Experience Tuscany » Cultural Events

Effetto Venezia

ClairPhillys — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 17:17:57 +0000

The program of Effetto Venezia 2010 is finally out.
What is Effetto Venezia? It is a large event that takes place in Livorno Tuscany Italy every year. This will be the 25th consecutive year. So why Venezia if it is in Livorno? Well, Livorno is a seaside town, one with an ancient and strong maritime soul. Inside its territory it hosts a district called Venezia, as when it was built in the Seventeenth century it was planned with large canals to allow direct loading and discharging of goods from the sea vessels in the main port. The district was indeed one of rich merchants and seafarers. Tall buildings and large roads characterized and distinguished this part of town from the rest, also because the architectural design was taken from the Venetian one. Hence the name Venezia. However, World War II inflicted extremely heavy damages on the district, so much that the reconstruction works dragged for a good thirty years. In 1986 the first edition of Effetto Venezia celebrated the new Renaissance of this part of Livorno, and from that year on the festival is a must attend in the Livorno scene.
This year’s event will also introduce some novelties. It will extend beyond the district’s boundaries in locations with important events and shows. But the most important news is that from this year the maritime soul of the city is underlined even more with twin partnerships to celebrates other Mediterranean cultures. This year Spain will be celebrated with dances, music, theatrical representations and artistic exhibits of the prominent Spaniard gemstones. Dalì, Picasso, Flamenco, Zazuela, and Opera are the main events that among others will celebrate this twin partnership between Livorno and Spain.
Effetto Venezia 2010 will be in Livorno from July 30th to August 8th. The first day will start off with a White Night, where all shops of the city will be open all night long and the Palio dell’Antenna will be celebrated at the new docks of town, with final fireworks. It will be possible to eat in all restaurants that participate to Effetto Venezia for only 15 to 20 euros eating local cuisine.
As usual street markets will be available with local artisan production and street food specialties. In addition you will be able to live the romanticism of a row boat canal tour amidst the wonderful scenery of Livorno, which for the event will be completely lit up.
A must attend event. I will try to be there and make a video of what happens this year. Hope to make it!
Here is the link to the daily program. Unfortunately it is only in Italian.

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Vinum Nostrum in Florence

ClairPhillys — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:14:47 +0000

The history of wine is on display in Florence with Vinum Nostrum from July 19th, 2010 (tomorrow) until May 15th, 2011 at the Palazzo degli Argenti. The full title of the exhibit is Vinum Nostrum: Wine Art, Science and Myths among Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations.
Conviviality and drunkenness, door to spirituality and frowned-upon habit. The development of wine and wine costumes is taken into consideration from Mesopotamia to our days, passing through the positive and negative behaviors that this ancient beverage produces on human costumes and spirit. With the aid of videos and multimedia installations, original pieces, sculptures, mosaics and frescoes tell the story that grapevine and of wine have had through the millennia. Thanks to the exhibit the important influence of wine on ancient peoples is underlined.
The trail of the exhibit follows a chronological order, showing the origins of wine-production in the Middle East, stepping to ancient Greece to recount its full affirmation and strong symbolic, religious and cultural significance. The final step is the Roman world, which produced and consumed wine on a large-scale.
Thanks to the many archaeological remains from Vesuvian cities, it will be possible to view the reconstruction of the vineyards of Pompeii. In another section of the exhibit is illustrated the great contribution that the Phoenicians and Etruscans gave to the cultivation of wine grapes. They spread it throughout the Mediterranean basin.
On one side the exhibit shows the evolution of cultivation techniques, on the other there are special exhibits to illustrate the values associated with grapevine in religion and culture. A large series of crafts and depictions from remote epochs speak of divinities, festivities and rituals associated with wine. The cult of Bacchus is illustrated with rare sculptures and illustrated vases. To illustrate the importance of wine in everyday Roman life, sumptuous table services from patrician families are on display.
An antique cellar, reconstructed with modern means, helps the visitor understand ancient reality around wine. The cellar is based on finds discovered in Pompeii and on descriptions found in Latin literature writings. Cultivation tools, harvesting equipment, wooden barrels, wine amphorae, baskets, carts and all of the necessary paraphernalia.

