Popular New York jazz vocalist Vanessa Racci has developed a passion for history and is sharing her research in fascinating programs in many American towns. Her focus is on Italian contributions to American jazz from 1917 - the 2000s. Racci will begin by discussing Italian American artists from New Orleans who were instrumental in the development of jazz in its early days, moving on to describe other contributions from Italian musicians across the U.S. throughout the decades to modern times. Attendees will hear many names that are unknown today and many whose work is widely celebrated, such as Henry Mancini, Tony Mottola, Frank Sinatra and Chick Corea.