Via dei dollari – A Celebration of the Italian Accordion

Known throughout the world for the accordions it manufactures, this small town in the Marche region is the inspiration for a musical and theatrical celebration that will blow into the Windy City in April.

Named after the avenue that runs through the center of Castelfidardo, “Via dei dollari” is the brainchild of author and singer Isabella Carloni, artistic director of Ancona-based Rovine Circolari. In an hour-long show in which the accordion is the main character, she and instrumentalist Christian Riganelli will recount the travails of the early Italian immigrant through poetry and song.

Presented under the auspices of Istituto Italiano di Cultura, Rovine Circolari will stage two performances of “Via dei dollari” in the Chicago area at the end of April.

Friday, April 28, at Instituto Cervantes – The performance will begin at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Instituto, 31 W. Ohio St., Chicago. Validated parking is available in the lot next door for $12. Admission is free, but reservations are strongly recommended. To reserve your seat, call 312-822-9545 or visit iicchicago.esteri.it, select your language and click on Events.

Sunday, April 30, at Casa Italia – The performance will begin at 1:30 p.m. in the Josette Mentesana Weber Room of the Community Center at the Casa, 3800 Division St., Stone Park. Doors will open at 1 p.m. and coffee and light refreshments will be served. Parking is free and the suggested donation is $5. Seating is limited and reservations are strongly recommended. To reserve your seat, call 708-345-5933 or visit www.casaitaliachicago.org.

“Via dei dollari” is presented in English with poems and songs performed in Italian. Performances are made possible through the generosity of Istituto Italiano di Cultura and Regione Marche, as well as Casa Italia and Loyola University Chicago.