Spotlight on Garden Music Nights Performers:
Claudio Santaluce and Bruno Nesci
All summer long, our Garden Music Nights series is presenting outdoor concerts with live music performances by popular Italian-Canadian musicians Claudio Santaluce and Bruno Nesci. We recently interviewed both about their musical background and performing for live audiences again.
 
Q: Tell us about yourself. How long have you been a musician and how did you get involved with music?
 
Claudio Santaluce: My name is Claudio Santaluce and I have been playing the organetto since the age of 7. I play traditional Italian music, but I add my own style to these traditional Italian songs. I have a repertoire of over 200 songs, and I really enjoy learning about these old Italian classics and interpreting them into my own personal arrangements. I started playing the organetto because my zio Salvatore in Italy played. My dad saw my passion for this instrument and Italian music and started me with lessons. I usually get my inspiration for new songs by researching artists that I love listening to and learning my favourite songs by them.
 
Bruno Nesci: Hello, my name is Bruno Nesci and I’ve been a musical entertainer for 22 years, and 11 years with my award-winning band, The Dreamers. From a child, I grew up in the family-owned dance club. Being around live music my whole life, I was drawn to the beat. I was taught in my first days by Latino international star Jesus Revera, and the thing that means the most to me is entertaining. If you have the power to entertain and make people happy, that’s all the inspiration I need.
 
Q. What is your favourite song to perform?
 
CS: I have so many favourites, but right now I am really enjoying a song called Bella Ciao!
 
BN: My favourite music to perform is ‘60s and ‘70s English-Italian dance music.
 
Q. Where can we hear or find more of your music?
 
CS: My music is available on Spotify, Apple Music and most streaming platforms.
 
BN: I am a full-time touring performer, and I can be found via Facebook, Instagram and all other social media.
 
Come out and enjoy live music by Claudio Santaluce and Bruno Nesci at our Garden Music Nights on the Villa Charities campus, every Wednesday at 6:30pm to September 8th!
 
Villa Charities Honours William Davis
Villa Charities was saddened to hear of the passing on August 8, 2021, of William Davis, the former Premier of Ontario. The Honourable William Grenville ‘Bill’ Davis was a remarkable leader who spent more than 25 years serving the people of Ontario during his distinguished career and was also a tremendous friend and supporter of Villa Charities.
 
Spaces Available at our Columbus Early Learning Centres
Spaces are now available at all of our Columbus Early Learning Centres locations. For more than 30 years, we have provided the highest quality of child care to those within our community between the ages of 18 months and 12 years. We are proud to offer diverse, engaging services that reflect the values on which we were founded. Columbus Early Learning Centres are taking every precaution necessary to ensure the safety of the children, families, and our staff and we are following the guidelines from the Ministry of Education, City of Toronto, and Toronto Public Health.
 
Watch it Again: Cory Weeds - Live At Frankie's
This past June, we celebrated Italian Heritage Month with a live performance by Alto saxophonist Cory Weeds. We invite you to enjoy this performance again as Cory performs the chart-topping “O Sole Mio, Songs From The Motherland” release, which hit #2 on the JazzWeek Charts and was charting for over 16 weeks!
 
Book Your Virtual One-on-One Meeting for Friday Chats with the CEO
You can have a virtual meeting with Marco DeVuono, Acting President and CEO of Villa Charities Inc., for a one-on-one conversation to answer any questions or to share your thoughts on our programs and services. These informal chats with Marco will be held using GoToMeeting on the 2nd Friday of every month, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. Appointments are 20 minutes each and must be scheduled in advance. The next Friday Chats is scheduled for Friday, September 10. Contact us today to schedule your virtual meeting – call 416-789-7011 ext. 240 or email [email protected].
Villa Charities and Columbus Centre
Welcome You Back!
On-site operations for Villa Charities and the Columbus Centre are following the Step 3 Reopening plan guidelines, which allows for indoor and outdoor activities with capacity limits and other restrictions. We are thrilled to see more of our patrons and members back on the campus! Check the COVID-19 Updates page for full details.
 
Villa Charities Celebrates 50 Years with Special Playlists
In celebration of our 50th anniversary this year, we’re sharing lots of fun and interactive social media content for the Villa Charities community. Check out our latest Spotify playlist - Top 50 Songs: from the past 50 Years to honour and celebrate #VCI50. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
 
We Still Need Your ‘Unprecedented’ Support -Please Donate Today
As vaccines roll out across the country and a renewed sense of hope emerges, we will continue to support our community in unprecedented ways. 
 
Our programs and services are made possible by the generosity of donors. We are reaching out today, asking YOU to donate to Villa Charities, in support of ongoing efforts to meet the needs of our evolving community.
 
It’s not too late! Please give generously today. YOU will directly support senior care, scholarships and youth services, cultural programs, and capital needs at Villa Charities.
 
 
Final Chance to Book a Foursome for The
Ital-Canadian Golf Open
Join us for the inaugural Ital-Canadian Golf Open on Monday, August 30, 2021. The CIBPA Toronto, ICCO Canada and Villa Charities Foundation are coming together to celebrate our community and give back in a meaningful way. Proceeds from the Golf Open will support programs provided by CIBPA Toronto, ICCO Canada and Villa Charities, as well as scholarships and bursaries for students across the country. Book your spot today for this nearly sold-out tournament!
 
Registration for Columbus Centre School of Music’s Fall Term Now Open
Embrace your musical side! Registration for the Columbus Centre School of Music’s fall term is now open, for classes beginning September 13, 2021. We offer affordable and effective lessons for all instruments to kids, teens, adults, seniors or groups. From piano to voice lessons, our instructors offer in-person or virtual classes. Contact [email protected] or call 416-789-7011 ext. 248 to join.
 
Columbus Centre Athletic Club and Pool Open for Indoor Operations
We’re thrilled to welcome our members back! Indoor Athletic, Aquatic and Wellness programs and facilities at the Columbus Centre Athletic Club have reopened, with a maximum capacity of 50% along with other restrictions and booking requirements for the pool and outdoor group fitness including spinning classes. Appointments for the main gym are not required. The Men’s Health Club and Women’s Health Club have both reopened. Outdoor and virtual programs and classes will also continue to be offered. Contact [email protected] or visit our website for more information. Check out the video of interim Athletic Director, Gabriella Lalli talking about all the programs and services currently available.
 
Own the Court! Squash and Racquetball Courts Have Reopened
Try your hand at squash and racquetball on one of our five courts and make strides in your game! Whether you are a first-time player or a seasoned veteran, everyone is welcome. Work on perfecting the shots you already have or add a shot to your selection. We will focus on game play strategy and shot selection, as well as footwork and biomechanics. All required safety protocols are in place. Contact [email protected] for more information.
 
Last Chance to Register for DanzArts Toronto’s Summer Dance Programs
 DanzArts Toronto is offering lots of dance classes and workshops throughout the summer, with something for every age and level of experience. The Company Intensive on August 23-26 is four days of immersing yourself in an amazing experience for the mind and body, training in all styles of dance with DanzArts Toronto faculty and brilliant guest artists - some of the best dance educators in the industry! Connect with our entire team and dance family for the 2021-2022 year and let’s dance into the new season together. Watch a video message a from Artistic Director, Tara Pillon welcoming everyone back for fall programs.