Jazz in the Villa Medici

Villa Medici, home to the French Academy in Rome, is hosting a small jazz festival this week as part of Estate Romana (June 24-26). While we missed the first two nights, Friday night's program is sure to be a great crowd-pleaser with Daniele Scannapieco on sax. The performances are outside in the Villa's famous gardens. Doors open at 7:30, music starts at 9:00. You can buy a reduced ticket with your RomaPiu pass!

Estate Romana 2009 Calendar is On-Line

At long last, the Estate Romana (Roman Summer) calendar of events is live. Go to en.estateromana.commune.roma.it for all the details on summer concerts, exhibitions, and performances in Rome-many of them FREE!

La Biennale in Venice is Here!

Venice's La Biennale, one of the world's premier cultural institutions, has begun. Films, dance, music and art are the focus of this century-old celebration of international creativity. At many venues throughout the city you can see the work of award-winning artists, directors, composers and dancers. This year, the artist Bruce Nauman has won the prestigious Golden Lion award for his design of the American Pavilion, a work entitled "Topological Gardens." To take part in the various events of La Biennale, buy tickets here.

Estate Romana 2009

More concert dates have been announced for Estate Romana 2009. Lauryn Hill (July 3), Burt Bacharach (July 24) and Tracy Chapman (July 27) will be performing in Rome-get tickets and details at www.romeguide.it. Stay tuned for the Estate Romana 2009 website.

Hotel Capo d'Africa in Rome

An award-winning boutique hotel close to the Colosseum, Capo d'Africa is a an easy home base for the tourist who wants all the comforts of space, efficiency and modernity. Breakfast is included in the price (rooms start at under 200 Euros if you book in advance) and every Wednesday they offer live jazz. Located in a 19th century palazzo, this thoroughly updated hotel is perfect for visits to the Roman Forum and Nero's Golden House.

Verona Opera Festival and the House of Juliet

June 19th marks the beginning of the famous Verona Opera Festival. For 87 years, the city of Verona has been hosting some of the world's most famous operas in an ancient Roman arena. On the calendar this year are Carmen, Aida, Tosca and a special tribute to the famous tenor, Placido Domingo. Verona, the birthplace of the poet Catullus and the setting for Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, is the perfect venue for these spectacular shows. You may be so inspired that you'll want to run off and get married in the House of Juliet, which will soon be open for public marriages!

Estate Romana 2009

Hard to believe it, but summer is almost here. And summer in Rome means the festival of Estate Romana-music, performances, exhibitions and special events all over the city from the beginning of June through the end of August and even into September. Already on the calendar are Lenny Kravitz (June 5), The Killers (July 14), and opera performances in the Baths of Caracalla (Carmen
and Tosca!). The official calendar has not yet been published, but check out some of the preliminary engagements at romeguide.it (you can purchase tickets there too). Stay tuned for the official Estate Romana 2009 calendar and all the exciting details!

Free Ben Harper Concert in Piazza del Popolo Wednesday, April 22

National Geographic is hosting a free concert in Piazza del Popolo tomorrow in honor of Earth Day. Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 will be rocking out in Rome at 8 p.m. You can watch the concert online on National Geographic's World Music site from 2-6 p.m. EST. If you are in Rome tomorrow, be sure to take advantage of the chance to see this great singer in an even greater venue!

Ravello Festival

Every summer the hilltop town of Ravello celebrates its long association with some of the most famous artists in the world. Richard Wagner, Greta Garbo and Giovanni Boccaccio are just a few of the illustrious artists who at one time made Ravello their home. The Ravello Festival lasts from the end of June to the end of October and includes music, films and other cultural events. Each section is dedicated to a particular artist who was inspired by Ravello. The Visual Arts section is dedicated to M.C. Escher and the Musical Promenades section is dedicated to E.M. Forster. The film section (dedicated to Greta Garbo) is perhaps one of the most charming aspects of the festival, as the movies are projected on a big screen in the middle of the main piazza. So very Cinema Paradiso-and so very Italian.

Ludovico Einaudi Comes to San Francisco November 20th

Sponsored by KDFC, the Bay Area's classical music radio station, composer and pianist Ludovico Einaudi will perform at Bimbo's in San Francisco on November 20. Einaudi is famous for his "minimalist" piano compositions which are haunting and evocative (in KDFC's words). Don't miss the chance to see this world-famous Italian musician in a very intimate setting.

National Geographic Traveler's Italy Soundtrack

Every issue of National Geographic Traveler includes an iTunes playlist compiled by the writers of the magazine to accompany you and your iPod on your next trip. Their Italy playlist includes Andrea Bocelli's Con te partiro and Dean Martin's That's Amore. Download it on iTunes before you head off to Rome or when you are in the mood for a little Italian music.

