Written by: Maria Concetta Cefalu’
The history of Italians who emigrated to the United States from southern Italy: Campania, Abruzzo, Molise, Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria, and Sicily, in search of work, distinguishes four specific historical periods: colonial era, mid-19th century, first two decades of the 20th century, and post-1965. Italians emigrated mainly from the countryside or rural areas of the south, to start a new life. The musician Blaise Biagio Benevenga, a great Italian-American artist, who enchants with his wonderful shows and his wonderful voice, tells his story:
“My parents were born in Italy in a very small town called Palomonte, in the province of Salerno.
They came to America leaving their family and friends in the hope of giving their children a better life and many opportunities. Like many Italians in America, they worked many types of jobs to help provide for our family, because family is the greatest wealth of each of us”.
Where were you born?
“I was born in America and I live in New Jersey. I grew up listening to Italian music, specifically in our house my parents always listened to the Italian radio station, so I have always listened to Italian music and I loved it right away”. Blaise continues, “Growing up I always felt more Italian than American, the food, culture and heritage were in my blood. I loved music and learned to play piano and eventually took lessons and started my own Italian band called “La Nuova Generazione”. We played weddings and festivals all over New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. We were then able to join a larger band called “Vibrations” and toured Italy, after many years everyone got married and some members moved away, and the band broke up.”
How and why did you decide to start singing again?
“I missed playing Italian music, so a few years ago I decided to start all over again and listened to all the beautiful Italian songs that I used to listen to as a child, and I decided to bring back these wonderful classic songs, but I wanted to add my own interpretation with an innovative remix so that not only our generation will love to hear these songs played again, but also the new younger generation will appreciate the new dance rhythm.
All the songs that I have remade in covers and remixes make people dance and clap to the rhythm of our music, the typical joy of Italians.
Where have you performed?
I have been very fortunate to be able to travel to the United States and perform in Las Vegas, Arizona, Florida, New York etc.
I have also performed in Canada. I have performed with many of the great Italian artists on stage here in the United States such as Massimo Raineri, Pupo, Gigi D’Alessio, Umberto Tozzi, Cugini di Campania, Collage, Sandro Giacobbe, Mauro Nardi, and many more. It was a dream, a dream come true for me to share the stage with these great artists.
What songs have you released?
I have released two original songs titled “Solo Con Te” and “Sarai per Sempre”, I continue to perform all over the United States and I continue to keep our Italian culture and heritage alive through music
I participate in the biggest Italian/American shows in the United States and together with my Staff we have built a nice following
Soon, an Italian tour is planned with Italian songs of course.
What is your greatest pride?
The Italian blood that flows in my veins.
From Giornale Brancaccio e cultura a wish to Blaise of great success and satisfaction!