August at Casa Belvedere

Step into a timeless summer evening at Casa Belvedere for a very special installment of our Musica Sotto Le Stelle concert series, featuring the dynamic and soulful Vanessa Racci on Tuesday, August 19.

A celebrated Italian American jazz-pop vocalist, Vanessa brings fresh energy to the classics, fusing the golden age of Italian song with the rich sounds of American jazz. Her performances are a love letter to heritage and melody, as she reinterprets traditional Italian favorites and American standards with vintage flair and contemporary style.

Bring your friends, bring your famiglia, and join us for a night that celebrates the beauty of song, spirit, and summer. If it rains, the dinner and show will be presented indoors.

More movies in Casa Belvedere's popular Cinema Sotto le Stelle series will be announced soon! Save these Tuesday dates: Aug. 12 and Aug. 26.

The Bilingual Garden Italian for Children ages 2 to 5

Wednesday, August 6 from 12:30 to 1:15 pm

There’s something truly magical happening at The Bilingual Garden NY. Rooted in love, language, and early childhood development, this unique program was created by speech-language pathologists who believe that children learn best through play, connection, and culture. Their Italian immersion class is more than just a class — it’s an experience.

Led by the warm and passionate Ms. Gabriella, who was raised by her Italian grandparents, children are transported into a world filled with the sounds, traditions, and joy of Italy. Fluent in Italian since childhood, Ms. Gabriella brings her heritage to life through music, storytelling, pretend play, and hands-on discovery.

The Bilingual Garden’s approach is play-based, meaning classes are structured around singing, dancing, sensory play and activities like arts and crafts. Read more here: https://www.silive.com/business/2025/07/a-fun-learning-experience-bilingual-educational-program-launches-on-staten-island.html

Geneology Workshop:

Looking for Your Italian Roots

Tuesday, Aug. 26 from 1 to 3 pm

$35 members, $55 non-members

Members of the Italian Genealogy Group of Long Island – Professors Mike Genovese, Mario Toglia and Dr. Marilyn Verna – will help you explore online and offline resources to help you gain access to both American and Italian records.

You are encouraged to bring laptops or tablets, and any documents and vital information for your family, to help with investigative work. The trio can also help translate Italian documents.

Writing Your Memories

A virtual writing workshop with author Maria Giura

Saturday, Aug. 2, 10 am to noon

$20 members, $30 non-members

Do you have a piece of writing you’ve already started, that you’d like to pick up and receive help with/constructive feedback on?

Join us for this supportive virtual workshop, which will leave you with concrete suggestions to get you closer to the truth of your own story. Participants must have attended at least one Casa Belvedere Writing Workshop.

La Dolce Lettura Book Club

"The View from Lake Como"

Monday, August 4 at 7 pm

Members free, $10 Non-Members

The View from Lake Como by Adriana Trigiani explores themes of love, family, tradition, and choices that shape a woman’s destiny. We journey with Bella as she grapples with the expectations of her heritage and the pull of her own dreams.

Yoga, Meditation and Mocktails

Saturday, August 8 at 11 am

$25 Members, $35 Non-Members

Experience guided meditation and breath-work to cultivate inner peace, flow through Pilates/yoga movement, deep relaxation during hands-on savasana (restorative pose) with lavender essential oil, and then enjoy a refreshing mocktail.

Fitness classes at Casa Belvedere combine physical, mental and spiritual wellness with breathing exercises, meditation, and physical poses. Personal mat recommended.

Sunset Qi-Yoga with Danielle Nugent: Monday, 8/4 at 7 pm

Qi-Yoga Flow with Danielle Nugent: Thursdays, 8/7 and 8/14 at 8:30 am

Pilates with Muscle Meg: Saturdays, 8/9 and 8/23 at 9:30 am

Sunset Yoga with Toni Freda: Mondays, 8/11 and 8/25 at 6:30 pm

Click here for Festival details!

The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere thanks our Institutional and Corporate supporters:

The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere

"A Unique Campus Showcasing the Rich Heritage & Culture of Italy"

79 Howard Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10301

T. 718-273-7660 • E. info@casa-belvedere.org

www.casa-belvedere.org