini! We loved to learn about his experience between Venezuela and Brazil while filming the documentary “Siete Mil.” Moreover, Francesco spoke about his job as a war reporter and correspondent for the Italian daily newspaper La Stampa. It was so insightful! Grazie Francesco! And a grazie to Barbara Bird at CSN for helping us with this extremely interesting event!

On September 18th, the Queen in the Kitchen, chef Ale Gambini came to Las Vegas to present her book “No Ketchup on Spaghetti!”. Thanks to chef Ale Gambini for such an insightful afternoon! Our audience found Ale’s book presentation very interesting, especially because she uncovered some secrets on how to understand whether a product is really Italian or not! Grazie for the delicious Vicenzi treats!

On May 15th we explored Umbria’s stunning hilly landscape and cultural attractions. Grazie to all the people who attended our lecture on the stunning Umbria region! It was a pleasure to share such a nice morning with you all. And a big thank you to the West Charleston Library for hosting us.

On April 10th, we had the pleasure to screen “Influx” by Luca Vullo, an interesting documentary on Italian immigrants in London!

On March 6th 2021, It was a pleasure to screen “Catia’s Choice” by Roberto Burchielli. Such a meaningful and important movie!

On March 7th Lodovico Manfredini Veronesi explains the history of the singer-songwriters of the 80s and the way they shaped the Italian music!

On Saturday February 8th we couldn’t miss the finals of one of the best music festival on earth! Sanremo 2020 ended with the crowning of a beautiful song by Diodato. Among beautiful music and focaccia, pasta e Sicilian cannoli we were highly entertained!

On February 1st, Marta Soligo lectured on the life of the world-famous Italian artist Luciano Pavarotti. The lecture, in collaboration with the West Charleston Library, took the audience on a journey through Pavarotti career and talent.

The last karaoke of 2019 was a blast! Guests dressed in their best Christmas outfits sang on top of their lungs and entertained the crowds. We cheered the end of a successful year for Casa Italiana di Las Vegas!

Valeria Sabatini was busy preparing a delicious eggplant parmigiana while entertaining her guests on October 26th. Thank you Henderson Libraries for the opportunity to host this mouth-watering event!

On November 16, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas took the audience on a virtual food tour around Italy, learning original recipes and the perfect places to eat them. Because in Italy, food is synonymous with culture, art, and tradition. Marta Soligo and Claudia Costantino highlighted the regional cuisine of northern Italy and of the south with a tasting of some traditional products.

On Friday November 15th Casa Italiana di Las Vegas in collaboration with the Windmill library proudly presented Hopeful Notes, an uplifting and inspirational drama by talented Italian director Valerio Zanoli. Winner of the first prize at the International Social Commitment Awards at the Venice Film Festival in 2013, Hopeful Notes tells the story of Alex, an Italian engineer employed in Russia, who accidentally crosses path and becomes good friend with Dima, a hospital bound child stricken with terminal cancer. When introduced to the other children of the ward, Alex starts volunteering at the hospital, where he soon realizes the struggles that terminally ill children face everyday. This gives him the opportunity to provide hope for those who desperately need it.
The screening was preceded by an award ceremony for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital major benefactors, introduced by special guest director Valerio Zanoli and actor Colin Ross. During the ceremony Casa Italiana issued a check for $6000 to St Jude Children Research Hospital. The funds were the proceeds the fundraiser dinner held on Monday November 11th.

Casa Italiana di Las Vegas gathered on November 11th with grateful hearts for a delicious VIP four course truffle dinner to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital-Nevada at La Strega Trattoria. Thank you Chef Gina Marinelli, Urbani Truffles and Johnson Brothers of NV for making this event a successful one!

On Thursday, October 17th Casa Italiana di Las Vegas in collaboration with Istituto Italiano Di Cultura Los Angeles and Windmill Library presented the special screening of the award-winning film “Being Leonardo Da Vinci” by director/screenwriter/actor Massimiliano Finazzer Flory to celebrate the 500th year of Leonardo da Vinci’s death.
Finazzer Flory, the film’s writer and director, also played the role of da Vinci in his unique and heartfelt documentary that took the viewers inside the mind of this genius of the High Renaissance. “Being Leonardo” was produced in 2019 in Italy in collaboration with RAI Cinema, with the patronage of the National Committee for the Celebrations of the 500th Anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death.
The movie was introduce by special guests, director Finazzer Flory and actor/co-producer Jacopo Rampini and was followed by Q&A with the audience.

