The Drive Main Stage

12:00 - 1:00pm Opening Ceremony
2:00 - 3:00pm Carmelina Cupo | Headliner
4:00 - 5:30pm Antonio Larosa | Headliner
5:45 - 6:05pm Dustin Hiles
6:50 - 8:00pm The A-Deez (80s Tribute)

Melissa De Genova, MC

Melissa De Genova is President of the Italian Day Festival Society and a dedicated champion of Italian culture, heritage, and community. Through her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to the festival, she plays a key role in ensuring Italian Day on The Drive continues to thrive as one of Vancouver’s premier cultural celebrations.

OPENING CEREMONY

Beginning at noon, featuring guest speakers and special performances.

CARMELINA CUPO | HEADLINER

Award-winning artist and headliner, Carmelina Cupo brings powerhouse vocals and global flair to the stage, from Italian Day to stadiums of 80,000.

ANTONIO LAROSA | HEADLINER

Antonio Larosa is a country-roots artist blending blues grit, vintage rock, and classic country storytelling — a three-time BC Country Music Association Roots Artist of the Year and one of our headliners.

DUSTIN HILES

Mentored by Domingo and Caballé, Vancouver tenor Dustin Lee Hiles has performed for royalty and sung with opera companies across Canada, the US, and Europe.

THE A-DEEZ (80'S TRIBUTE)

The A-Deez have been keeping the ’80s alive for over a decade, with Mark Olexson—king of eighties music—on lead vocals, serving up totally awesome tunes and retro vibes.

GRANDVIEW PARK STAGE

12:30 - 12: 50pm Gruppo Folcloristico (Children’s Choir)
1:30 - 2:15pm Stephen Scaccia & The Groove Collective
2:50 - 3:50pm Luna Rossa
4:25 - 5:25pm Laura Crema
5:45 - 6:05pm Denis Mayer Jr.
6:45 - 8:00pm - Jany B Band

Cathy Cena, MC

Born in Taurianova, Calabria, Cathy Cena is a dynamic entrepreneur, media personality, and community leader based in Port Moody, BC. Through her work with FDT Academy, The Chat TV, and numerous community initiatives, she is recognized for her commitment to community engagement, leadership, and celebrating her Italian heritage. www.cathycena.com

• Cathy Cena
• Fostering Debate Talent Company

GRUPPO FOLCLORISTICO (CHILDREN’S CHOIR)

The Children’s Folk Choir represents the Veneto region and brings cherished Italian traditions to life through song and dance — a beloved part of the festival’s cultural celebration.

LUNA ROSSA

Led by Patrizia Coletta, Luna Rossa is a dynamic trio known for their multilingual mix of Italian, Latin, and international hits, creating a lively and engaging experience for all.

STEPHEN SCACCIA & THE GROOVE COLLECTIVE

Burnaby's Stephen Scaccia & The Groove Collective: a 6-piece R&B/pop band with stages shared alongside Bublé and anthems sung for the Canucks, Whitecaps, and BC Lions.

LAURA CREMA

Italo-Canadian jazz vocalist Laura Crema brings rare, pure tone and deep songbook mastery — six acclaimed albums, CBC praise, and stages across Canada and Europe.

DENIS MAYER JR.

Denis Mayer Jr. dwells between baritone and tenor, blending classical and pop with an operatic style that's emotionally powerful and tonally rich.

JANY B BAND

Jany Barucci and her band captivate with an angelic voice and heartfelt passion, delivering themed performances that move audiences to the core.

ONNI PIAZZA MODA STAGE

12:00 - 1pm DJ Nick Fazio
1:00 - 1:35pm Lou Marocco + Stefanie Artuso
1:45 - 2:05pm JAC / Atelier GRANDI / Kalena’s Shoes
2:15 - 2:35pm Dustin Hiles
2:45 - 3:30pm DJ Nick Fazio
3:30 - 3:50pm Luvinya
3:55 - 4:30pm DJ Nick Fazio
4:35 - 4:55pm Jany Barucci
5:10 - 5:30pm JAC / Atelier GRANDI / Kalena’s Shoes
5:30 - 7:00pm DJ Nick Fazio

Irena Demarco, Fashion Show Producer

Irena Demarco is a respected leader in Vancouver’s fashion and Italian cultural communities, known for her work with Vancouver Fashion Week and her contributions to the Vancouver Calabrese community and the Miss Calabria pageant. As Fashion Show Producer for Italian Day’s two signature fashion shows, she brings her expertise, creativity, and passion for celebrating Italian style and culture.

