Italian Culture and Music Celebrated at the Library

Sharing a wealth of Italian music and culture with the audience, Gino Di Napoli performed at the on Monday afternoon.

Di Napoli, who currently resides in Bay Shore, is originally from Naples, Italy and immigrated to the United States nearly 40 years ago. In the past, Di Napoli has performed at Shea Stadium during the New York Mets' Italian Night celebration.

"Bringing music and different cultures to other people and other countries is very special," Di Napoli said of the Italian music he performs.

Di Napoli's performance is more than just a musical one. While he sings and plays the keyboard, he also teaches his audience about his culture. He translates some of his songs for the audience, and for other songs he can provide brief histories of who else has sung them and in what countries.

"These songs that are known to be traditionally Italian are sung all over the world, in many different languages, even in China and Japan," Di Napoli said.

The afternoon of Italian music was hosted by the Friends of the East Meadow Public Library, who provided refreshments during the performance.

"We get a large crowd of people who grew up during an era of popular artists like Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin," said Leah Ginibre, President of the Friends of East Meadow Public Library.

The audience tapped their toes and clapped their hands throughout Di Napoli's performance. Di Napoli played popular tunes like "O Solo Mio" and "That's Amore," and encouraged the audience to sing along.

"He's very entertaining and I really enjoyed that he was translating because I don't speak Italian," said Arlene Grife, a resident of Wantagh. "But I learned something today, and I really enjoyed his performance."