On Saturday, October 12th Casa Italiana di Las Vegas in collaboration with the West Charleston library presented a journey through the locations of the most famous Italy-based movies, such as “Roman Holiday” and “La Dolce Vita.” Marta Soligo, Ph.D. candidate and instructor of Sociology of Leisure & Tourism at UNLV, introduced to the audience a research on film-induced tourism presented at the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s Global Forum held in Mexico City in 2014.

On Monday, September 23rd, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas in collaboration with the West Charleston Library, presented book author Paolo Battaglia and his latest project “Italian American Country: Finding Italy in Small Town America”. Battaglia took the audience on a journey through the heartland of United States discovering the small Italian American communities and their impact on the local economy. Alessandro Quarta, Italian voice over actor, and Sara De Santis, actress and singer, further delighted the audience with duets and interpretations of dialects from different regions.

On Saturday, September 14th, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas in collaboration with the West Charleston library presented a journey through the famous “Made in Italy”, from Milan fashion district to the ateliers of the most famous brands. Guests discovered how the most traditional arts and crafts influenced the world of fashion, such as leather bags in Florence, the silk industry in Lake Como, and the glass jewelry in Venice. Thank you Marta Soligo for a great presentation!

On Sunday, September 8th, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas in collaboration with the Windmill library presented a heartfelt documentary by talented writer and filmmaker Roberto Angotti. Winner of the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum Award at the National Italian American Foundation 42nd Anniversary Gala in Washington, DC, “Italian American Baseball Family” told the story of the Italian Americans’ role in baseball and in the culture of American sports. The movie documented an ethnic group’s rise from adversity and celebrated its triumphs in breaking into a game that was originally dominated by English, Irish and German immigrants. Many of them are today recognized in the Italian American Baseball Hall of Fame including Tony Lazzeri, Joe DiMaggio, Roy Campanella, Yogi Berra, Ernie Lombardi, Phil Rizzuto, Tommy Lasorda, Ron Santo, Joe Torre, Tony La Russa and Mike Piazza.
The movie was introduced by special guest director Roberto Angotti and followed by Q&A with the audience.

Our musical monthly appointment with the Italian karaoke had an added touch on June 27th at Roma Deli 1. At the sound of traditional music from Romagna dances started too. The night became more entertaining for singers and non singers alike

On Saturday May 4th, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas in collaboration with Club Italiano at CSN, presented high school history teacher Benjamin Wood and his book ‘Defying Evil’. Wood illuminated the fascinating but little-known history of the Holocaust in Yugoslavia during WWII in this thoroughly researched volume that draws from previously published works and interviews, as well as personal interviews. The lecture was followed by Q&A with the audience.

On April 13, Marta Soligo entertained the audience at the Green Valley library in Henderson with a lecture on the famous actress Sofia Loren and the beautiful city of Naples. It was a full house and the audience enjoyed the videos and many anecdotes that Soligo supplied.

On April 7 Casa Italiana di Las Vegas had another successful Italian picnic full of entertaining games for children and adults. Thank you all who participated and all the volunteers who made it possible!

Our monthly book club met at Roma Coffee to discuss an amazing story. The book, ‘Accabadora ’ by Michela Murgia ignited a great discussion. Don’t forget our next appointment on Sunday May 5th! Buona lettura!

On Thursday, March 21th among classics like Claudio Villa and Bocelli, and more contemporary music like Giorgia and Negroamaro, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas’ DJ delighted the ears of the audience in a very entertaining karaoke night!

On Sunday March 10, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas, in collaboration with Club Italiano at CSN and Istituto italiano di Cultura Los Angeles, proudly presented an amazing
performance by guitarist Carlo Fierens ‘A Guitar at the Opera’. Thank you all who participated!

Casa Italiana di Las Vegas first Italian Carnival Night was a super fun night. Thank you to all the staff at Trattoria Italia who made it possible. A mouthwatering buffet, great music, raffles and prizes and a laughing out loud “pie in the face” finale were the ingredients for a wonderful night!

