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Don your best mob attire and walk the "pink" carpet as a guest to this one-of-a-kind event!

July 09, 2012

Mr. Joe Gannascoli, best known for his role of "Vito Spatafore" on the HBO award-winning hit, The Sopranos, will kick off the event with a big announcement at 519 State Street. Joe will have two other appearances while in town as part of the Mobster Nights events at Troutdale Dining Room, which benefit Steppenstone Youth Treatment Services and Spine Health Foundation. However, this event will provide a more intimate atmosphere as the event travels from 519 State Street down to The Bistro at 724 State Street, allowing for more conversation and photo opportunities. Additionally, the event is limited to only 50 tickets and will include a live auction to benefit Bristol Ballet.

"This is going to be so much fun! I am a huge 'Sopranos' fan,” exclaimed Michele Plescia, Artistic Director for Bristol Ballet. “The whole mob-style Sopranos theme, along with a ‘Pink Carpet’, will be really exciting. Hmm, what am I going to reply when a ‘reporter’ asks me as I walk down the pink carpet, ‘Who are you wearing tonight?’”

This event will kick off the 2012-13 Season for Bristol Ballet, and promises to do so in a grand fashion. From the big announcement at 519 State Street, to walking the "pink" carpet (like the celebrity red carpet, but pink to go with the In the Pink theme), to a book signing with a mobster celebrity, to the grand finale of a live auction — you will not want to miss your chance to not only meet a celebrity, but to feel like one!

Joe Gannascoli has also appeared in several films, including Mickey Blue Eyes, Ed Wood, Money for Nothing, and the recently-released Men in Black III. He is well-known in the metro New York area as a culinary artist specializing in Italian/French foods and is the past owner of a popular restaurant in New York. Mr. Gannascoli regularly makes personal appearances throughout the country as a guest chef, and he markets a line of pasta and a sauce labeled under "Sauce Boss". During his appearance at The Bistro, Joe is pleased to present his line of fine Cugine cigars and cigar boxes, as well as the crime novel/cookbook he has written, entitled A Meal to Die For.

Tickets for the event are $100 each, with proceeds benefitting Bristol Ballet. To purchase tickets, go online to bristolballet.org. As mentioned, ticket sales are limited to only 50 tickets. "We expect to sell out, as we've never done an event quite like this before," says Holly Vining, Board President for the 2012-13 Season. "This event has such an element of fun and pizzazz — we are very excited to kick off our season with such a big event!"