Life Changes Show, July 4, 2011
Eva Franchi, also known as Mrs. Sergio Franchi is the Founder of The Sergio Franchi Music Foundation which gives scholarships for the Arts, primarily the singing arts. Her late, great husband the Italian turned American tenor was best known for his leading roles on Broadway, in Do I Hear A Waltz, and Nine, as well as frequent TV appearances singing on the Ed Sullivan show as well as having his own TV Show, and headlining in Las Vegas.
A prolific recording artist on the RCA Victor label, his albums "Romantic Italian Songs" (his first US album, 1962) and "Our Man From Italy" (1963) were both on Billboard's top-40 album charts during their respective years. Its fitting that we have Eva Franchi on for our Fourth of July show, because, Sergio loved his heritage but he was also very proud to be an American! When he became an American citizen in 1972, he used to say very proudly, "Now I'm a Yankee Franchi!".
Throughout his career of 28 years, Sergio was a dedicated supporter of the arts and many other charitable organizations that were geared towards his heritage and the things that he held dear, organizations such as Boy's Town of Italy, and the National Italian American Foundation. For his efforts he received the highest award from Boy's Town, the Michelangelo Award, and the title of "Cavaliery" from the Government of Italy.
The intent of this foundation is to continue what he believed in...helping others. It was Sergio's fondest wish that talented, poor, deserving children be given the same chance that was once given to him. In Italy when Sergio's funds had run out and he had to stop studying, the help and encouragement of one special friend enabled him to hang in a little longer and wait for his big 'break'. He would be so proud to know that through his name, he is still able to give.
Since 1993 we have been able to award over 470 scholarships and awards to students of vocal studies, young tenors and sopranos, with the hope that through beautiful, romantic, classical music we can keep the spirit of romance alive in our hearts - The very thing that Sergio has always stood for.
Life Changes Show
Come and join the conversation about what's going on and what we can do together about it, with it, and for it. We have the choice, we have the power. We can do magic if we just believe!
A show about the changes going on in us, to us, around us, and because of us. Therefore, it's technically a show about "Everything," only with a how to make it better, see it better, be better.
In the show, there is talk about, and with, people who have either been through major changes, are helping others with major changes, or people who are changing the world for the better in a major way.
The show is a one-hour talk show format with a monologue by the host, a 30 minute interview with a guest of note, capped by a "Producer's Wrap" segment, in which Filippo and Co-Host Mark Laisure, and sometimes surprise guests, bring it all home for the listeners in a sometimes humorous and sometimes touching, but always entertaining conversation.
