About Alessandra:

The only woman in the U.S. and in Italy with 35 years of performing and teaching the ancient healing tradition of Tarantella in folk dances and percussion combined with singing.

  • Artistic Director, Founder, and Lead Performer of music, theater, and dance ensemble I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA
  • Artist in Residence at New York City's Cathedral of St. John the Divine
  • A REMO Signature Series Artist with her own line of Italian tambourines
  • Author of the book/DVD Rhythm is the Cure and Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALESSANDRA HERE

Trailer for the documentary film by Alessandra Belloni,
Voyage of the Black Madonna:

   

Watch HERE NOW!

 PBS SERIES “DREAM OF ITALY” Fetauring Alessandra Belloni and Oscar Winning Actress Marisa Tomei!

Alessandra Belloni is featured in the PBS SERIES DREAM OF ITALY WITH ACTRESS MARISA TOMEI
 (Season 3 Episode 6) on PBS!
It was filmed in September of 2022 at the powerful feasts of the Black Madonna in Moiano (region of Campania) on September 8 for LA MADONNA DELLA LIBERA OUR LADY OF FREEDOM also known as Brunettella, and in Montevergine for the tammorriata drum and dance festival.
We also filmed AT THE JUTA OF THE BLACK MADONNA MAMMA SCHIAVONA!  honored by the gays and femminielli featuring local singers and most amazing rituals, processions and musical devotion.
 
In this episode, Kathy and Academy Award-winning actress Marisa Tomei and Black Madonna expert Alessandra Belloni take a spiritual journey in Campania in search of the mysterious Black Madonna. They explore the Madonna’s unique symbolism and attend two incredible celebrations for the Madonna Nera in the town Moiano and Sanctuary of Montevergine, complete with chanting, fireworks and incredible acts of veneration. 
 
Please check your local PBS station at www.pbs.org and go to this link and type in your zip code! 
OR
 WATCH NOW IN THE LINK BELOW!
Episode 306 - The Black Madonna and Marisa Tomei

 

This episode is based on my book 'HEALING JOURNEYS WITH THE BLACK MADONNA" published by INner Traditions - Bear & Company -still No 1 best seller on Amazon! with forword by best selling authour Rev Dr Matthew Fox.

https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Journeys-Black-Madonna-Practices/dp/1591433428/?

 

Annual Rhythm is the Cure Retreat in Hawaii

April 21-26th, 2024

(Arrival After 3:00pm - Dinner @ the Retreat Center)

Healing Dance and Percussion Workshop 
from Southern Italy from Hawaii! 

DATE CHANGED- MORE IBFORMATION FORTHCOMING

REGISTER NOW! Please contact us if you need assistance.

Deposit /registration $150 non-refundable

For More Information - Click HERE

Rhythm is the Cure is a 6-day, intensive healing workshop featuring Southern Italian ritual music and dance used as therapy for centuries throughout the Mediterranean. This new workshop will blend the Southern Italian musical traditions of the Black Madonna, and the Divine Feminine. Every morning drumming sessions will be held on the beach. 

 

For questions about registration, please contact us!

WORKSHOP FEE $ 650

ROOM prices for 5 nights

Double Room: $305

Triple Room: $230

Double Glamping: $195

Single Glamping: $230
- Food: $40-50 per day. Final cost TBD (3 meals, catered in) Total for 6 days $300 payable before the retreat.
Not included: airfare, miscellaneous travel expenses


CONTACT:

Black Madonna Pilgrimage & Workshop in Sicily: 

Summer Solstice 2024

Internationally renowned singer, percussionist, teacher 

 Alessandra Belloni, Remo Artist, 

Author of "HEALNG JOURNEYS WITH THE BLACK MADONNA” by Inner traditions 

Proudly announces her 

Black Madonna Pilgrimage & Ritual Drumming & Chants workshop 

in Sicily for the Summer Solstice 

Join us for a MUSICAL JOURNEY TO THE BLACK MADONNA IN SICILY 

& THE SUMMER SOLSTICE at the MEGALYTHS OF ARGIMUSCO 

Register now! 

JUNE 19-30, 2024

This Pilgrimage is dedicated to the ancient traditions of the Black Madonna in Sicily and learning special Sicilian Folk Music, including drumming, chanting & dance at amazing locations by the sea and in the hills near the Black Madonna of Tindari & Mount Etna 

Special Features: 

The Sicilian Folk Music Group SudCantica (https://www.facebook.com/Sudcantica) 
 with Federico Chiofalo - accordion, tambourine, guitar, Sebastiano Pietrini - vocals, guitar, tambouirne, Santino Scordino - bagpipe, tamboruine, Jaw’s hap 
Special musical presentation by the renowned Sicilian Folk Musician, Giorgio Maltese, from Catania. 
Special Lectures about Argimusco, by Philosopher writer Peppe Piscuneri 
Ritual drumming and chants led by Alessandra Belloni in various sacred sites & Mount Etna 

Description: 

This workshop/pilgrimage will be a deep immersion in the ancient devotion to the Black Madonna of Tindari and other Black Madonnas to be fully experienced with drumming, singing and dance in the sacred mountains and healing waters of the Sicilian Mother Land. 

As featured in Alessandra's book "Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna ", 

This new workshop & pilgrimage will blend the Southern Italian musical tradition of the Black Madonna and the Divine Feminine with sacred locations in Sicily at The Megalith Stones of Argimusco, the Sanctuary of the Black Madonna, and the Temple of the Goddess Cybele in Tindari. 