Thomas Stewart, MC

Thomas Stewart is a proud first-generation Italian-Canadian and active member of Vancouver’s Italian community. Through his involvement with the Associazione Culturale Calabrese and the Miss Calabria Pageant, he is recognized for his commitment to celebrating Italian culture, heritage, and community. A familiar face at Italian Day on The Drive, Thomas is honoured to once again serve as MC of the Onni Piazza Moda Stage.

DJ NICK FAZIO

DJ Nick Fazio brings smooth mixes and feel-good energy to the decks, spinning a crowd-friendly blend of classic tunes and contemporary hits with an Italian twist.

LOU MAROCCO + STEFANIE ARTUSO

Lou Marocco & Stefanie Artuso bring charm and vocal flair to the stage — rat-pack standards, Italian classics, and legends like Sinatra, Elvis, and Neil Diamond.

FASHION SHOW: JAC / ATELIER GRANDI / KALENA SHOES

Atelier GRANDI, JAC by Jacqueline Conoir, and Kalena Italian Shoes come together for two stylish fashion shows, featuring artful designs, feminine Euro-inspired looks, and Italian-made shoes and handbags with nearly 60 years of heritage on The Drive.
Fashion show produced by Irena Demarco

• JAC
• ATELIER GRANDI
• KALENA SHOES

Natalina Flex, MC

Natalina Flex is a proud first-generation Italian-Canadian, community ambassador, and recipient of the Miss Calabria 2023 title. Through her involvement with the Italian community, she is recognized for her commitment to celebrating Italian culture, heritage, and community engagement. Natalina is honoured to be part of Italian Day and help share the spirit of the Italian community.

DUSTIN HILES

Mentored by Domingo and Caballé, Vancouver tenor Dustin Lee Hiles has performed for royalty and sung with opera companies across Canada, the US, and Europe. Tribute to Mario Lanza

LUVINYA

Singer-songwriter Luvinya infuses pop and R&B into original music that shines — Best in Vancouver winner (2023) and debut EP Elasta Girl out in 2024.

JANY BARUCCI

Jany Barucci captivates with an angelic voice and heartfelt passion, delivering themed performances that move audiences to the core.

GRANT STAGE

12:00 - 12:50pm DJ Stella Capone
1:20 - 2:20pm Cristina Barbosa & Fernando Vicente
2:50 - 3:35pm Opera 101
4:10 - 5:10pm Palma D’Andrea
5:20 - 8:00pm Dance Party w/ DJ Storm & Stella Capone

Mario Miceli, MC

Mario Miceli is Executive Director of Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre and a respected community leader with more than 30 years of executive and volunteer experience. Born in Rome and raised in Burnaby, he is dedicated to strengthening community connections through leadership, mentorship, and cultural engagement.

DJ STELLA CAPONE

Local DJ Stella Capone brings high-energy, feel-good sets to every crowd — from nightclubs and private events to performing for the Vancouver Canucks.

CRISTINA BARBOSA & FERNANDO VICENTE

Cristina & Fernando of the Gianni Fuoco Band bring 25 years of pop, oldies, and Italian and Latin favorites. With special guest Carmine joining for traditional Italian songs

OPERA 101

Join Italian Canadian soprano Chloé Hurst, baritone Aaron Durand and pianist Perri Lo for an unforgettable show!

PALMA D'ANDREA

Classically trained but genre-free, Palma's repertoire spans opera to pop — and she goes wherever the song takes her.

DANCE PARTY W/ DJ STORM & STELLA CAPONE

The Grant Stage & Piazza come alive with music and dancing as DJ Storm (Jeff Gentile) and Stella Capone (Sophia Sato) take over for an all-out dance party.

THE DRIVE GIARDINO BEVERAGE GARDEN | GRAVELEY STREET

Bar Corso, The Drive and ONELIGHT come together for a day of cold Moretti beer on draft, great regional food, and the full energy of Italian Day on Commercial Drive. Raise a glass. Live Italian.

DJ Madness 5pm - 8pm

Partnered with: Birra Moretti, MASI Wines, Aperol, Bar Corso and exclusive food vendor Bar Corso

MASI BEVERAGE GARDEN | 4TH ST. WEST

Raise a glass at the Masi Beverage Garden — your piazza-style retreat on The Drive. Sip Italian-focused wines alongside cold beers and refreshing drinks, and toast la dolce vita with friends in true festival style.

