Order Sons of Italy, Garibaldi Lodge invites you to the
26th Annual Gala Dinner to be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 in the main floor Ball Room at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.
Presented by
RBC Royal Bank, this acclaimed event not only demonstrates the philanthropic spirit of Sons of Italy, but also the caring and giving that Winnipeggers, their businesses and leaders are known for.
It's All About Giving
This year Son’s of Italy is proud to be partnered with
Winnipeg Harvest’s “Hunger for Hope” program. Initially championed by Corus Radio Winnipeg, Hunger for Hope focuses on raising monies to purchase and provide infant formula to those most needy in Winnipeg. The program is administered and directly distributed by Winnipeg Harvest ensuring that those in need, receive.
During the evening, we will also be giving donations to two other worthy causes -- both of them local. Stay tuned for the announcements.
Entertainer, Steve Lippia
In a departure from the ordinary, we will not be having a keynote speaker this year. Instead, we will be presenting a Las Vegas style performance by Steve Lippia.
Steve Lippia has become one of the most prominent, in-demand vocalists and has quickly established his place among the finest interpreters of “standards” and traditional pop music in North America. Steve’s youthful, energetic talent and powerful show creates a perfect blend of “classic” with “today.”
The entertainment program EXTRA, noting the gap in the industry caused by Frank Sinatra’s death asked in a full segment if Steve Lippia was to be “the next chairman?”
Steve has headlined in highly successful, extended engagements at the Rio Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and Resorts Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, where standing-room only audiences lined up more than two hours before show time to vie for seating. He has performed in multiple engagements for Hilton Atlantic City and Casino Windsor, among others.
Check out the video below for a sample of Steve Lippia in action:
What people are saying about Steve Lippia:
"Considerable vocal skills"; "Drew a standing ovation"
- Wall Street Journal
"Lippia left to prolonged & deserved applause"; "An engaging singer"
- Las Vegas Review Journal
"…the talk of Las Vegas"; "…he has an impeccable vocal instrument"
- Las Vegas Style
"A dazzling performer"; "Impressive musical intelligence"; "Overnight sensation"; "At the start of the song they began applauding wildly."; He can swing and belt"
- Press-Telegram
"Visitors to Birdland, the famed New York City jazz club, couldn't quite believe their ears."; "It's as timeless as a cocktail, a tuxedo or a diamond ring"; "His contribution should refine a great tradition"
- The Real Paper
Ron Paley's Big Band Sound
For this year's Gala, Ron Paley will be bringing a 16 piece band to back up singer Steve Lippia. Once the 60 minute show is done, and toes are tapping, the Ron Paley Big Band will have everyone up on the dance floor continuing the party until 1:00 a.m.
Pianist, electric bassist, and composer, Ron Paley formed the Ron Paley Big Band in 1976 after playing with the big bands of Buddy Rich and Woody Herman, with whom he recorded two CD’s and played on a Frank Sinatra album. He has recorded two big band albums and one trio album.
The Ron Paley Big Band has performed in concert with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. Ron was commissioned by the Royal Canadian College of Organists to compose a work for choir and organ based on the text of Psalm 122. This was followed by a commission from the National Arts Centre to write a fanfare for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra for the Royal Visit. The big band performed and toured with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, playing jazz arrangements.
Honourary Co-Chairs
We are excited to have as our honourary chair
Garth Buchko of Corus Entertainment, the driving force behind Hunger for Hope.
Our second honourary chair is Sons of Italy member
Mario Posillipo, also from Corus Entertainment who was instrumental in bringing Steve Lippia
to Winnipeg.