Opening times
Daily: 8.15am – 4.30pm (November February), 8.15am – 5.30pm (March), 8.15am – 6.30pm (April, May, September and October), 8.15am – 5.30pm after (Daylight Saving Time is over), 8.15am – 6.50pm (June August). Closed on first and last Mondays of each month, New Year’s Day, May 1st and Christmas Day.

Tickets
Full: € 7,00, Reduced: € 3,50

Booking
Firenze Musei, Phone: +39 055 294883 (Booking fee: € 3,00)

More inof
Oficial website: http://www.unannoadarte.it/inglese/mostra3_presentazione.html
Phone: +39 0552388709, Email: argenti@polomuseale.firenze.it
Where: Piazza de’ Pitti,1, 50125 Florence (FI)

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Middle Ages in Palazzuolo sul Senio

ClairPhillys — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:22:31 +0000

…gli amori, le cortesie, l’audaci imprese io canto…
Ludovico Ariosto

Since the Middle Age has such a strong presence in Tuscany, Italy it is common to find many Medieval celebrations and reenactments here. However, the one in Palazzuolo sul Senio is particularly rich and organized to the smallest detail to give the visitor the real feel of the Middle Ages.
This year’s edition is the fourteenth and as usual is titled with a verse of a poem by a great Tuscan or Italian author of the past: “Gli amori, le cortesie, l’audaci imprese io canto” is a quote from Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso, or The Fury of Orlando.
The festival starts today and will go the entire week-end and the following one. The dates are from July 16 to the 18th and from the 23rd to the 25th. Each day is rich of events and reenactments. Particularly impressive and noteworthy are the army camps reconstructed to the detail. At certain times of the day the armies face each other along the river banks to reenact a Mediaval style battle. Weapons, armory, and battling techniques are all taken from historical documents and brought back to life by groups of people passionate about this historical period. In addition there are guided tours of the army camps showing the uses, lifestyle and accommodations of warriors, a great occasion to discover authentic facts on Medieval times.
A major event will be the Palio of the 13th towns on Sunday the 18th. The day starts at 10 am, and visitors are given the chance to watch armed fighting demonstrations and also take part to them with the instructions of experienced instructors. The Palio starts at 4 pm with the parade to end in the square of arms where jousting and battling will take place to determine the final winner.
The following Sunday will be the time of the Palio of Campana, or the Bell Jousting. It is inspired by the time when Florence took away the bell from the town’s belfry to punish the people for their insurrections. This happened 600 years ago. Today the jousting takes place with catapults and armored fighting against the two factions of Guelphs and Ghibellines.
However if you cannot make it for the main Sunday events, also Fridays and Saturdays will give you many entertaining occasions. There will be scenic performances, trickery shows, and many exhibits reproducing the Medieval lifestyle and common uses, like magicians, the slave market and the gynoecium, or house of women.

Getting to Palazzuolo sul Senio:

