Episode Details

March Is Women’s History Month on ITALICS. We’ll learn why L is for Lion, An Italian Bronx Butch Freedom Memoir, a new book by Annie Lanzillotto, Author and Performance Artist, we’ll join Lucia Grillo as she goes to the 29th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Nevada, this year highlighting Italian Butteri, or Cowboys, some of who are Women, then we’ll hear about, 2013-The Year of Italian Culture in the United States the Italian Heritage and Culture Month Committee of New York’s exciting new initiative in conjunction with the Government of Italy.

First on this edition of ITALICS, we’ll talk with Annie Lanzillotto, author and performance artist, whose new book “L is for Lion, An Italian Bronx Butch Freedom Memoir, has recently been published by SUNY Press. Annie Lanzillotto recently read from L is For Lion..” at the Calandra Institute. Dr. Fred Gardaphe spoke with Ms Lanzillotto about her book before the reading.

Next on ITALICS we’ll take you to The 29th Annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering, and join Lucia Grillo as she reports on the event from Elko, Nevada. This year the Cowboy Poetry Gathering highlights Italian Butteri, or “Cowboys”, and local Italian American Ranchers were also brought to the fore. All shared their family histories, stories of immigration and community, and recounted growing up on the range and some, what its like to be a woman rancher.

Then, on ITALICS, The Italian Government recently unveiled a special initiative entitled “2013 The Year of Italian Culture In The United States”. The Italian Government will use this year to showcase Italian creativity and culture in America, It will highlight Italy’s successes in such areas as Science and Technology, Language and Literature, Art, Music and Theatre, Cinema and Photography, and Italy’s Achievements in the Business world as well. The Italian Heritage and Culture Month Committee of New York join in this effort and has also designated its theme for 2013 as “The Year of Italian Culture in The United States. The Committee recently announced its initiative at a Press Conference held at the Calandra Institute.

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