We will also feature the participation of special Sicilian Artists who will join us for wonderful jam sessions of Southern Italian Folk Music in great locations. 

 Drumming classes will be done at different powerful locations invoking the healing powers of the volcanic earth of Sicily combined with sacred chants of the Black Madonna. 

 Participants will learn the unique style of southern Italian tambourine playing and the ancient healing dance of the tarantella. 

During the Pilgrimage we will visit: 

  1. Black Madonna of Tindari on Beautiful Hill overlooking the sea 
  2. Megalyths of Argimusco 
  3. Feast of St. John and Festa du muzzuni 
  4. Black Madonna of Paterno, Catania 
  5. Black Madonna of Montalto

FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HERE!

  Alessandra Belloni - Remo Artist

proudly announces   
BLACK MADONNA DRUMMING & DANCE RITUALS & PILGRIMAGE

IN SOUTHERN ITALY 2024

 
July 31 - August 9th
More Information HERE
 
By the sea & mountains in the region of Naples
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
 
These tours will involve a full immersion into the ancient drumming traditions and devotional chants in Honor of the Black Madonna, which can only be truly experienced in the sacred mountains and healing waters of the Mother Land. This powerful journey will introduce and transport students to a time and place where an unbroken and ancient tradition continues today with folk music, processions, devotional drumming, and dance.


ACCOMMODATIONS:

 
Total Cost 

$ 2,600 for single room (if you register by April 1st you will get $ 100 off the regular price $ 2,700 after April 1st)

$ 2,500 for double room ($ 2,600 after April 1st)

Registration fee due: immediately $200 (non-refundable, applied to final payment)
Or VENMO & ZELLE also accepted. (Contact Alessandra for these options)
and notify Alessandra that you have paid at alessandrabelloni@gmail.com
 

 

Please specify that you are coming to the tour in Naples, Campania when you make a payment

 

Study ONLINE with Alessandra!

Internationally renowned singer, percussionist, teacher, author Alessandra Belloni - Remo Artist proudly announces two self-paced courses on the Black Madonna:

“The Voyage of the Black Madonna Virtual Pilgrimage to the Sacred Sites of the Black Madonna in Southern Italy.” 

A Virtual Pilgrimage 

Immerse Yourself in the Healing Musical Traditions of the Black Madonnas of Southern Italy! 

Dance and drum your way through intoxicatingly beautiful and romantic Southern Italian hilltops and coastal towns where you will encounter seven enchanting and mysterious Black Madonnas. Across eight episodes plus an introduction, this pilgrimage opens a portal into the sacred sites of Southern Italy -- once known as Magna Grecia-- and the worship of the Earth Goddess, the African Mother, the Black Madonna. You will be immersed into a powerful world of ritual and magic. You'll learn chants, drum rhythms, and dances from master folk practitioners dedicated to the preservation and celebration of the Black Madonna. Following the story of Alessandra's best-selling book, "Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna" (Inner Traditions - Bear and Co., 2019) 

HEALING MUSIC AND CHANTS FOR THE BLACK MADONNA JUST RELEASED!

With Soulgem Records & Producer Lelio D’Aprile

Alessandra Belloni represents Italian pride and excellence, bringing and spreading Southern Italian folk culture overseas for almost 40 years in the United States. She co-founded in New York the Southern Italian folk music, dance, theater company I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA, with whom she performs as artist-in-residence at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine.

 

She also tours around the world, and organizes special workshops of Southern Italian percussion, tambourines, and frame drums, and ritual healing dances and chants.

 

You can find the brand new album by ALESSANDRA BELLONI on TIDALAPPLE MUSIC (iTUNES)SPOTIFYAMAZON PRIME MUSICDEEZER and (most importantly) digital stores worldwide!

Read About Alessandra's Best Selling Book:

THE HEALING JOURNEYS WITH THE BLACK MADONNA  

Published by Inner Traditions, with a foreword by bestselling author Matthew Fox, Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna is rated 5 stars on Amazon and has been No. 1 best selling in new releases under the categories of "Folk Dancing" and "Suggested Gifts"! 

Sharing her more than 35 years of research and fieldwork at sacred sites around the world, Belloni takes you on a mystical pilgrimage of empowerment, initiation, and transformation with the Black Madonna. 

An experiential guide to the ancient healing rituals of the Black Madonna:
• Reveals the practices and rites of the still-living cult of the Black Madonna in the remote villages of Southern Italy, including the healing rites of the tarantella dance
• Details shamanic chants, rhythms, and songs and how to use them for self-healing, transformation, and recovery from abuse, trauma, depression, and addiction
• Explores the many sacred sites of the Madonnas and connects them to other Great Goddesses, such as Isis, Aphrodite, Cybeles, and the Orisha Yemanja and Ochun
• Includes access to 12 audio tracks

Order now! 

Order on Amazon 

Order on Barnes and Noble 

Order as an Audiobook 

Learn more

 


Read Alessandra Belloni's Best Selling Book Healing Journey's with the Black Madonna TODAY! 

NOW AVAILABLE IN FRENCH! 

Alessandra is proud to announce that her book HEALING JOURNEYS WITH THE BLACK MADONNA published by Inner Traditions Bear & company (a best seller on Amazon under dance) is now being published in France, translated into French by a great Publisher, LE DUC with preface by brilliant writer and teacher Marianne Grasselli.