On Monday March 4th. Casa Italiana di Las Vegas, in collaboration with Club Italiano at CSN and Istituto di Cultura Italiana Los Angeles, presented a heartfelt and very entertaining documentary by Matteo Troncone. Matteo takes the viewers on an intimate journey from Mill Valley, California through the lively streets of Naples, Italy. Part travelogue and part history lesson, the film sets out to uncover the secrets of renowned Neapolitan pizza. But along the way, a hearty dose of selfdiscovery, along with the art of making something out of nothing—or arrangiarsi—are also explored. A very engaging Q&A with the audience followed the screening.

On February 9th, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas organized a fun children workshop and a journey through the traditional Italian “Carnevale costumes” like Pulcinella, Colombina and the others that mirror the culture of Italian regions. Our own Valeria Sabatini illustrated also the differences between Halloween and the Italian Carnevale.

It was a full house at CSN for the finals of the Sanremo music festival on Saturday February 9th. It was great to listen to the new entries together with some oldies.

on January 19th Marta Soligo held a very interesting lecture at the Heritage Park Senior Center. The topic, “Leonardo Da Vinci and the city of Milan” dealt with the historical figure of the great artist and his residency in the beautiful city of Milan.

On January 14th the last event of the series “Lecco: A Movie Landscape” took place in the wonderful auditorium of the Windmill library. The audience enjoyed three short movies that depicted the stunning scenery of that area and told three very different stories. We thank the Lecco-Lombardia Film Commission and the directors for this great opportunity.

Another great discussion at our book club night. This month’s choice, La Madre di Eva, was well received and ignited a great conversation in our salotto at Roma Coffee. Next one will be on Sunday March 10th. The next book will be Accabadora by Michela Murgia. Buona lettura!

On January 11th we celebrated the 2019 with a bang! Our first karaoke was a night to remember: all suited up, starting from the DJ, our own Executive Director, to the best wife and husband dancing and singing duet. The fun was endless…

Casa Italiana di Las Vegas had the honor to meet the Italian Ambassador Varricchio in USA on January 11th in Las Vegas. We introduced our programs and events which were well received. Great evening of Italian pride.

On December 20th we celebrated the last Karaoke of 2018 with Santa’s hats, ugly Christmas sweaters and joyous Christmas songs. Trattoria Italia was in full Christmas spirit!

The second night of the series ‘Lecco: A Movie Landscape’ on December 10th was a huge success. Thank you to Marta Soligo and Film Director Marco Ongania for the opportunity to screen his movies. A special thanks to our guests of honors…

Thanks to all the people who attended the first night of our event series “Lecco: A Movie Landscape,” in collaboration with Lecco Lombardia Film Commission and the sponsorship of Comune di Lecco. We were proud to screen “W di Walter” by Paola Nessi, an amazing movie on the famous climber Walter Bonatti. Thanks Antonio Losa for the intro video!

The first meeting of CILV’s Italian book club on Sunday November 4th was great! Lots of discussions about Resto Qui by author Marco Balzano. See you at the next one on January 13!

On Saturday, September 22, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas, in collaboration with the West Charleston library, presented guest speaker Raffaele Di Martino, of Di Martino Law Group. Di Martino’s practice is focused on corporate, immigration and real estate management. He has been instrumental to many foreign companies and entrepreneurs in establishing or expanding their business operations in the United States.

On May 14th, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas in collaboration with the West Charleston Library, proudly presented the US Premiere of the Italian movie The Prince of Crime. Inspired by true events, the film is a story of Camorra, revenge and regret. An introduction by Alessandro Piva, the director, preceded the screening. Following a standing ovation by the audience, Piva engaged in an interesting Q&A at the end of the movie.

On April 14, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas, in collaboration with the Heritage Park Seniors Facility Library, organized a fun an education cooking class. Our home chef Nicole demonstrated a delicious Ligurian Pesto Sauce that had every single guest ask for seconds!

On March 22 CILV rocked Trattoria Italia restaurant with the monthly Karaoke appointment. Great and not so great singers alternated on the stage following the notes of Antonello Venditti, Lucio Dalla, and Claudio Baglioni among all others.

On March 19, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas in collaboration with the West Charleston Library presented “Ciao Marcello!”, a wonderful black and white silent short film which is a tribute to Federico Fellini and his favorite actor, Marcello Mastroianni.