View Medieval Festival in Palazzuolo sul Senio in a larger map

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Mercantia 2010 in Certaldo

ClairPhillys — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:50:42 +0000

It’s been 22 years now, and for the 23rd year Mercantia is ready to take the streets of Certaldo in Tuscany and invade them with its magic again, like every year. Street artists from all over Italy, Europe and the world will start today to deliver their performances in what has been defined as the Fourth Theater. Hundreds of shows are “on stage” during this event, filling every day and every corner of the old Certaldo.
The first shows start at around 9 pm each evening. There will be many performances going on at the same time in many parts of town. Street music bands (not at all the municipal band with majorette, if that is what you are thinking of), street theater, jugglers and acrobats, tight rope walkers, live music players and groups, traditional dances from around Italy and the world, comic shows, comedians, percussion sets from southern Italy, contemporary circus, one man/woman shows, exhibits, arts, local craftsmanship, martial arts, oriental dancing, Chinese contortionists, and of course local food and wine to accompany the celebrations.
The list of artists is really endless and the program so full it is impossible to describe in a comprehensive manner. The best thing is to visit the official website of Mercantia which unfortunately is in Italian only.
Throughout the years the performers names at Mercantia have continuously changed, adding more and more international performances of great success. It is an inimitable event that has boasts innumerable attempts of imitation. The uniqueness of its traits are primarily given by the charm of Certaldo. This medieval town near Florence is just what you would expect a city with middle age origins to look like. Its streets and homes are therefore the perfect location for a show that deepens its roots in the medieval tradition of minstrels and jokers. The scenery is enriched by the many artisans that make their creations live, adding an even more unique flavor to the whole atmosphere.
Tickets are 10 euros on Wednesdey and Thursday, 12 Euros on Friday and Sunday, and 18 Euros on Saturday. There are reduced priced options for groups and kids.

To get to Certaldo follow the map below:

View Mercantia Festival in Certaldo in a larger map

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Italia Wave Love Festival 2010

ClairPhillys — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:37:44 +0000

The 2010 music invasion of Livorno is all set to go with the Italia Wave Love Festival. Five full days of music will cover Livorno like a blanked of notes. But it won’t be a lullaby, as the groove is going to make your feet move to the beat. There are 20 different countries represented by more than 86 artists and groups, from all music backgrounds.
The festival renews its young beat that as usual will develop on several locations throughout the city. Each day there are concerts going on at the same time, and each stage is oriented towards a music genre.
Forget about Sanremo. This is the most famous Italian music festival worldwide! Many international artists will be in Livorno for their sole Italian date.
DJ sets and electronic music will be played in front of the beach during the morning, but also n the antique Fortress of Livorno. Here in the fortress will be the headquarters of Jazz music and cinema, that will go on until dawn. Italia Wave is not only music, but also interactive design, comics, literature, sports, and conferences.
The stages
The names of the various stages are the Wake Up Stage, where all concerts start at 10 am, the Psycho Stage played in the afternoon, the Main Stage at the Livorno Stadium, the Elettrowave Stage at the Palamacchia near the stadium, and the Cult Stage where all conferences take place in the fortress.

Here is the entire program of the Italia Wave Love Festival 2010. Click on each date to expand the program.

July 21

July 22

July 23

July 24

July 25

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Discover Maremma: Vivamus

ClairPhillys — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:47:48 +0000

Vivamus is a new initiative by the municipality of Manciano and is the main event in Manciano, Saturnia and Montemerano. It is an event with a unique essence. Travelers and locals alike can discover and rediscover the real spirit of the Tuscan region of Maremma, its history, the intriguing development, its culinary traditions and arts.
The event will be held starting July 15th until the 18th and will be based entirely on the subject of Maremma, presented from a different point of view, certainly a fascinating and exciting one.
Four days for three different towns to promote the region Maremma region of Tuscany under all aspects. The event will be divided under three main themes. The first will be Natural environment, food, wine and culture in Manciano, the second Culture in Montemerano and the third Body and Mind Wellness in Saturnia.
A photographic contest accompanies the event. The photo contest opened on June 1st and will end on September 30th. All pictures that have been made available by July 8th will be on show at Vivamus 2010.

A little bit about Maremma, Manciano, Saturnia and Montemerano
The Maremma is a region of stunning beauty and wonder, the best place to visit for all those who also appreciate wild nature and art, a piece of paradise in the south of Tuscany, located between the Tyrrhenian coast and Mount Amiata, in a context of environments undeniably unique in its kind.

Manciano is a charming village with ancient origins. Born in medieval times, it is known today for the great Aldobrandesca Fortress mastering the town. Through the centuries the town became famous for the stories of brigands hiding in the woods and for the view it offers. The site offers unique sights over the Maremma region. It is a very interesting village to discover, full of buildings and monuments to admire.