LA VIERGE NOIRE (The Black Virgin) Rituels de Guerison de la Grande diesse. 

https://espritdefemme.ch/les-vierges-noires/ 

https://www.editionsleduc.com/produit/2577/9791028522278/voies-de-guerison-avec-la-vierge-noire?fbclid=IwAR3T42PStTqqwwAr8_zpxWM5Etj9dPp6VQv1DZL_pY8-PzxMrbxi1Y09MFk

WE NEED YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT ALESSANDRA BELLONI AND THE BLACK MADONNA CENTER FUNDRAISER TODAY

(All Donations are Tax Deductible)

Dear friends and supporters around the world,

I am so grateful for your ongoing support over the past 43 years of beautiful artistic and educational projects with I Giullari di Piazza, a non profit organization under the 501-c-3 code . As you know, most of my work is in devotion to the Black Madonna in all her manifestations around the world with a focus on Southern Italy, and to the healing tradition of the ancient tarantella. I have been exploring these traditions and practices in performance and workshop settings for many years.

I am proud to share that I received a wonderful important award from the Italian Charities of America, the Renaissance Award, for my lifetime dedication to the studies, research, performances and teaching of the authentic southern Italian folk traditions music dance and theater. Thank you Italian Charities of America for honoring me at their 87th annual gala!

As this work grows in scope and more people find their way to the Black Madonna, I have joined with my nonprofit and board members to create THE CENTER FOR THE BLACK MADONNA. This is an educational space (both in-person and virtual) that honors the Black Madonna and the ancestral lineages of Southern Italy by teaching, performing and reviving interest in these ritual and artistic traditions.

I am also facing a personal challenge as I am going for knee replacement surgery December 21, and will need time to recover. As many artists, I count on the support of my audience and fans and artistic activities, which I will resume in Mid February.

To put it simply, we are currently in a financial crisis and need the support of our fans and friends to continue with our mission and keep presenting these unique and powerful programs in the United States and Italy. Please see below  for information on our Annual Holiday in person fund rasier in Little Italy December 17 .

We continue to do amazing work, but we need funding to continue performing and teaching online and in person through the end of 2023 and into 2024. 

Performances are also planned at the Cathedral of St John the Divine in the Spring 2024.

We are planning the Intensives in Southern Italy, Summer 2024:

Black Madonna Pilgrimage and Summer Solstice Celebration in Sicily June 19 to June 30 2024. Black Madonna Pilgrimage and ritual drumming workshops in Campania July 31 to August 8th.

Paypal

Go Fund Me

We hope that you can help I Giullari di Piazza to continue to present these powerful musical productions and presentations.

If you need a tax deduction before the end of the year this is a good cause! Donate today and ask others to do so as well. Thank you!

Blessings for the holidays,

Alessandra Belloni

Click here to Donate to I Giullari Di Piazza via GoFundMe

 


 

Donate Today

Dear friends around the world,

I hope that you are doing well and in good spirits.

We know there have been challenging times, and the world has changed tremendously. I have been working very hard these past two years to adapt my life as a touring artist, teacher, and performer by creating an online center/school with my company I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA and launching the FIRST SOUTHERN ITALIAN MUSICAL AND FOLKLORIC INSTITUTE. I'm asking for your support in helping me continue to realize these beautiful artistic and educational projects.

WHY WE NEED FUNDING

Our vision is to spread and keep alive the healing & folkloric traditions from Southern Italy as far and wide as we can, both live and online. This also follows the vision of our newly reformed board of directors.

We continue to do amazing work, but we need funding to continue performing and teaching online and in person through the end of 2023.

Specifically, funding is needed to:

• Present and produce new live performances

• Create and preserve online courses and ongoing classes for 2 to 6 artists

• Pay adequate artists' fees, technical crew, and administration costs for a cast of 3 to 12 artists

• Hire professional marketing and public relations personnel for the following projects to take place at the Cathedral of St John the Divine, NYU Casa Italiana, & the Italian American Museum.

• We are looking forward to launching an intensive ministry program with Alessandra Belloni and Father Phil to study the mystery of the Black Madonna and the teachings of the Holy Sophia. Final Ordination and Credentialing will allow candidates to perform as officiants of prayers, liturgies, rituals and ministry functions.

• We are currently working on creating a home base in New York while offering on-site and/or virtual field trips to specific historical and spiritual sites.

• We working on launching the First Southern Italian Musical Folkloric Institute!

Led by Internationally Renowned Singer, Percussionist, Teacher, and Author Alessandra Belloni & Co-Founder and Director John La Barbera from the Italian Folk Music, Theater and Dance Company I Giullari Di Piazza, (the Players of the Square) a non-profit organization founded in 1980 and artist in residence at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine.)

The Center will have a base in New York at the proposed site of the Italian American Museum with Director Dr. Joe Scelsa as well as offering virtual courses & classes. We are also hoping for a possible collaboration with CASA ITALIAN NYU while offering on-site field trips to specific historic and spiritual sites in Southern Italy.