American Academy in Rome Events

The American Academy in Rome, perched high atop the Gianicolo hill, is an institution devoted to the study of the art, architecture, literature, archaeology and music of ancient and modern Rome. To study there is a great honor and often unattainable by those of us who haven't determined to devote our lives to academia. But when you are in Rome, you are invited to attend events at the Academy. Films, lectures, concerts and exhibits are constantly happening at the Academy-and the good news is they are very likely to be in English! See their events calendar for more details.

Most Romantic Things to Do at Night in Rome

Nighttime is the most romantic time in Rome. The sounds of traffic are muted, the dusk hides any debris or graffiti that the harsh sunlight illuminates, the streetlights cast a warm glow over the cobblestones, and the busloads of tourists have gone back to their hotels. So what should you and your loved one do with yourselves? Well, after you have a romantic dinner there are a myriad of options. For music lovers, in summer you can head to the Baths of Caracalla for an outdoor opera performance. Aida is always a favorite! In other seasons, the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma always has something spectacular going on. If opera is not your preference, head to the Theater of Marcellus for classical music in the ruins of the ancient theater (through the end of September). While you are in the vicinity of the theater, be sure to take a stroll through the Jewish Ghetto-at night it is so charming. Don't miss the Fontana della Tartarughe in Piazza Mattei. Also near the theater is the Campidoglio (Capitoline Hill) from where you can see the most beautiful view of the Roman Forum at night. Unfortunately the Forum is not open for evening tours. In general, walking around Rome is one of the most romantic evening activities. The Modern Traveler's favorite evening walk is from Trastevere (after a lovely dinner), across the Ponte Sisto, through Piazza Navona and to the Pantheon. Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island) is also a romantic spot for you and your honey to canoodle. And in summer there are cafes and a film festival to entertain you.
Readers: Do you have any suggestions for romantic nighttime activities out and about in Rome?

Italy is the Top Honeymoon Destination

Modern Bride magazine rates Italy as the #1 honeymoon destination in the world. And naturally Rome must be included in every Italian honeymoon. Brides.com recommends some great hotels and restaurants, including the recently renovated restaurant Casina Valadier in the Villa Borghese and the Exedra Hotel (which has a pool!). The website also recommends some fun activities such as the Casa del Jazz, a villa devoted to live music and the Citta del Gusto, a 54,000 square foot space that houses restaurants, riverside terraces, and the Gambero Rosso food TV channel-and live cooking demonstrations in a food theater!
Readers: Have you honeymooned in Rome? What were your favorite activities?

A Restaurant With a View-Il Fontanone del Gianicolo

In conjunction with Estate Romana, the Acqua Paola at the top of the Gianicolo (Janiculum Hill) hosts an outdoor restaurant and cocktail bar. Il Fontanone del Gianicolo boasts the best view of the city next to the grand and picturesque fountain built by Pope Paul V. In addition to the food and drink available in summertime, through September 14th TeatroStudio, a Roman performing arts organization, hosts FontanonEstate-live music, theater and poetry on a stage next to the fountain. Summer's almost over, so be sure to catch the restaurant and entertainment this week!

Trastevere Nightlife: Stardust Jazz Bar

Years ago when the Modern Traveler was a student in Rome, Trastevere nightlife was irresistible. Today the pubs and clubs that lured MT in the past are still attracting expatriates and locals. The tiny Stardust Jazz Bar on Vicolo dei Renzi satisfies any cravings you may have for live jazz and cocktails. Upstairs you can have tea during the day (and bagels on the weekends!). Downstairs at night is where the live jazz gets heavy-and the rock and reggae!
Readers: Where can you hear the best jazz in Rome?

Madonna in Rome September 6

As part of Estate Romana (Roman Summer) and the Sticky and Sweet tour, Madonna will be performing in Rome at the Piazzale Stadio Olympico on September 6. Gates open at 7:00 pm! Buy tickets here (starting at 69 Euros).

Roman Nights at the Theater of Marcellus

As part of Estate Romana (Roman Summer) the Theater of Marcellus is host to a number of theatrical and musical performances. This week you can hear Liszt, Bach, Beethoven, Haydn, Chopin and Brahms all performed live starting at 8:30 pm. If you arrive at 8:00 pm you will receive a tour of the archaeological ruins of the Theater as well. See the website for details. Tickets are 15 Euros for the concert and tour.

White Night Rome-La Notte Bianca

Every year in September, Rome (and other European cities) host an all-night celebration of culture. Museums, sights, galleries, restaurants and shops are open all night, and the streets are filled with performances, music and pedestrians enjoying free entertainment throughout the city. The celebration is for everyone, young and old, Italian and foreign, and must not be missed. To find out more about the programs of the evening, see La Notte Bianca website for details. The official date has not yet been set, so check back frequently.

Jazz on the Appian Way

As part of the Estate Romana festivities, a free jazz festival is taking place from July 10 through August 10 at the Ristorante Giuda Ballerino near Largo Appio Claudio (Via Marco Valerio Corvo 135). The festival is kicked off by Pasquale Iannarella on saxophone. Call 06/71076070 for more information.