"AHS Sings Italy" Comes to Arlington
- Carla DeFord
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
Updated: 17 hours ago
On Sunday, October 26, at 7 p.m. Arlington High School (AHS) will host internationally renowned Italian jazz artist GeGè Telesforo in a concert featuring the AHS Jazz Band, directed by Sabato (“Tino”) D’Agostino, and choral groups directed by Mara Walker. Joining them will be Spajazzy, the professional jazz band founded by D’Agostino (bass) and Sergio Bellotti (percussion) now celebrating its 25th anniversary.
In the AHS band room on a late September afternoon, Bellotti and D'Agostino shared their thoughts about this special event.
Why is the concert called “AHS Sings Italy?”
D’Agostino: The idea is that we’re building a bridge between AHS students and Italian culture. We came up with the title because we’re including vocal groups but also because when instrumentalists play, they’re supposed to “sing” the music.
Bellotti: We’re also building a bridge between Arlington High School and Berklee College of Music. Tino and I are affiliated with Berklee and so are Spajazzy musicians Dino Govoni [sax] and Plamen Karadonev [keyboard and accordion]. I know for a fact that some Arlington students will pursue music, and one of the most prestigious colleges they can attend is Berklee. At a concert like this they can talk to us, be seen and heard. It’s a way for us to pass on our knowledge and experience to the next generation.
Who is GeGè Telesforo?
Bellotti: GeGè (short for Eugenio) is a jazz vocalist and percussionist who has won the Jazzit Award (the Italian equivalent of the Grammy) ten times. When Tino and I were growing up, he was the co-host of a TV show that changed the lives of many of us in the music world. His program, called “DOC Club,” was pretty much the only way for us to hear the best of what was happening in American jazz, rock, and funk music. “DOC” means “Denominazione d'Origine Controllata,” a designation for Italian wines that pass strict quality-control standards – so when we say something is “DOC,” that means it’s premium. “DOC Club” used to broadcast a whole week of performances of such important musicians as James Brown, Pat Metheny, Solomon Burke, Dizzy Gillespie, DeeDee Bridgewater, and many others. GeGè would sing either as a soloist or with them, becoming part of their legacy.
Click the link below to see a clip of Telesforo on the DOC Club TV show in 1989:
D’Agostino: GeGè for us was like a god -- that’s why I can’t believe he’s coming to Arlington. It happened because Sergio got in touch with him through social media.
Bellotti: I told him how much he influenced us back in the day, what an impact his TV show had on us. When I contacted him, he knew our names, and we had lots of friends in common.
D’Agostino: We will also be doing a clinic with GeGè a couple of days before the concert. It will be a high point of our collaboration with him.
Bellotti: GeGè has done workshops worldwide. He’s an inspiring guy and very savvy about teaching, so I expect the clinic will be highly interactive and educational.
D’Agostino: I have a feeling that when the students hear how GeGè uses his voice, they’re going to be blown away.
Click the link below to see a clip of Telesforo in 2015 singing “Hey, Rookie!”
Why should people come to “AHS Sings Italy?”
Bellotti:: This is an international show. The audience will be exposed to new music, hear a fabulous artist, and have a really good time. It will be a positive, uplifting, and upbeat event.
This is the second year of what we hope will be our annual Italian Soul Festival. If the concert is a success, there will be a third one, but we can’t do it alone. We rely on the support of the community, which has been great in the past.
Will the AHS Jazz Band be playing new material?
D’Agostino: Yes, but we will also use material we already know, like “Birdland.” When GeGè hears that, I think he’ll start improvising with us.
This concert will also be a fund-raiser for the AHS Performing Arts Department trip to Canada in April. Where will you be performing?
D’Agostino: The jazz band will perform at McGill University in Montreal and at a school in Quebec City. We will also offer a master class in both instrumental and choral music.
Bellotti: The students will come back with memories they will treasure forever. With this trip we’re building relationships between Italy and the U.S., and between the U.S. and Canada.
Why is it important for students to travel?
D’Agostino: First, because they learn how take care of themselves; they’re in charge of their instrument, their music, and their section. This is something new for them. Second, they will learn about another culture. Canada is a completely different country; we can learn so much from being there. Third, the students will experience the thrill of performing for a new audience. It’s a great educational opportunity.
What: “AHS Sings Italy,” featuring the AHS Jazz Band and vocal groups with GeGè Telesforo and Spajazzy
When: Sunday, October 26, 2025, 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: AHS Auditorium, 869 Massachusetts Ave.
For tickets, click Italian Soul Festival 2025: AHS SINGS ITALY! – 247drums
Additional donations to support the AHS trip to Canada can be made at the door by cash or credit card, by Venmo, Zelle, or Paypal with provided QR Codes, or by check made out to Arlington Performing Arts (bring in person or mail to 869 Mass Ave Arlington MA 02476).
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