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Previous events

Date Event Location
 —  — Annual Healing Retreat in Hawaii Information Coming Soon Information Coming Soon
Tarantata Performance and Dinner Fundraiser 2023 Lunella Restaurant, , New York Lunella Restaurant, , New York
FILM PRESENTATION! Black Madonna Pilgrimage & Summer Solstice Musical Celebration in Sicily  
Alessandra Belloni Rhythm is the Cure: Music & Moivement, Ojai, CA Rhythm is the Cure: Music & Moivement, Ojai, CA
Italian Charities of America 87th Annual Dinner Dance Honoring Alessandra Belloni  
In-Person Dance and Drum Workshops Information Coming Soon Information Coming Soon
FREE EVENT: TARANTELLA WITH ALESSANDRA BELLONI SOUTHERN ITALIAN FOLK MUSIC & DANCE FOR THE BLACK MADONNA New Haven Green New Haven Green
In-Person Dance and Drum Workshops Information Coming Soon Information Coming Soon
Alessandra Belloni TARANTELLA WITH ALESSANDRA BELLONI SOUTHERN ITALIAN FOLK MUSIC & DANCE FOR THE BLACK MADONNA FREE TARANTELLA WITH ALESSANDRA BELLONI SOUTHERN ITALIAN FOLK MUSIC & DANCE FOR THE BLACK MADONNA FREE
 —  — Annual Voyage of the Black Madonna Tour in Campania Campania, Italy Campania, Italy
Special Performance in Italy with Alessandra Belloni For More Information Click LInk For More Information Click LInk
 —  — 2023 Sicily Black Madonna Pilgrimage & Ritual Drumming & Chants workshop for the Summer Solstice Summer 2023 Sicily, Italy Summer 2023 Sicily, Italy
(EDT, UTC-04) (EDT, UTC-04) Sacred Drumming And Chants of the Seven Black Madonnas- Special concert CATHEDRAL OF ST JOHN THE DIVINE 1047 Amsterdam Avenue & 112 Street, New York, NY 10025 CATHEDRAL OF ST JOHN THE DIVINE 1047 Amsterdam Avenue & 112 Street, New York, NY 10025
Live Performance and Special Event: The Healing Ritual of the Tarantella Dance in the Galleria The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere
God is a Black Woman! Virtual Virtual
 —  — Rhythm is the Cure Intensive Workshop-- Hawaii Windward Retreat Center, O'ahu Hawaii Windward Retreat Center, O'ahu Hawaii
(PST, UTC-08) (PST, UTC-08) RAINBOW BODY MATRIX presents: A Celebration of the Black Madonna & Lemanjá. The Electric Lodge, Venice, CA The Electric Lodge, Venice, CA
SACRED DRUMMING & CHANTS FOR THE BLACK MADONNA & THE ORISHAS FORM ITALY & BRAZIL CORAZON PERFORMING ARTS, Topanga, California CORAZON PERFORMING ARTS, Topanga, California
 — (EST, UTC-05)  — (EST, UTC-05) Dance Beyond Winter Retreat The Ashokan Center, Olivebridge, NY The Ashokan Center, Olivebridge, NY
(EST, UTC-05) (EST, UTC-05) Tarantata Performance and Dinner Fundraiser 2022 Local 92, New York, NY 10013 Local 92, New York, NY 10013

LIVE CLASSES! JOIN US!

Percussion Classes: 

 We will trace this style of percussion through the ages, from its ancient Greek roots, through the Italian Middle Ages and Renaissance, and its relevance today. We will study and practice basic “tarantella tamburello“ techniques: holding the drum with emphasis on arm movement, hand technique for triplets, and the 6/8 and 4/4 rhythms. Class sessions will be 12 lessons divided in 4 parts, will be held on Zoom weekly (90 minutes) and will be recorded. 

You must register and pay in advance. Group space is limited!

Schedule:

Monday 6pm ET: Advanced Rhythm is the Cure Drumming Class 
Wednesday 6:30pm ET: Beginner Rhythm is the Cure Drumming Class 
Thursday 5:30pm ET: Intermediate/Advanced Rhythm is the Cure Drumming Class 

Cost: $50 for 90 min, 4 classes for $160

https://www.everbutton.com/pay/3735

More information and how to register:

 

 

Singing Classes:

Each lesson will feature 2 songs from a specific southern Italian region: Campania, Calabria, Puglia, Sicily, and Lazio. We will describe the history, myths and legends that are part of this rich ancient folk tradition. You will receive lyric sheets with translations, and sheet music if available. Class sessions will be 8 lessons and will be held on Zoom twice a month, for 90-120 minutes. 

You must register and pay in advance. Group space is limited!

Schedule:

Every other Fridays 6:30pm ET: Singing/Chanting class with John La Barbera

Cost: $60 for 90-120min class

More information and how to register:


"Beginning Italian Frame Drumming in Honor of the Black Madonna"

Pre-requisite for all other self-guided courses

Beginning Italian Frame Drum in Honor of the Black Madonna, is a self-paced exploration of the TAMMORRIATA RHYTHM from the region of Campania. We will trace the Tammorriata’s ancient Greek roots through the Italian Middle Ages and Renaissance, finally exploring its relevance today. You will learn several foundational drumming patterns. 

Interwoven with the instructional drumming videos are excerpts from Alessandra's books:

Rhythm is the Cure (Mel Bay Publications) & Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna(Inner Traditions - Bear & Company)

Read about our Tarantata Performance and Dinner Fundraiser 2022

During this holiday end-of-year fundraiser, we honored Emmy Award winning actor Armand Assante; actress, TV host and Ambassador of Made in Italy,  Eleonora Pieroni; as well as philanthropist and founder of Soul De Cuba Cafe, Jesus Puerto.

There was a performance featuring the South Italian Tarantella healing trance dances and ritual drumming chants and dance for the Black Madonna.

