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The Italian American Human Relations Foundation presents 'A Tribute to Musical Genius, Songwriter Harry Warren'

"I am honorary chair of 'A Musical Tribute Showcasing the Songwriting & Musical Genius of Harry Warren'… because I so believe in the mission of the sponsoring Italian American Human Relations Foundation (IAHRF) … the idea of highlighting the contributions of, in this case, African-American and Italian performing artists is something that I fully support, and I feel the partnership can be a win-win for both communities," comments Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State.

Italian musician and songwriter Harry Warren - whose given name, Salvatore Antonio Guaragna, was later changed by his father who felt his children could be better absorbed into the America melting pot with more common names - began his musical career in Tin Pan Alley, and went on to become one of the country's most prolific songwriters, with works that have maintained their popularity through the decades. Some of his best-known pieces include "Forty Second Street," "Shuffle Off To Buffalo," "We're in the Money," and "There Will Never Be Another You," to name a few.

"A Musical Tribute Showcasing the Songwriting & Musical Genius of Harry Warren" will be Sunday, October 27 @ the Auditorium of Triton College in River Grove, and will showcase the talents of some of the best-known Italian and African-American musical talent, including Anthony Rago, Mark Madsen, Joan Collaso, Bobbi Wilsyn, and the legendary Redd Holt. The audience will enjoy glorious voices performing hits such as "Chattanooga Choo Choo," "That's Amore," and "I Only Have Eyes for You"… here is a sampling of Emmy Award winner Joan Collaso singing Harry Warren's "At Last": https://vimeo.com/362084430

Comments IAHRF Founder & Board President Lou Rago, "I started the not-for-profit Italian American Human Relations Foundation some twenty years ago. In my home growing up, we would have pasta for dinner every night, but Sundays would be a special treat, as my mom would add neckbones to the pasta! So we started doing Neckbones & Pasta dinners about four times a year. Performers of all ethnicities are invited to participate as guests enjoy a great meal and a variety of musical stylings… one might hear a tenor from Italy … a violinist from Asia … a harpist from the Ukraine … an African-American jazz singer from Chicago. Our October 27 event will focus on the contributions of Italians and African-Americans … we know the event will be Perfetto!"

For more information, please call (773) 276-7800.

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