Portsmouth NH 400 Presents Little Italy Venetian-style Masquerade Ball – Fundraiser for Little Italy Carnival
Saturday, July 29, 2023, 7-11 pm at Jimmy’s Jazz & Blues Club
Celebrate Portsmouth’s Italian heritage while funding the free ticketed family Carnival to honor Portsmouth’s lost North End neighborhood
A few of the Venetian-style masquerade costumes created by Blythe Brown and the Little Italy Carnival décor team for the Masquerade Ball on July 29.
Portsmouth, New Hampshire – Portsmouth NH 400 continues its year-long celebration with two marquee events in late July and early August - a Venetian-style Masquerade Ball and an old-fashioned Carnival - which will pay homage to the spirit of the displaced residents of Portsmouth’s lost but not forgotten Little Italy, the vibrant North End neighborhood displaced by urban renewal and redevelopment in the 1960s. The Masquerade Ball, which will fund free admission to the Portsmouth NH 400 signature event, Little Italy Carnival, takes place Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 7 to 11 pm at Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club in downtown Portsmouth. Tickets for the Masquerade Ball are on sale now.
The committee had announced that the Little Italy Carnival on Sunday, August 6 was sold out. However, “We are thankful to our sponsors for releasing some of their tickets due to high demand for the Little Italy Carnival on August 6th. Please visit https://portsmouthnhtickets.com/events/little-italy-carnival-8-6-2023 to reserve your tickets now. Hurry! Supplies limited!” Valerie Rochon, managing director for Portsmouth NH 400, says of the marquee events, “Let's gather to honor the rich history of the former Little Italy while creating new memories that will be cherished for years to come. We look forward to welcoming you!” Massimo Morgia, Celebration Committee co-chair, emphasized the need to celebrate “the resistance and resilience” of the North End neighborhood by quoting resident Francesca Marconi. “As a first-generation Italian American, I was so struck by the story of Portsmouth’s Italian immigrants who started settling here in 1905 and built a community of social organizations, bakeries, barbershops and corner markets,” she said. “I was heartbroken to learn of the demolition of 400 structures over 30 acres from 1969 to 1971.”
Morgia continued, “I’m honored to be part of these Little Italy Celebrations to pay homage to that community and I’m thrilled by the generosity of sponsors. I hope to see all my friends at the Masquerade Ball!” Celebration Committee co-chair Robyn Aldo can’t wait, “ Excitement is building! Jimmy’s will be transformed into a breathtaking Venetian palace by renowned designer Blythe Brown and her ‘decor team’ - who are also outfitting stunning models in vibrant costumes and offering masks for all guests to wear. You’ll feel like a star as you walk the red carpet, with paparazzi snapping pix for posterity. Top Boston band, Groove Authority, will have everyone on the dance floor as they play everything from Top 40 to Swing, Motown to Hip-Hop. We’ll be taking guests on a culinary journey, with tantalizing hors d'oeuvres, a variety of food stations and celebratory libations. On top of that, acrobats will give guests a taste of the entertainment they’ll be offering at the Little Italy Carnival. If you love Portsmouth and love a fabulous night out to celebrate your favorite city, this is an elegant party you don’t want to miss!” Masquerade Ball Information Little Italy Celebrations Fundraiser: Masquerade Ball Saturday, July 29, 2023 7-11 pm (VIP Grand Masqueraders at 6 pm) Jimmy's Jazz and Blues Club 135 Congress Street, Portsmouth, NH Tickets: $150/general admission - non-reserved limited seating Dress: Elegant Cocktail attire Note: The Masquerade Ball is a fundraiser to help make the Little Italy Carnival, a Portsmouth NH 400 signature event, free, accessible, and inclusive. https://portsmouthnhtickets.com/events/little-italy-masquerade-ball-7-29-2023 Sponsors Blythe Brown; Friends of Italian Americans; DiLorenzo Family; LeMay/Goodworks; Paul and Jessica McKeon Charitable Fund; Richard & Patricia Bagley; Victoria Auger; M&T Bank; Fernald/Marconi Family, Granite State Minerals; Frank Fircano; James and Susan Baldini; Martignetti Wine and Spirits, Northeast Credit Union; WinWaste; PlayOn1A.com; Massimo Morgia; and Robyn Aldo. Celebration Committee chairs: Massimo Morgia; Dawn Przychodzien; Robyn Aldo Decor Team - Blythe Brown; Victoria Auger; Kathleen Bouzianis; Trisha Tobey; Lisa DeStefano; Robyn Aldo; and Massimo Morgia. About the Little Italy Carnival Echoes of Joy and Heritage, Laughter and Legacy: A Spirited Day Celebrating the Heartbeat of History and Tradition. As part of Portsmouth’s 400th anniversary, the Little Italy Carnival pays homage to the spirit of the displaced residents of Portsmouth’s lost but not forgotten Little Italy. This free ticketed family event will be a lively celebration featuring acrobats and jugglers from the Boston Circus Guild, infectious live music, mouthwatering dishes (purchase from food trucks with many Italian cuisine options), and games designed to entertain children of all ages. The last segment of the day (2-4:30pm) features a cooking competition with local chefs in a thrilling “Sicilian Sizzle” food cook-off hosted by Julie Cutting, Cure Restaurant owner and chef, showcasing the rich flavors and creativity of Italian cuisine. Carnival attendees will hear the oral history of the descendants of the Italian families who once called the N8orth End their home, and can connect with the rich heritage that still resonates within the community. Note: The carnival will be followed by a separate ticketed event (sold-out), Neighborhood Feast, from 6-9:30 pm at the Sheraton Hotel. About Portsmouth NH 400 The goal of Portsmouth NH 400th is to give the community an inclusive opportunity to tell the stories that are important to them, through programs, events, exhibits and legacy projects. Portsmouth NH 400th will celebrate the diverse and animated social, political, intellectual, cultural, economic and spiritual history of Portsmouth from before settlement in 1623 to the present. Portsmouth NH 400th invites individuals and organizations considering programs and events for the Portsmouth NH 400th Anniversary celebration to join the collaborative effort. A key intention is for the Portsmouth NH 400th team to engage the next generation(s) in exploring what the City’s 2023 legacy might be and how they might steward Portsmouth and its history beyond 2023. The Portsmouth NH 400th anniversary celebrations are made possible in part thanks to the support of Bank of America, Piscataqua Savings Bank, Service Credit Union, Local IQ, VisitNH.Gov, members of the 400 Shoalers Club and 1623 Revolutionaries Club, and additional sponsors and donors. For more information, please visit PortsmouthNH400.org