This was a special celebration of over four decades of work for I Giullari di Piazza who are artists in residence at the Cathedral of St. John Divine and who have also performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Symphony Space, to name but a few.

 


Patreon Announcement

Dear friends:  

I hope that you will read my  Patreon Page! In this challenging times the WORLD NEEDS HEALING! I hope you will join me in this special healing journey through music and film!  
If you join my Patreon page you will support my work and help me raise the money to create very crucial and needed artistic and educational projects, you will not only be supporting me, but you will be supporting a global healing community. As a Patreon you will have access to:  parts of  virtual mystical pilgrimage of empowerment, initiation, and transformation through the beauty and tradition of Italian folk music, chants, rhythms, and sacred songs from various regions of Southern Italy and much more ! CLICK BELOW!

Please support the work of Alessandra Belloni and
I Giullari Di Piazza!  Grazie!

PAST EVENTS

2022-2023

CELEBRATE CARNEVALE WITH NEAPOLITAN RENAISSANCE MUSIC & COMMEDIA DELLARTE ! 
FEBRUARY 16th @ 6:30 EST
 
We will teach 3 songs usign masks, with gestures, typical of the Commedia character entitled :
Ricciulina, and Serenata di Pulcinella, and The Carnevale Tarantella Fateve Nanze, Tempo di Carnevale
Taught by mezzo-soprano Alessandra Belloni and classical guitarist/mandolinist John La Barbera directors of I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA Italian Music Theater & Dance Company.
 
Students will receive a detailed explanation of the songs in musical terms that will empower the student to have a better understanding of singing the repertoire.
 
The approach will cover the elements of melody, rhythm, meter, harmony, and form.We will explain the story of our Commedia dell’Arte show THE ADVENTURES OF DON GIOVANNI AND HIS SERVANT ARLECCHINO
A comic opera based on a 16th century Neapolitan Commedia dell'Arte manuscript . The play features the hilarious shenanigans of Arlecchino his fiancee "Ricciulina", a servant who falls instead for his master Don Giovanni, and the servant Sebastiano, Ricciulina’s brother, who favors his sister match with the wealthy Don Giovanni rather than Arlecchino. But As usual Don Giovanni does not keep his promises and does not marry Ricciulina who remains a servant and at the end marries the poor Arlecchino. As in the opera, Don Giovanni is punished in the end when he meets a ghost (giant puppet) and he’s taken to hell by the devil in a "dance macabre".
 
Students will find their pitch and learn to sing the melodies and harmonize.
Fee is $60 for 90 to 120 minutes. Payment must be received prior to the start of class.
email : alessandrabelloni@gmail.com
You can register using VENMO @Alessandra-Belloni
ZELLE using ABelloni@aol.com
You will receive the zoom link after you register, along with a copy of the recording to practice with.
 

GIFTS OF THE BLACK MADONNA FOR THE NEW YEAR

January 11, 2024 ~ 4:00pm PT ~ 7:00pm ET

$35.00

GIFTS OF THE BLACK MADONNA FOR THE NEW YEAR

 Featuring special talk by Dr. Rev. Matthew Fox, the  foremost proponent of creation spirituality (based on mystical teachings of Hildegard von Bingen, Meister Eckhart and Saint Thomas, among others)

Alessandra Belloni and John La Barbera offering sacred chants & music in Honor of the Black Madonna from Belloni’s  book "HEALING JOURNEYS WITH THE BLACK MADONNA”

 Published by Inner Traditions - Bear & Company presently No. 1 on Amazon in the category of Folk dances-

with Foreword by Rev. Dr. Matthew Fox.

 & The Opera ‘THE VOYAGE OF THE BLACK MADONNA”

With music by composer/guitarist John La Barbera

& Alessandra Belloni

 Special video screening:

This concert will be presented together with a  lecture by Matthew  Fox & the Directors of I Giullari di Piazza who will provide a full immersion into the ancient drumming traditions and devotional chants in honor of the Black Madonna from the region of Campania, Calabria & Sicily.

 This powerful journey will introduce and transport the audience to a time and place where an unbroken and ancient tradition continues today with folk music, processions, devotional drumming, and dance.

 It will feature a short video with Alessandra Belloni's field research taken during her most recent pilgrimage in Campania in August, 2022, with her students. It will provide a panoramic view of the sacred sites of the Black Madonna in this region, known in the Italian folk tradition as "the Seven Sisters." 

 According to the local legend, there were seven Madonnas, all of them sisters. The last one was believed to be the ugliest so she ran away to a high mountain, Mount Partenio, so that the pilgrims would have to search very hard in order to find her. Having found her, they discovered that she was the most beautiful of the sisters, was Black, and they called her “Mamma Schiavona,” the nurturing, serving mother, that can now be found in Montevergine. These Madonnas are connected to the seven Goddesses that are part of the ancient worship of Mother Earth and the Moon Goddesses, and the archetype of the African Mother, especially Isis from Egypt and Cybele from Anatolia (Turkey).    Mamma Schiavona is especially sacred to the femminielli -- a community of third-gender people and transgender women who have worshipped Her since the rites of Cybele and Attis.  According to legend, in the year 1256 two gay men were expelled from a nearby town and were left to die, tied to a tree on the side of the sacred mountain, only to be saved by Mamma Schiavona herself.