On February 26th, Il Salotto Italiano presented political scientist Alan Balboni, author of the book “Beyond the Mafia: Italian Americans and the Development of Las Vegas”. Balboni shared insights and inspirations behind this farsighted and thoroughly documented account of the history of one of Las Vegas’ most progressive and productive ethnic minorities.

CILV 2nd Annual Fundraiser was an amazing white truffle dinner on December 8th at Scarpetta Restaurant. A night where the guest of honor was the Diamond of the Table, the White Truffle. Guests indulged in a four-course dinner with paired wines. A silent auction opened the night with exciting items like custom wood art work, boudoir photoshoot, make up sessions and museum tickets. The event was kindly sponsored by IMT88, Johnson Brothers of Nevada, Pasta di Camerino and Urbani Truffles.

On December 16th Casa Italiana di Las Vegas hosted a Dear Santa Christmas Party. Children brought their Santa’s letters to be mailed in the red letter box. Crafts and games for all the children, followed with Italian Christmas songs in the background!

On November 7th, our guest speaker Barbara Bird, Lead Faculty for Italian at the College of Southern Nevada, took us on a journey through her own language learning experience, highlighting key moments that lead to her language learning success. Barbara provided some basic insights from research in Second Language Acquisition to show how learning a language as an adult is a mission: possible.

On October 9th, Il Salotto di Casa Italiana hosted speaker Martina Zandonella, owner of Zando Photography. Martina shared how her career path of a professional photographer in Las Vegas has been influenced by her important connection to the Italian art scene. Granddaughter of renowned painter, drawer and sculptor Carlo Sbisà, and Mirella Schott Sbisà, also a famous painter and etcher, Martina has truly artistic blood running in her veins. Guests savored her favorite Pasta with Mediterranean Pesto and her homemade decadent Sacher Torte.

On September 25th, Il Salotto di Casa Italiana di Las Vegas was honored with the presence of guest speaker, Pasquale D’Alba, owner of Trattoria Italia. Guests caught a glimpse into the reality of running an Italian, family-owned restaurant while Pasquale brought Sicily to the table with his infamous caponata. Everyone left a little fuller, but ready for seconds!

On August 23rd Casa Italiana di Las Vegas in collaboration with Settebello Pizzeria hosted the first Italian Karaoke party. The night was a huge success. Guests sang their hearts out with traditional and contemporary Italian hits and among them we certainly discovered the new Italian Idol!

On June 5th Casa Italiana di Las Vegas together with Madhouse Coffee, held a Latte Art Workshop. Members learnt how to properly pour steamed milk into espresso and how to design patterned using microfoam, all the while sipping a delicious cappuccino and eating pinolata cookies. Everyone got in touch with their inner barista!

On May 21st Casa Italiana di Las Vegas members had a wonderful time at Una Scampagnata Italiana picnic. Games for children and adults, a bocce tournament, great Italian music, and plenty of food made the event a huge success. Thank you all for participating!

On March 29, Casa Italiana di Las Vegas in collaboration with Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana in Summerlin, Las Vegas, and Urbani Truffles, delighted his members to a benefit dinner in support of the town of Cascia, in Central Italy affected by the recent earthquakes. Master Pizzaiolo Roberto Caporuscio of Kestè Pizza & Vino, and his daughter Giorgia, came directly from New York to serve their famous Truffle Pizza featuring Urbani Truffles. The dinner has been a huge success and we raised close to $2000! Thank you all for your generosity

On February 25th Casa Italiana di Las Vegas hosted an Italian Carnevale. Children dressed up in great costumes enjoyed treats and prizes for the most original and creative one. The event included a game of piňata and everyone came home with a bag full of candies!

December 2nd Launch party was a huge success! Thank you to Randazza Legal Group, Urbani Truffles, Siena Trattoria & Deli, Eurocycle, Fiji Water who made this event possible! The event highlighted the Institute’s goal of promoting Italian culture and language with classes for children and adults.

On January 7th La Befana visited Casa Italiana di Las Vegas bringing lots of delicious candies for our little guests. If you want to learn more about the Ital-
ian tradition of La Befana click here.

La Casa Italiana di Las Vegas Open

House on October 10th was an opportunity to launch our Italian language courses for children and adults. While sipping a delicious Franciacorta, we had the pleasure of presenting the President and Founder of Casa Italiana di Las Vegas, Marc Randazza, with the first membership card. We are now off to a great start!

Photos courtesy of Makayla Moser.