Contact:   Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

(WASHINGTON, D.C. — February 7, 2011) The National Italian American Foundation’s (NIAF) leadership will present Italian singing star Gigi D’Alessio with the NIAF United States- Italy Friendship Award during a concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2011. The show, “Tu vuo’ fa’ l’Americano,” is a special tribute to D’Alessio’s friend and singer, Maestro Renato Carosone. D’Alessio will also sing duets with other international acclaimed artists during his New York performance.

“Maestro Carosene exported a piece of Italy and italianità to the World. He was a known as a legend of the stars and stripes of the 50s that only a Napolitano could achieve,” D’Alessio proudly notes.

Guests joining D’ Alessio at Radio City Music Hall include Paul Anka, Liza Minnelli, Sylvester Stallone, the Manhattan Transfer as well as Italian crooner Mario Biondi and Christine de Sica, son of the legendary Vittorio de Sica.

A fifty-piece American orchestra, conducted by Maurizio Pica, will accompany D’Alessio and his piano on stage in addition to his band. The evening’s entertainment will also include a light show with 3D graphics to create a techno-scene. GGD S.r.l. will produce the show which RAI-TV will broadcast to audiences within the U.S. and abroad. Last year, D’Alessio appeared in concert on RAI-Uno in Rome, and received overwhelming reviews and applause from his audience. For more information, visit www.gigidalessio.com. Tickets are available on www.ticketmaster.com or at the Radio City Music Hall Box Office www.radiocity.com. Prices range from $64.50 to $154.50.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the heritage and culture of Americans of Italian descent. Visit www.niaf.org