Saturnia is the peal of Maremma. It originated as a beautiful village built in Roman times and is now popular for its thermal waters, known for their beneficial and curative effects, unique in the world. Get lost in a sea of relax in one of the many spa pools. Visit the thermal resort, or the Cascate del Mulino or Gorello where the sulfurous waters spring naturally.

Montemerano is a charming town that overlooks a small hill, near the Saturnia baths and approximately 30 minutes from the mount Amiata. It is a wonderful example of medieval art, a delicious heritage that has survived centuries of wars and history to be admired today.

Vivamus is also much more than this. Games, discovery, culture, ang gastronomy can all be found on the official website of Vivamus. (Unfortunately in Italian only, but you can use an online translator like google translate).

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Summer Festivals in Tuscany

ClairPhillys — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:48:06 +0000

Performing arts festivals are to be found all over Tuscany each summer season. It is a wonderful occasion to stay in Tuscany and break the usual museum routine. Shows by Italian and international artists give the occasion of spending evenings in exceptionally beautiful outdoor locations or wonderful theaters, sharing the same entertainments of local Tuscan people.
Three festivals will make the Tuscan summer more exciting. They are the Lucca Summer Festival, the Festival delle Colline in and near Prato, and the Tuscan Sun Festival in Cortona.

Lucca Summer Festival
This is the 13th edition of this happening. It lasts the entire month of July and this year starts on July 4th ending on the 27th, with a large number of Italian and International artists. On July 10th the singer and guitarist of Dire Straits Mark Knopfler will be in concert at 9,30 pm in Piazza Napoleone. Tickets are 35 to 50 euros. On the 16th Seal is in Piazza Napoleone at 8,45 pm. Tickets are 30 to 40 euros. Crosby Stills and Nash are in Piazza Napoleone on the 18th at 9,30 pm. Tickets are 32 to 50 euros. Two free concerts on the 22nd and the 24th for young Italian artists, Summer Giovani and Karima. The first is a collection of young artists at 9,30 in Piazza Napoleone, while Karima is a solo concert at 9,30 pm. On the same location will be Paco de Lucia on the 9th of July at 9,30 pm. Tickets at 40 euros. ZZ Top and Jeff Beck are on stage on the 13th at 9,00 pm in Piazza napoleone. Tickets are 40 euros. Same location and price for Eros Ramazzotti on the 17th at 9,30 pm, while Paoplo Nutini is on stage on the 20th at 9 pm in Piazza Napoleone at 30 euros per person. Simply Red are on July 23rd during their farewell final tour at 9,30 in Piazza Napoleone at 40 euros per ticket. Placebo are on stage on July 27th at 9,30 pm at 30 euros per ticket in Piazza Napoleone.
For online tickets click here.

Festival delle Colline
An all-women show in and near the city of Prato All concerts start at 9,30 pm. On July 8th in Carmignano at the amphitheater of Villa Medicea di Artiminio Rosalia de Souza will entertain at 9,30 pm. Tickets are 8 euros. On July 13th Monica Demuru is in concert with Cristiano Calcagnile at Villa San Gaudenzio in Vaiano at 5 euros per person. Susy Bellucci on July 15th is at Villa Novellucci in Cantagallo at 5 euros per person. Esperanza Spalding will be in Pogio a Caiano at The Villa Medicea on July 22 at 10 euros. In case of rain the concert will be at the Ambra Theater, indoors.

Cortona Tuscan Sun Festival
Every year the Tuscan Sun Festival in Cortona is the twin happening of the Napa Valley Festival Del Sole in California. This year’s festival will be from July 30th to August 6. The entire week is dedicated not only to evening art events, but also to learning and getting involved into what is the artistic heritage of Tuscany, from cooking to fresco making. The eclectic program includes a wide variety of disciplines to be discovered at the official website of the Tuscan Sun Festival Website. From the 31st of July onwards each evening features a main concert or dance exhibitions with artists of the caliber of Joshua Bell, Sting and others.

