When Christopher Columbus docks at the Wilmington Riverfront on October 12, he won’t have sailed from Palos, nor will he land in the Santa Maria. Instead, a local Italian-American will impersonate the navigator by rowing up in a racing scull from Wilmington Rowing Club.
The Societa da Vinci isn’t sweating authenticity. Reenactment of Columbus’ landing is its way of kicking-off Vendemmia 2008. Vendemmia is the Sunday when oenophiles can sample wines from every region of Italy at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, which becomes a European village for an afternoon of Italian food and entertainment. A delegation representing 73 Italian cities offers wines, olive oils and luxury goods. A gravy contest allows attendees to sample the best home recipes from local cooks. They can also sample and vote for their favorite homemade wines.
The society expects about 3,000 attendees from the tri-state area. Vendemmia vice president Rocco Dottoli is proudest of the fact that all proceeds benefit community organizations and scholarships. “Vendemmia also promotes the positive aspects of our Italian-American heritage,” he says. For more, call (866) 771-3014 or visit societadavinci.com.
Page 2: Let’s Hear it For the Boys
Let’s Hear it For the Boys
When the Delaware Theatre Company produced “Master Harold…and the Boys” in 1988, it became the most talked-about play in the theater’s history. This month the company’s 30th anniversary season opens with a bang, as “Master Harold” hits the boards again October 15-November 2.
Athol Fugard’s drama of South Africa in the 1950s is arguably his best work. Similarities between DTC and South Africa make for interesting comparisons. Both have undergone positive changes. Both are misunderstood. The theater remains an artistic force despite changing economies, though patrons still confuse it with The Grand Opera House. South Africa, on the other hand, searches for its identity.
“Master Harold…and the Boys” sums up the danger of misunderstandings and assumptions. It tells the story of a white teen who befriends, then shuns, two black waiters employed by his alcoholic father. Fugard uses gentle metaphors involving butterflies and ballroom dancing to impugn humans capable of brutal inhumanity. “American audiences viewed issues of race differently in 1988,” says director Anne Maria Cammarato. “But the heart of those issues is still the same for all of us: What do we do to oppress one another and how can we stop the cycle of oppression?” —Maria Hess
Page 3: That’s What Friends are For
That’s What Friends are For
Queen of Pop Dionne Warwick will hold court at Dover Downs Hotel & Casino October 10-11 during her self-produced “All-Star Tribute to Dave Wooley” with pals Melba Moore, The O’Jays, Glenn Jones and Jean Carn. “We plan to honor the massive amount of work [Wooley has] done in the community with kids and for the music industry,” Warwick says. Wooley, of Pike Creek, is a promoter and advocate for children’s art and education. Among his credits: bringing stars like Stevie Wonder and Tony Bennett to Delaware. Wooley also coauthored Warwick’s second book, “Say a Little Prayer,” which hit stores last month. Warwick is mum on details of the Dover Downs show, but Wooley says the grand finale will be “nothing short of spectacular.” Call (800) 711-5882 or visit doverdowns.com. —Maria Hess
Page 4: Wilmington City Ruff Rollers
Wilmington City Ruff Rollers
Meet the ladies of the Wilmington City Ruff Rollers: Ali Kaholic, Twisted Tinkerbell and Naughty Nikki Napalm. Yet the state’s first and only roller derby team still finds time for philanthropy. This month is its Halloween bout—the biggest event of the year. In addition to family-friendly action, the Rollers will put on a kid’s parade at halftime, then host a costume contest. Join them at Christiana Skating Center on October 12 for Halloween Havoc. Visit www.wilmingtonruffrollers.com for more. —Matt Amis
