The City Rhythm Orchestra has been entertaining audiences since 1985 with their sophisticated style and upbeat brand of music. They've been praised by critics in their hometown of Philadelphia and in cities across the country and abroad. Bandleaders Pete Spina and Nick Vallerio have consistently created exciting music with their key ingredients of fine horn players, a smokin' rhythm section, and innovative arrangements. The depth of their 1,000 tune play list is truly astounding. The musicians sound quite at home with all styles they approach, from jazz & swing to blues & rock. City Rhythm's vocalists add a special quality to the group with their dynamic range and versatility. The entire ensemble puts a personal stamp on their music, a distinct signature that has established that "City Rhythm sound".

Performance credits include an incredible list of venues and events. They have entertained at thousands of special occasions and have traveled the world presenting their music at notable concert venues, music festivals and nightclubs in Philadelphia (Kimmel Center, Mann Music Center, Penn's Landing, Art Museum, Zanzibar Blue, The Five Spot); Atlantic City (Trump Plaza, Taj Mahal, Hilton Casino); New York (Lincoln Center, Hudson River Festival, Swing 46, The Blue Note, The Metropolitan Room, The Supper Club); Boston (Faneuil Hall, North End Festival, Swing City); Washington, DC (Clarendon Ballroom, Glen Echo Ballroom); Tampa (Savoy South, Belleview Biltmore Resort, Heritage Village); San Francisco (Sweets Ballroom, Biscuits & Blues Club); and many other locations. The band has also played internationally and recently completed two successful tours of Italy.

City Rhythm has recorded several successful CDs, including "Goin' to Town" (1994), "Swinging Blue" (1997), "City Rhythm Strikes Again" (1999), "Sounds of Hope" (2001), "Vibrant Tones" (2005), and "Songs You Can Live By - Volumes 1 & 2" (2007). Extensive airplay for "Vibrant Tones" earned it a spot on the national jazz charts for 18 weeks and the disc landed in Jazzweek's List of the Top 50 CDs for 2005.

Mary Mancini has achieved national and international acclaim for her vocal versatility and command of all styles of music. Her repertoire includes eight languages. Whether performing our National Anthem for the New York Yankees and the Milwaukee Brewers or captivating audiences in concert halls and theaters across the US, Canada, Europe and China, Mary Mancini consistently brings audiences to their feet with her musical interpretations of: International favorites, Broadway tunes, Opera, the Classics, and Pop. In addition, her inspiring renditions from the Sacred music repertoire have touched the hearts of people around the world.

Mary has been called "the woman with the golden voice." Her growing list of achievements, honors and awards include recognition from: The International Festival of the Arts (Canada), The Chinese Government, The American Song Festival, The American Cancer Society, Guardia Lombardi Society, Circolo da Vinci Society, Westchester Community College - Il Club Italiano, and recently the Lifetime Award for Achievement in the Arts presented by the Order of Sons of Italy in America, NYS Grand Lodge Foundation.

Mario Tacca was born in Italy. During his childhood, his family moved to the Alsace Lorraine region of France where he began his musical studies. This is where his love and intense desire to play the accordion began. He loved the sound! He would pick up the accordion and imitate some of the songs his mother used to sing. The desire and love never diminished, despite having to walk three miles weekly to his teacher with his instrument strapped to his back!

While in France, he was the winner of many regional and national accordion competitions. He went on to become a world champion, winning the World Cup of Italy, the Grand Prix of Paris, the US National Competition and the International Accordion competition held at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

Mario Tacca dazzles audiences across the US and around the world with his unmatched virtuosity on the accordion and his exciting interpretations of international music, the classics and pop.

Special Shows for 2009 Trip
All of these great performers will be presenting some very special shows and entertainment during the 2009 trip to the Amalfi Coast and Rome.

The first four shows will take place during the Amalfi Coast portion of the trip. The show room is part of the Raito Hotel Congress Center and features a grand space with a wrap around terrace overlooking the sea. On show nights, following dinner in the hotel dining room, you are just steps away from the fabulous entertainment. The planned presentations include:

• A Tribute to Sinatra
  Steve Ritrovato and the City Rhythm Orchestra will present an award winning tribute to Ol' Blue Eyes. The 10-piece band recreates the great arrangements of Nelson Riddle and Billy May, while Steve delivers the Sinatra songbook with style. This show has been featured at nightclubs and concert halls across the USA.
• A Wonderful World
  This show presents Internationally acclaimed artists Mary Mancini and Mario Tacca accompanied by the City Rhythm Orchestra in their "Wonderful World" show, featuring music from around the world and Broadway, including "The Sound of Music" and "Phantom of the Opera".

• Disco Fever
  It's time to get out of your seat for a special night of music and dancing as City Rhythm presents the hits of the 70's. Singers Vicki Woodlyn and Rich Cox with the band's great horn section will bring back memories with the funk and disco hits that made the nightclubs in the USA and Europe come alive. With these great tunes, everyone is bound to want to join in the fun.
• A Classical Night in Italy
  Any musical journey to Italy must include the works of the great masters and the composers of opera. Mary and Mario will present an evening of classical music, opera arias, and Italian songs by Verdi, Puccini, and others.
• An Evening in Roma
  Once in Rome, the dining opportunities are abundant and one special night will include dinner at a local restaurant with the music of the great Italian American singers of the 1950's. From Dean Martin's "That's Amore" to Connie Francis' "Mamma" to Louis Prima's "Oh Marie", you will feel like you are on a movie set of the era. The entire ensemble will perform and bring you some of the greatest hits of all time.
• Local Flavor
  In addition to the evening shows, there will be other opportunities for the performers to entertain and serenade you. A special lunch is planned at a mozzarella farm in Paestum that will include traditional Italian music, sing alongs and the Tarantella. One morning in Rome you will be invited to a nearby Basilica for a concert and Mass with Mary Mancini and the brass players. On the last night of the trip you can join the City Rhythm orchestra at a nearby nightclub as the musicians jam with local jazz artists.

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