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Jazz & Wine in Montalcino at Banfi Castle

ClairPhillys — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 06:19:21 +0000

From July 14 to the 24, 2010 Banfi Castle presents his program for the 13th Edition of the Jazz & Wine Festival in Montalcino.
There will be artists of great standing, from Robin Eubanks to the Avion Travel for a total of eight greats to celebrate the pairing of fine jazz and fine wine.
The festival is one of the longest running and most recognized Italian music events. It was established in 1998 thanks to the cooperation between the Banfi Castle vineyard estate, deeply tied to the Montalcino territory and its traditions. The town of Montalcino and the Jazz & Image Cultural Organization of Rome help in to organize the event. The result is a rich and diverse program that describes jazz in its many aspects. The female voices of jazz receive a special attention.

On the 14th of July the opening concert will take place inside the Banfi Castle in the magnificent frame of its medieval walls. It will be Robin Eubanks with Pippo Matino Quartet to open up this series of concerts. The elctric bass of Martino will accompany the international star for an interesting duo.
As usual, on the second day of concerts, the festival moves to the splendid 13th century fortress of Montalcino. The night of the 15th Danilo Rea will delight with Piano Solo.
Friday July 16 The Maria Joao Duo performs at the fortress. It is the first of three female voice concerts during the weekend. The singer is from Lisbon, Portugal. Her unique timbre is charming and she grew artistically with some of the greatest international jazz celebrities.
The first week will end with Rossana Casale and her splendid voice on Saturday July 17. She will be performing with “The Wine Concert and Readings”, her quartet with the perfect name for the event.
Sunday July 18th is Roberta Gambarini Quartet to be on stage. She is one of the most famous and appreciated voices of Italian jazz, a talent with unsurpassed improvisations and interpretations.

The second week starts on Thursday July 22nd with The Trio Mirabassi-Renzi-Parker, while on July 23 the trio Pietropaoli-DeVito-Mazzariello dedicating their tribute concert to Joni Mitchell.
July 24 is the finale evening with the closing concert featuring Avion Travel.

All concerts start at 10,45 pm and tickets range from 10 to 13 euros. This is going to be the 13th edition of the Jazz & Wine Festival in Montalcino, the city of Brunello!

More info and tickets at Pro-Loco Montalcino Phone: +39 0577 849331 Email: info@prolocomontalcino.it

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Pistoia Blues 2010

ClairPhillys — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:05:54 +0000

From July 14th to the 18th in Pistoia, Italy will be held the 2010 Pistoia Blues event.
Like every year the series of concerts in Tuscany will see the greatest stars among Italian and international blues singers and players. Names like North Atlantic Oscillation, Gamma Ray, Mario Biondi, Jame Hunter, The Robert Cray Band and many others will alternate on the stage of the Tuscan stage to deliver great blues music to thousands of spectators.
Frank Zappa will be celebrated on the 70th year after his birthday and 28 years after his great performance on the same stage. Zappa lovers will assist at “Dweezil Zappa plays Zappa” on the 17th of July.
The same night will also be themed with the title of “Blues Night”. There will be artists scattered all over the old town city center, in addition to the main stage in the Cathedral square.

Here the full program of the 2010 edition of Pistoia Blues:

Wednesday July 14th in the Cathedral Square:
Gates will open at 6,30 pm, concerts will start at 7,30 pm
Astra open up the evening, followed by North Atlantic Oscillation, Anathema and Porcupine Tree. The last three artists are all on their sole Italian date.

Thursday July 15th in the Cathedral Square:
Gates will open at 6 pm, concerts will start at 7,30 pm
Labyrinth open this evening series of concerts and will be followed by Hammerfall, Gamma Ray and Queensryce. The last three artists are also all on their sole Italian date.

