LaFlavour has been pleasing area audiences for years. From 1973 to 1988, they toured the major cities across the country, having made many appearances at Harrah’s in Atlantic City. Currently the band has cut down on their travel by playing high profile engagements around the Akron - Cleveland area.

The band is widely known by its trademark original song Mandolay which was a huge national and international hit, reaching number 7 on the Billboard Chart.

More at www.laflavour.com

Frank Trace has made quite a name for himself in the world of line dancing. He has been teaching line dancing in Northeast Ohio for the past 10 years. He has choreographed numerous widely successful dances including Duck Soup, Happy Radio, and the international award winning Mamma Maria. His local Line Dance Classes are very popular offerings at several area School District Adult Education Programs.

Frank hosts monthly Line Dance Parties at the Richville Community Park Hall in Massillon and the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in North Canton. These Dance Parties are open to the public and attract a large following of Line Dance enthusiasts. Frank's Line Dance Party has become one of our most popular events at the Italian American Festival.

More on Frank at www.traceofcountry.com

This Detroit area native has been performing on the stage since he was six years old. He has entertained audiences throughout North America and has opened for such names as The Smothers Brothers, Gary Puckett, The Gaylords, Don Rickles and Johnny Maestro. Aaron recently performed at Carnegie Hall in a sold-out tribute to Mario Lanza. He was chosen by film producer Sonny Grosso and 15 time Grammy winner, Phil Ramone to sing the role of Mario Lanza, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

In addition to extensive vocal training, Aaron has also classically studied piano for ten years and trombone for six. Aaron has performed for Tony Bennett who said to him "You sing like Mario Lanza". Don't miss the passion and romance of Aaron Caruso on stage at our festival.

More info on Aaron Caruso at www.aaroncaruso.com

The Rocky Chirchiglia Band has been in existence for 5 decades. Based in Youngstown, Ohio, they have entertained audiences at many Italian Festivals and functions throughout Ohio and western Pennsylvania. They have also recorded numerous albums and in 1994 won a Grammy Award nomination for their album Italian Favorites. Premiering this summer in Youngstown is the movie Fine-Tune which includes scenes shot in various Youngstown locations. The Rocky Chirchiglia Band appears in several scenes which shows them performing at an Italian Wedding.

Eddie Paolucci has been entertaining Akron area fans for many years as part of "Phil Palumbo and Pals", then "Eddie Paolucci and the Leftovers" and now with "The Carolyn and Jim Burns Band". Along with his great vocals on a wide variety of tunes, he is one of the finest trumpet / valve trombone players ever to come from the Akron area.

Jim Burns first joined "Eddie's Leftovers" at the Tangier Restaurant in Akron, Ohio around 1968 and has worked with Eddie ever since. He has also taught public school bands for 30 years and has arranged for the jazz bands of Kent State University and The University of Akron, and The Akron Symphony Orchestra. Carolyn Burns began studying jazz and popular singing in the mid 1980's. She has mastered singing in Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, French and German and can totally captivate the audience.

The Carolyn and Jim Burns Band, featuring Eddie Paolucci, combines the talents of these three individuals into a fantastic musical and entertainment experience.

Matt Schafer began playing the accordion at age seven and at thirteen began playing professionally with his father's band in the greater Akron area. At age twenty-six, Matt joined America's Polka King, Frank Yankovic, traveling throughout the United States and Canada.

In 1977, he formed his own band, and has been performing in the greater Akron-Canton area. Matt has served as president of the A.B.C. Polka Association and hosts a Saturday morning radio program on WZIP FM Akron, Ohio.

The Faiella's are a Father & Son Duo performing on acoustic guitar & mandolin. They will serenade you with the traditional, romantic sounds of Italy. Benny Faiella taught his son Mathew the mandolin after learning from his father many years ago. The Faiella's are not only keeping alive a lost art but also a great family tradition. Beautiful sounds... Wonderful times... Unforgettable Memories...