I WOULD LIKE to recognize two very successful Italian Americans who stand out in their chosen genre of music, singer, Steve Lippia, and jazz musician, Jimmy Mulidore.

STEVE LIPPIA, a seven-year resident, has been a part of some very successful production shows that have played here, which included headlining at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino with composer and piano player Vinnie Falcone. Because of Vinnie's 10 years with Sinatra as a composer and conductor, Vinnie recognized Steve's vocal abilities and charisma and teamed up with Steve to present some of the greatest American standards including Sinatra, of course. Steve also starred in David Cassidy's the Rat Pack is Back, where his abilities shinned nightly combining his acting skills and vocal styling portraying the Chairman of the Board.

Steve chooses not to pursue work here because of its instability. "When you are wrapped up in just Las Vegas or are a part of a production show, you tend to loose touch with the outside world of entertainment. It takes almost 16 months to become part of a roster in a particular circuit, such as cruise ship work. I have chosen the symphony circuit," states Steve Lippia.

Steve has recently performed to sold-out audiences with major symphonies across America and North America, and is currently in negotiation to do symphony dates with the Count Basie Orchestra. He is currently on a forty-city tour.

Steve has established his place among the finest interpreters of “standards” and traditional pop music in the nation. His youthful, energetic talent and powerful show creates a perfect blend of "classic" with "today," which introduces a new generation to this timeless music, while appealing to long-time listeners. "As an artist and singer I have chosen a genre of music that to me is the foundation of American Pop Music."

Some of the network television shows in which Steve has performed and also interviewed include "EXTRA," FOX's "Good Day New York," CNN's "Showbiz Today," ABC and the BBC.

With his own unique vocal styling, Steve Lippia sings with tremendous verve, soul and power—in the tradition of some of the greats, like Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Frank Sinatra and, more recently, Harry Connick, Jr.

Steve Lippia currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Cast Inc. a non-profit organization of entertainers, musicians and non-entertainers. They are dedicated to the support of the community and performing artists in Las Vegas who are in need of a helping hand by assisting them in their career efforts and opportunities.

You can contact Steve at 702-562-2809 or go to his Web site at www.stevelippia.com.

JIMMY MULIDORE, a 40-year resident was Born in Youngstown, Ohio. Jimmy took up the saxophone at the age of ten. He spent his high school years frequenting the Cleveland jazz clubs soaking up the influences of such greats as James Moody, Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins and Clifford Brown. When he was old enough, his summers were spent on tour with Billy May, Hal McIntyre and Ralph Marterie.

Jimmy also studied theory and composition at New York's Julliard School of Music with Hall Overton. In the late fifties, Jimmy began a trip to Los Angeles that included a stop in Las Vegas. It proved to be a turning point in Jimmy's life—he stayed on in Vegas.

Jimmy's career blossomed in his new home. He worked with the Red Norvo Quintet; Carl Fontana's group; and was a part of very special recordings—"Louie Bellson 'Live At The Thunderbird,'" "Red Rodney's 'Super Bop,'" albums by Sinatra, Streisand and Nat King Cole and the one of which he's most proud, a flute solo on Elvis Presley's "American Trilogy."

Jimmy met Presley through Joe Guercio who was then the Las Vegas Hilton's Musical Director. When Guercio left the Hilton, Jimmy was chosen to succeed him as Musical Director for both the Hilton and Flamingo Hotels. So, while his first love is still the sax (alto and soprano), Jimmy's impeccable style comes through just as lovingly on the English horn, flute, clarinet and bassoon. His rainbow of talents is excitingly displayed on this first solo album. Jimmy Mulidore is appearing at the Gold Coast for "Monday Evening Jazz." Show Time – 7:30 p.m. For tickets call – 702.251.3574. You can contact Jimmy Mulidore at his Web site www.jimmymulidore.com.

These Two Italian American performers are a pride of our heritage.