The Commissione Giovani NY (CGNY) will host the premiere Young Italian Music Festival at the trendy Hudson Terrace on October 28. Besides presenting a fun event, the hosts aim to introduce to Italian Americans the kind of music that is popular in Italy today. People who are not familiar with the typical tunes broadcasted through Italian sound waves will learn a lot about contemporary music trends in Italy at this concert. Some of the headliners are Daniele Stefani of Milan, a classically trained guitarist turned singer-songwriter, pop star Max De Angelis of Rome, and Daniele Battaglia of Bologna.

These names might sound obscure to the average Italian American; but the concert will demonstrate the emerging talents of these artists and why they are indeed rising to fame in Italy. In addition, local Italian American artists, such as Gaetano Fava, who infuses Italian pop classics with his own unique rhythm and style, will strut their stuff. This is a time for discovery of new talents. CGNY, who represents the Italian youth in NY, is the best host the performers could hope for.

Notions of what is Italian music is jaded by antiquated names and genres. This concert is an opportunity for those interested in Italian music to overhaul preconceived notions, and generate a new sense of what is truly “musica italiana.”

It can be difficult for American to learn about musical trends in Italy. Not much Italian pop, folk, or emerging hip-hop is ever broadcasted on the radio (thank goodness for YouTube, though). Many talented artists may not get the recognition they deserve due to lack of exposure.

Notions of what is Italian music is jaded by antiquated names and genres. Somehow the soundtrack of Goodfellas pervades the minds of Italian Americans and we forget that there is a whole new world of music to discover in Italy if we could only get the chance. This concert is the key to a new world of Italian music that can lead to other avenues of artistic discovery.

CGNY is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and preserve the Italian language and heritage among youth. Anyone who is between the ages of 18 and 35, who is Italian and/or Italian-American, can join. Even if you are just fascinated by Italy you are eligible to join the group.

Besides the upcoming concert, CGNY has taken great initiative in organizing other successful events in 2009. In April the group held a found raiser for the earthquake victims in L’Aquila at New York’s Cipriani Club. This amounted to tens of thousands of dollars in aid, which will be spent on constructing a student/community center in L’Aquila. CGNY also hosted the annual Miss Italia nel Mondo-NY selection, a beauty pageant in February whose winner went on to become the new Miss Italia America 2009.

CGNY hosts a much-needed monthly happy hour event designed to fit into the schedule of busy young New Yorkers. The group’s website provides a myriad information pertaining to the group, its events and how to become a member.

http://cg-usa.org/newyork/