Friday July 16th in the Cathedral Square:
Gates will open at 8 pm, the concert will start at 9,30 pm
There will be a single concert this evening with the all Italian artist Mario Biondi entertaining for the whole duration. The singer has one of the “blackest” voices in the panorama of white singers, and certainly the blackest voice for Italy. His deep, round, yet incisive voice has often been compared to that of the great, and unfortunately late, Barry White.

Saturday July 17th in the Cathedral Square:
Gates will open at 6 pm, concerts will start at 7 pm
The Last Standing & Lean On Me Gospel Choir open the evening, followed by Buddy Whittington, Raphael Gualazzi, James Hunter, Dweezil Zappa plays Zappa and Buddy Guy.

Saturday July 17th at the Bolognini Theater:
At 5 pm Enzo Gentile holds the conference on Jimi Hendrix. At 9 pm Micah P. Hinson is in concert followed by Buddy Whittington at half past Midnight.

Sunday July 18th in the Cathedral Square:
Gates will open at 6 pm, concerts will start at 7 pm
The opening concert is by Francesco More, followed by Sergio Montaleni Band, General Stratocuster & The Marshals, Cedric Burnside & Lightnin Malcolm, the Robert Cray Band on their sole Italian date and Jimmie Vaughan featuring Lou Ann Barton.

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Exhibits in Tuscany: Summer 2010

ClairPhillys — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 13:50:40 +0000

Summer just begun, but many important art exhibitions in Tuscany already opened their doors some time ago. Large cities and small towns host unique, must-see exhibitions from ancient Egypt to contemporary art. Museums all over Tuscany land their spaces for these art events.
Florence and Siena are at the top of the list with their multi-site events including many art locations on their historic centers. The Renaissance and contemporary art are the main themes of these exhibits, with an eye to contemporary art.

Florence
The Florentine group of exhibits is called A Year in Art: Florence 2010. Six exhibitions display art from the Renaissance to Baroque periods. Works of Caravaggio and Medici portraits are just some of the pieces on show.
From May 22 to October 17 Caravaggio is at the Galleria Palatina in Palazzo Pitti and the Uffizi, with themes from the Medici, the Quattrocento and Humanism.
The Medici return in the exhibit Paris is Well Worth a Mass! dedicated to Henry IV of France, assassinated in 1610. The king was the husband of Maria of Medici. He was commemorated in the San Lorenzo Church with painting about facts of his life. The exhibition is held from July 15 to November 2 at the Museum of the Medici Chapels.
Vinum Nostrum is the exhibit dedicated to the art, science and myth around wine in ancient Mediterranean civilizations. It is held from July 20 to May 15, 2011 at the Museo degli Argenti.
Virtues of Love, marriage in Fifteenth century Florentine painting is at the Accademia Gallery from June 8 to November 1 and it introduces the visitor to the universe of Fifteenth century private bridal rooms densely decorated with artistic designs.
The three large Sixteenth-century bronzes by Giovanfrancesco Rustici are on show at the The Great Bronzes from the Rustici baptistery and Leonardo from 10 September to 10 January 2011.
De Chirico, Max Ernst, Magritte, Balthus. A look into the invisible is at Palazzo Strozzi until July 18, while from September 24 to January 23, 2011 the Palazzo will host Bronzino artist and poet. Also at the Strozzina is also featured As soon as possible. Time and social acceleration from May 14 to July 18.

Siena
From Jacopo della Quercia to Donatello is in Siena until July 11 at Santa Maria della Scala in Siena. It is an ideal art trip from Simone Martini to the influence of Donatello and the Renaissance.
Macchiaoli in Montepulciano gives the chance to enjoy works never seen before. Until September 25 seventy works from the most innovative artistic movements of the last century.

Pisa
Along the Nile is in Pisa at the Blue Palace until July 25. A journey in the era of the Egyptians and the archaeological expeditions that made great this civilization in our days.

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