Now, on the Feast of Candelora, celebrated February 2nd, the femminielli and LGBTQ people around the world make an annual pilgrimage to Mamma Schiavona, coming to sing, dance, and heal at the feet of the Great Mother who loves and accepts everyone. https://www.matthewfox.org/donation-store/gifts-of-the-black-madonna-for-the-new-year?fbclid=IwAR3M3FeN0MOCzmpMkakmlV3hgf6butRbbGuvvjpjeyUYFbZaEqYNngafoFM

On December 13th, 2023

Internationally renowned singer, percussionist, teacher 

 Alessandra Belloni, 

Author of ‘HEALNG JOURNEYS WITH THE BLACK MADONNA” 

together with I Giullari di Piazza Italian Music and Dance company 

Present the film 
Black Madonna Pilgrimage & Summer Solstice Musical Celebration in Sicily

Filmed, directed and edited by Francesco Piccolo in the summer 2023 

produced by Alessandra Belloni & 
The Black Madonna Center 

Join us for 

A MUSICAL JOURNEY TO THE BLACK MADONNA IN SICILY & THE SUMMER SOLSTICE at the MEGALYTHS OF ARGIMUSCO & the ANCIENT SOLSTICE PAGAN FEAST OF U’ MUZZUNI 

December 13th 6:30 pm

New York University - 24 West 12 Street- New York CIty

Celebrating the Feast of Santa Lucia with the Sicilian Folk Music LA SANTA LUCIOTA 

We will begin with the screening of the film to be followed by live Sicilian Folk Music, featuring: 

  ALESSANDRA BELLONI , artistic director vocals & percussion 

JOHN LA BARBERA , music director , guitarist & composer , chitarra battente & mandolin 

STEVE GORN on bansuri flutes, saxophone and clarinet 

WILSON MONTUORI – Guitar – JOE DENINZON - violin 

Joseph Giannini accordion and vocals (to be confirmed) 

·       Special guests from Sicily on zoom from the group SUDCANTICA: 

Federico Chiofalo - accordion, tambourine, guitar, Sebastiano Pietrini - vocals, guitar, tambourine, Santino Scordino – vocals, bagpipe, tambourine, Jew’s harp 

Francesco Piccolo- film director, editor 

A collage of people dancing

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Join us SUNDAY DECEMBER 17 at 5:00pm EST in the heart of Little Italy! 

Tarantata Performance and Dinner Fundraiser 2023

Sun Dec 172023 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

 

Lunella Restaurant, 173 Mulberry Street, Little Italy, New York, NY 10013

To celebrate the holidays Italian style, the 43rd anniversary of I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA and our music directors birthday! John La Barbera , sharing food, drink and wonderful music while we celebrate four decades of Alessandra's Belloni's work! During this holiday end-of-year fundraiser, you will meet special people as we also honor Tony and Obie award-winning producing artist and formerly Artistic/Executive Director of Cherry Lane Theatre Angelina Fiordalisi, Award Winning actor Saverio Guerra,  Director & Cinematographer Lisa Leone, and Award-Winning Author, Therapist & CEO Alex Iantaffi.

Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/igiullaridipiazza/1043310?

You will have the opportunity to listen to Alessandra Belloni, author of the book "Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna", published by Inner Traditions-Bear & Company.  This fund raiser will also help Alessandra raising funds for her upcoming knee surgery December 21, and her recovery time.

This will be such a special celebration of over four decades of work for I Giullari di Piazza, a non profit organization who are artists in residence at the Cathedral of St. John Divine and who have also performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and Symphony Space, to name but a few. 

The joyous afternoon will include a performance of "Tarantata," by award winning percussionist, singer, author Alessandra Belloni with composer, guitarist John La Barbera, founders of I Giullari di Piazza, in their famed production of "Tarantata," an impeccably researched production rich with songs, tarantellas, and magic rituals used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula, along with healing chants and ritual drumming in honor of the Black Madonna.  With its authentic music, costumes, and instrumentation, Belloni and company here unite the fascinating and similar legends, traditions, and musical rhythms of Southern Italy and Brasil.  And, as always, the fun concludes with audience members being invited to join the cast for a "raise the roof" tarantella.

 Featuring: Alessandra Belloni - Artistic Director, Percussions and Vocals

John La Barbera - Music Director, Composer, Guitar, Mandolin, Chitarra Battente

Wilson Montuori - Guitar

Joe Deninzon - Violin

Steve Gorn - Bansuri Flutes, Saxophones, Clarinet

Dancers - Amara &  Mark Mindek also playing the commedia character Arlecchino 

www.alessandrabelloni.com  www.igiullaridipiazza.org 

www.facebook.com/alessandrabelloni54 instagram@belloni.alessandra

Press quotes:

Don Hackman, writing in the Los Angeles Times, found that "Alessandra Belloni and "Tarantata: Dance of the Ancient Spider" is a revelation, utterly fascinating."

Drum Magazine noted that "Italian-born virtuoso Alessandra Belloni is established as a unique phenomenon, not just a percussionist, but also an actress, lecturer, entertainer, and healer."

Jon Pareles of The New York Times, reviewing an I Giullari di Piazza show, remarked that "Ms. Belloni sang in an exultant voice. The songs blazed with an age-old momentum."

Do not miss this wonderful winter celebration of life, joy, and community!

