Kevin Matthews, mid-day personality at WLUP-AM, is unique among entertainers appearing at Festa Italiana.
For one thing, he won`t be singing about amore. And for another, he`s not Italian.
”Traditionally, we seek to showcase Italian-American entertainment,”
says longtime Festa Italiana chairman Anthony Fornelli. ”Kevin is a deviation, but I know his talents will attract a young and enthusiastic crowd.”
Matthews (who is Irish) appears as his alter ego Ed Zeppelin, spoofing WLUP-AM late-night air personality ”Chicago” Eddie Schwartz. Tunes include
”Chow Mein” to the music of Eric Clapton`s ”Cocaine,” ”I Could Eat Egg Rolls Forever” to the Beatles` ”Strawberry Fields Forever” and ”Nights at White Castle” to the Moody Blues` ”Nights in White Satin.”
Typically, Ed Zeppelin suffers chest pains during the show, which is an excuse for Matthews to take a breather, and his band to rock to some of their own music, and some done by others, from Chaka Khan to ZZ Top.
Matthews will reappear as himself to sing some Frank Zappa and other tunes. ”As a musical performer, I`ve been most influenced by Zappa, Alice Cooper and Peter Gabriel, but don`t expect Harry Connick Jr.,” Matthews says. He and his group will appear in concert at 7 p.m. Friday.
However, Jack D`Amico will remind Festa-goers of Connick. The Sinatra-like stylist takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday and 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons hit the high notes along memory lane at 6:30 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Accordion wizard Dick Contino appears at 5:30 p.m. Friday, 5 p.m. Saturday and 5:30 p.m. Sunday.
In addition to the Festa Italiana entertainment, the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra and Chorus perform at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park. They`ll premiere a piece by Chicago composer Frank Abbinanti, along with standards by Italian composers Rossini, Puccini, Verdi and Respighi.
The Festa Italiana concerts are free with the price of admission to the fest. The Grant Park program is free.
