By Tom Cesarini

Buon Anno (Happy New Year) from Convivio!

We at Convivio wish you and yours a prosperous year ahead! We are gearing up for many programs and events coming up in the new year and look forward to making new friends and celebrating the essence of Convivio with you!

Convivio programs and events calendar:

Films al fresco

Join us for our outdoor screenings as we celebrate classic, Italian, and international cinema at Amici Park on our 30-foot screen!

Our 2019 season launches with an Italian film staple, “Cinema Paradiso,” which, appropriately, celebrates Italian life and the allure and magic of the cinema. We will also have special screenings of “Mamma Mia!” and “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” in anticipation of our May 5 outdoor concert featuring Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA.

Dates: Films screen on one Friday each month

Location: Amici Park, Little Italy

Seating: Choose from general seating or luxury, zero-gravity recliner seating

Concessions: Indulge in wine, beer, coffee, snacks (and free popcorn) — available at our concessions station

• “Cinema Paradiso” — March 22
• “Mamma Mia!” – March 29 — special screening
• “The Ten Commandments” — April 12
• “Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again” — April 26 — special screening
• “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg” — 55th anniversary — May 31
• “Chinatown” — 45th anniversary — June 14
• “La Strada” — July 26
• “The Untouchables” — Aug. 23
• “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” — 50th anniversary — Sept. 6
• “The Godfather: Part II” — 45th anniversary — Oct. 4

Musicarramba!

Delight in an intimate evening under the stars while you are entertained by local and international talent. Our monthly music series launches in February with a special Valentine’s Day concert and dinner!

Dates: Performances are on one Thursday each month

Location: Amici House and Amici Park, Little Italy

Seating: Enjoy cabaret-style seating with tables in an intimate atmosphere

Concessions: Wine, beer, coffee, and snacks available

• “Love, Italian Style” – Featuring Tenor Rosario Monetti – Feb. 9, dinner provided by Cucina Caprese
• Sacha Boutros – March 7
• Valentina Ranalli – April 4

Stellar sounds: Outdoor Concerts (at Amici Park)

You don’t want to miss our spectacular concerts for causes, featuring classic and contemporary artists! Proceeds from our concert series benefit Convivio education, arts, and culture programs as well as benefit our partner, the Washington Elementary School Foundation, for the school’s programs and its homeless and at-risk youth (25 percent of the school’s population). VIP tickets include dinner provided by award-winning RoVino.

Tickets for our May 5 concert are on sale now!

• Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA, May 5 at 8 p.m.
• Patrizio Buanne, Sept. 21 at 8 p.m.
• Gino Vannelli, Oct. 11 at 8 p.m.

Cultural excursions

Walking tours are a great way to enjoy the allure of San Diego’s Italian quarter through history — and great cuisine! Book your tour online today!

• Bel Mattino (morning walking tour of Little Italy) on Jan. 12. Tour begins with breakfast at Café Zucchero.
• Bella Serata (evening walking tour of Little Italy) on Jan. 26. Tour ends at Amici House with Sicilian aperitivo provided by RoVino.

Visit: conviviosociety.org for organization overview, full calendar, and ticket information.

Get Social: @conviviosociety (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)

—Tom Cesarini is the executive director of Convivio. Reach him at [email protected].