Tickets and donations include dinner and the performance, 75% tax deductible

Can't make it to the fundraiser? You can still I Giullari di Piazza non-profit organization under the 501-c-3 code and Alessandra Belloni;s work by donating here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/black-madonna-center

General Admission

$125.00

 

Ticket plus a program listing and a CD

$150.00

 

VIP Ticket plus a program listing, CD & Book

$175.00

October 22, 2023

1-6pm EST

Italian Charities of America 
87th Annual Dinner Dance

Honoring Alessandra Belloni 

At our 87th Annual Dinner Dance we will be celebrating our 2023 Honorees 
for their outstanding work and achievements in preserving and promoting 
Italian & Italian American culture, heritage and pride.

 

Information On How To Purchase Tickets! 

To purchase tickets to our 87th Annual Dinner Dance 
please fill out the information below and 
send a check or money order.

 

 

JOIN ME IN OJAI CALIFORNIA

In-Person workshop in Ojai exploring the Black Madonna, Oschun and your body as a home for the Divine.

For more information and tickets, click HERE

October 27th, 2023

Special Concert in Ojai California

Join me in Ojai California on 10/27 at Light and Space for an unforgettable drum and dance concert you will not forget!

Register here! https://www.lightandspaceyoga.com/events

REGSITER NOW!

Selling Fast!

We will learn the traditional ancient healing trance dance of the tarantella, used to cure the mythical bite of the tarantula, in use for centuries throughout the Mediterranean as music and dance therapy.

 

We’ll create a community healing ritual as our bodies move in ways that help us to open the energy points and stay grounded. According to what Alessandra observed in her practice and personal experience in teaching healing workshops around the world, “tarantismo” may be defined as depression or sadness caused by unrequited love or abuse. The Pizzica is an ancient form of music and dance therapy.

 

We will also learn a unique style of traditional Southern Italian frame drum and tambourine playing, including variations of the 4/4 rhythm of the Tammorriata. These rhythms and movements represent an unbroken chain of inspiration and expression of sound and dance, dating back to the rites of the Mother Earth Goddess Cybele, and kept alive into the present. We will learn the history of this powerful tambourine style, traditionally done by women. Empowering women to get in touch with their ancient frame drumming traditions, achieve inner balance and relief of stress while restoring spiritual and physical energy is a major theme of this work.

$75 at the door and $65 in advance for 3 hours
You can pay by paypal: paypal@blackmadonnacenter,
blackmadonnacenter@gmail.com
or Alessandra at:
https://www.everbutton.com/pay/3750

Venmo Alessandra Belloni or Zelle Abelloni@aol.com
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You can pay by paypal: paypal@blackmadonnacenter
blackmadonnacenter@gmail.com
Venmo Alessandra Belloni or
Zelle Abelloni@aol.com or
https://www.everbutton.com/pay/3750

FOR MORE INFORMATION CHECK OUT THE LINKS BELOW:

https://fb.me/e/1n33EX1cZ

https://fb.me/e/1dRY4XYP7

CHECK OUT THIS GREAT VIDEO BELOW!

MADONNA DELLA GRAZIA – Traditional devotional Tarantella in Honor of our Lady of Grace from Region of Campania

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeoNUbWMn_A

 

 

TARANTELLA WITH ALESSANDRA BELLONI SOUTHERN ITALIAN FOLK MUSIC & DANCE FOR THE BLACK MADONNA

THU, SEPTEMBER 21, 2023 - 12:00PM 1 HR 15 MIN NEW HAVEN GREEN

FREE EVENT!
An award winning tambourine virtuoso, singer, dancer and actress, Ms.Belloni was born in Rome, Italy and is committed to preserving the strong and rich traditions of her culture. Author of the book ‘HEALING JOURNEYS WITH THE BLACK MADONNA” published by Inner Traditions- Bear & Company. With foreword by best selling author Matthew Fox.

For the last 19 years she has been holding her special dance & drumming workshop in Tuscany RHYTHM IS THE CURE, with students that come from all over the world.  Recepient of the Folk Arts Master Grant from the New York State Council on the Arts 2016 & 2018.

Steve Gorn, whose flute is said to ‘re-align the cells,’ is featured on the Grammy winning recording, “Miho – Journey to the Mountain,” with the Paul Winter Consort, as well as the Academy Award winning Documentary film, “Born into Brothels.” He has performed Indian Classical Music and new American Music on the bansuri bamboo flute, soprano saxophone and clarinet in concerts and festivals throughout the world.  Well known to audiences in India and the west, he is one of the few westerners recognized to have captured the subtlety and beauty of Indian music. His CD, Luminous Ragas, is a landmark recording of music for yoga. Recent recordings include Rasika, with Tabla virtuoso Samir Chatterjee, and Illuminations, with Nepali flutist, Manose. www.stevegorn.com

Special Performance! July 22nd, 2023

I am very excited to be leaving soon for my summer tour in Italy, and share that my first pilgrimage of the Black Madonna and workshop in Sicily is sold out; there are only a couple of spaces left for the pilgrimage and drumming workshop in Naples and the region of Campania.

 

I am also very happy to share that for the first time this summer I will be performing in my father's ancestral land, the Republic of San Marino, going back my roots to a special magical place called Parco Cristallo. It will be very emotional for me to perform in the place where the lineage Belloni comes from.

 

With music dedicated to the Black Madonna and Mary Magdalene on her feast day, and together with dancer Fabiana Gaya Magdala - come celebrate with us!

SCROLL BELOW TO SEE MORE INFORMATION ONTHE WORKSHOPS IN SICILY AND CAMPANIA. 

