Gennaro Porcelli

The PA Music Scene welcomes Gennaro Porcelli to Central PA.
by Gina Tutko-Usalis

At the age of three, his father gave him his first guitar. Though it was only a toy, Gennaro Porcelli had no idea at the time. When he was thirteen, he went to a club on NATO Base in Naples, Italy. It was there that he had an eye opening experience that touched his soul; he heard the blues for the first time and from that moment… the blues have been his life. This internationally acclaimed blues artist, born and currently living in Naples, Italy, is looking forward to his visit in Pennsylvania.

“Passion…. Everything is done for passion,” says Gennaro. Stating that his music is a genre-mash… Mediterranean Blues of sorts, he invites everyone to come out to see a musician from another continent play the blues. His music is powerful and he is inspired by life. Not only does he have talent and skill but he plays with his heart and soul. “I feel the blues do not get enough of attention and I also want to show that Italian’s do not only play the mandolin,“ he laughing says. Gennaro’s music is universal and his dream for his music is for it to be heard everywhere.

As leader of the band, Gennaro Porcelli & the Highway 61, he has a strong passion for music. Gennaro is influenced by Johnny Winter and Tommy Johnson, but never forgets the 3 Kings… Albert, Freddy and BB. He has rearranged several famous blues songs, in fact his debut new album is titled Revisiting. On this album Gennaro pays homage to some of America’s Blues & Rock legends such as BB King, Bob Dylan, Ray Charles, Little Walter, Johnny Winter, etc. playing renditions of songs like “Dallas“, “Just Your Fool“, “Highway 61“, “Rock Me Baby” and “Mess Around” to name just a few. He is joined on this album by many great musicians and has received positive reviews by two of Italy’s most popular rock stars… Eduardo Bennato and Alex Britti. Gennaro is currently talking with some of Italy’s best labels.

This is Gennaro’s first time playing here in Central PA and he is looking forward to this mini-tour. Through a link of a friend and friendships, Gennaro has teamed up with Vivian Lambert of Lambert Promotions. Vivian was introduced to Gennaro Porcelli’s music by her friend, Adriano, one of the owners of Rosa Rosa in Lancaster. After listening and viewing Gennaro’s music online via MySpace and YouTube, Vivian loved his blues sound and was glad to be on board to book and promote Gennaro’s music here in Central PA. “I am thrilled to be a part of such a talented musician,“ said Vivian.

Lambert Promotions secured Gennaro’s appearance/performance schedule in Harrisburg.  Adriano at Rosa Rosa secured Gennaro’s appearance/performance schedule in Lancaster:

March 5       8:00 a.m   Live interview on Smooth Jazz Radio 92.7

March 5-6    10:00 p.m.     Rosa Rosa Late Night   398 Harrisburg Avenue Lancaster, PA  Octavia and the EarthBlood Blues Band will also be appearing with Gennaro Porcelli.

March 7      10:00 p.m.  Live interview with Michael Anthony Smith -  Open Mic Nite on The River 97.3 FM

March 9     7:30 – 10:30 p.m. der Maennerchor Cathedral Room  Tuesday Bluesday  221 North St.Second Floor Harrisburg, PA  Octavia and the EarthBlood Blues Band will also be appearing with Gennaro Porcelli.

March 10      6:00 The Coffee Company 1639 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601

March 11    7 p.m. – 9 p.m.    Mangia Qui  Suba Tapas Bar Second Floor 272 North St.  Harrisburg, PA

March 12-13     10 p.m.   Rosa Rosa Late Night 398 Harrisburg Avenue Lancaster, PA  Octavia and the EarthBlood Blues Band will also be appearing with Gennaro Porcelli.

“”I’ll catch po ‘di sonno in aereo a casa”, dice Genarro.
(translation:  I’ll catch some sleep on the airplane home,” says Genarro.)

For more information:

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