Partnered with: Birra Moretti, MASI Wines, Aperol, Campari, Woods Spirit Co, Hoyne Beer, Casali Lambrusco and Milano Coffee for Espresso Martinis

LAVISH BEVERAGE GARDEN | GRANDVIEW PARK

The Lavish Beverage Garden is your piazza-style retreat on The Drive. Cold beers, wines, and refreshing drinks flow all day alongside hot slices of pizza — soak in the festival energy and toast la dolce vita with friends in true Italian style.

Partnered with: Birra Moretti, MASI Wines, Aperol, Campari, Woods Spirit Co, Hoyne Beer, Casali Lambrusco Milano Coffee for Espresso Martinis PLUS exclusive food vendor Pizza Rubato

PARKER STAGE

1:00 - 1:45pm Vancouver Fire and Rescue
2:25 - 3:25pm Jany Barucci
3:50 - 4:50pm Lou Marocco & Stefanie Artuso
5:15 - 6:00pm Dino DiNicolo + Dorothy Godlinski
6:30 - 7:30pm Luna Rossa

LOU MAROCCO + STEFANIE ARTUSO

Lou Marocco & Stefanie Artuso bring charm and vocal flair to the stage — rat-pack standards, Italian classics, and legends like Sinatra, Elvis, and Neil Diamond.

VANCOUVER FIRE RESCUE SERVICES BAND

Founded in 1927, the Vancouver Fire Rescue Services Band is North America's longest-serving fire department band — active firefighters and volunteers performing across the Lower Mainland.

• VANCOUVER FIRE RESCUE SERVICES BAND

DINO DINICOLO + DOROTHY GODLINSKI

Bassist Dino DiNicolo spans decades and continents in groove, joining vocalist Dorothy Godlinski for a hot menu of funk, soul, jazz, R&B, and world vibes.

JANY BARUCCI

Jany Barucci captivates with an angelic voice and heartfelt passion, delivering themed performances that move audiences to the core.

LUNA ROSSA

Led by Patrizia Coletta, Luna Rossa is a dynamic trio known for their multilingual mix of Italian, Latin, and international hits, creating a lively and engaging experience for all. with special guest Danilo Ciaccia.

PASTIFICIO DI MARTINO PASTA EATING CONTEST + DJ STAGE

12:00 - 2:00pm DJ Vick Mazzei
2:00 - 2:45pm Pasta Eating Contest (adults)
2:45 - 3:30pm Pasta Eating Contest (children)
3:30 - 5:00pm DJ Vick Mazzei (dance party)
5:00 - 5:45pm Pasta Eating Contest (adults)
5:45 - 6:30pm Pasta Eating Contest (children)
6:30 - 7:30pm DJ Vick Mazzei (dance party)

DJ VICK MAZZEI

DJ Vick Mazzei is a veteran of the local Italo-Canadian DJ scene, bringing generations together with a mix of Italian classics and contemporary favourites — and a long-time favourite at our pasta-eating contests!

*Dance Party: 3:30 – 5:00 pm
*Dance Party: 6:30 – 7:30 pm

PASTA EATING CONTEST (CHILDREN)

The Youth Pasta Eating Contest brings fun and friendly competition to the table, as young participants dig into pasta with enthusiasm and plenty of sauce-covered smiles.

PASTA EATING CONTEST (ADULTS)

A crowd favourite, the Adult Pasta Eating Contest serves up big laughs and even bigger appetites as contestants race to finish their plate of pasta—no hands allowed!

SALSA PIAZZA

1:00 - 7:30pm DJ MIXXX

DJ MIXXX

Montreal-born, Vancouver-based DJ MiXXX is an award-winning Latin DJ blending salsa, bachata, reggaetón, hip hop, and more into explosive, floor-filling sets.

VANCOUVER STREET OPERA

2:30 - 3:15pm @4th Ave
4:30 - 5:15pm @ 6th Avenue

ROAMING OPERA | 4TH AVENUE

Vancouver Street Opera brings roaming performances to life with powerful vocals and theatrical flair, delighting audiences.

ROAMING OPERA | 6TH AVENUE

Catch the magic of opera in the streets as Vancouver Street Opera pops up with surprise performances.

CREATIVE FACES | GRANDVIEW PARK

Creative Faces by Grace transforms kids into princesses, superheroes, and anything in between — fun, vibrant face painting for all ages.

LIVING MAGIC | 6TH AVE EAST

Living Magic brings interactive magic, juggling and balloon twisting to Italian Day — where kids don't just watch the show, they become part of it.

JELKS CARNIVAL GAMES | WILLIAM ST WEST

Step right up! Jelks Carnival brings the midway to Commercial Drive with classic carnival games guaranteed to delight kids and keep the whole family entertained.