Join Italian Charities of America and Arba Sicula  
on Saturday, May 13th, 2023 
for a 
Southern Italian Concert by  

Alessandra Belloni  & I Giullari Di Piazza  

 

Refreshments at 6:30pm & Event at 7:30pm 
Doors Open at 6:15pm! 

  Italian Charities of America and Arba Sicula have collaborated  
to bring you a Southern Italian musical concert featuring 
award-winning tambourine virtuoso, singer, dancer and actress, Alessandra Belloni and I Giullari Di Piazza, an Italian music & theater ensemble featuring internationally renowned music director, guitarist and composer, John La Barbera. 

 This musical concert will feature both 
traditional and ancient Southern Italian music. 
This extraordinary event will include the internationally 
renowned Healing Dance of the Pizzica (Spider Dance) 
from the region of Puglia and tarantella's and love songs 
from the regions of Campania, Sicily and Calabria.  

  

Seating is limited, please click HERE register. 

Location of event is at Italian Charities of America's 
non-profit building at 83-20 Queens Blvd. Elmhurst NY 11373. 

  

Sponsored by Arba Sicula and Italian Charities of America

The Cathedral of St John the Divine presents: ALESSANDRA BELLONI with I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA  

Artists in Residence in a special concert:  

 SACRED DRUMMING & CHANTS FOR THE SEVEN BLACK MADONNAS & ORISHAS 

based on Alessandra’s Book: Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna Featuring foreword by bestselling author Matthew Fox  

Published by Inner Traditions - Bear & Company  

THURSDAY MAY 11TH – 7:30 pm CATHEDRAL OF ST JOHN THE DIVINE  
1047 Amsterdam Avenue & 112 Street, tickets $ 35  

BUY TICKETS HERE

www.alessandrabelloni.com email Alessandrabelloni@gmail.com or blackmadonnacenter@gmail.com for more information  

The concert will feature: Alessandra Belloni - Artistic Director, Percussions and Vocals-  
John La Barbera - Music Director, Composer, Guitar, Mandolin, Chitarra Battente  
Joe Deninzon: Violin, mandolin and vocals  

Wilson Montuori - Guitar  
Steve Gorn - Bansuri Flutes, Saxophones, Clarinet  
DANCERS: Francesca Silvano, Peter De Geronimo, Mark Mindek - Stilt Dancer  

Join Alessandra Belloni, John La Barbera and I GIULLARI DI PIAZZA with the Black Madonna Center as they open a portal into the sacred sites of the mysterious Black Madonna in Italy and around the world. The concert is an enchanting journey of discovery of the seven Black Madonnas, following the ancient Neapolitan legend, known as the "Seven Sisters" in Southern Italy. This trip into traditional legends, miracles and history, transports audiences to a time and place where an unbroken and ancient tradition continues today. 

The Italian Cultural Foundation at Casa Belvedere Presents a

Live Performance and Special Event: 

The Healing Ritual of the Tarantella Dance 

Tuesday, April 25 at 7 pm in the Galleria

 

More Details to Follow Soon! 

Learn about the Healing Ritual Tradition of the Tarantella, Pizzicarella and Tammorriata folk dances from the Italian region of Puglia, Campania Sicily and Calabria. This special live performance will feature excerpts from the production Tarantella Spider Dance, Italian Tarantella trance dances, ritual drumming, and healing chants for the Black Madonna. 

 The event features artistic director, vocalist and percussionist Alessandra Belloni, John La Barbera on guitar and mandolin; and dancers Francesca Silvano and Peter De Geronimo. Belloni will also discuss her book “Healing Journeys with the Black Madonna,” detailing decades-worth of field research from many regions in Southern Italy.

PAST EVENT: SACRED DRUMMING & CHANTS FOR THE BLACK MADONNA & THE ORISHAS FROM ITALY & BRAZIL

SUNDAY JANUARY 29 – 7:00pm – at CORAZON PERFORMING ARTS 125 S Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290

This powerful musical journey will introduce and transport the audience to a time and place where an unbroken and ancient tradition continues today with folk music, processions, devotional drumming, and dance.


The concert is inspired by two geographically distant but thematically parallel traditions. Southern Italian and Brazilian purification rites and procession performed in the summer to honor the archetypical sea goddess. In Brazil she comes from the West African Yoruba culture and is called Yemanja , in Italy she is called the Black Madonna of the Sea (once called Aphrodite). Internationally renowned singer, percussionist, dancer and REMO Artist Alessandra Belloni will be playing the ocean drum, recreating the sound of the waves of the ocean , her Yemanja drum made by Remo that combines the sound of the water with the drum, her line of Southern Italian tambourines and frame drums accompanied by a small ensemble of singers and percussionists.


Vida Vierra will sing the traditional Afro Brazilian Chants for Yemanja and Ochun, Goddess of Love, the Sea, the Rivers accompanied by djembes, congas, pandeiro & bells.
Southern Italy and Brazil share their common roots in Africa and worship of the Black Madonna as African Mother.

 

PAST EVENT: RAINBOW BODY MATRIX presents: A Celebration of the Black Madonna & Iemanjá.

 Join Vida Vierra & Dani Lunn as they host Guest Artist: Alessandra Belloni ~ An embodied journey into the mysteries of the Black Madonna and an honoring of the Feast of Iemanjá! Together we evoked the many faces of the Divine Mother through the power of sacred song and movement. 

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