Alamance County performers will headline the first-ever Festa Italiana from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday on Tucker Street in downtown Raleigh. Larry Vellani, of Mebane, will serve as master of ceremonies and his band, Mebanesville, will perform. Tenor Charles “Chuck” Beard will perform a selection of Neapolitan classics and Dr. Charles Hogan will accompany him on piano. “It’s an honor to be part of this inaugural event,” Vellani said.

Bates Battaglia, retired Carollina Hurricanes left winger, and the members of the Triangle Sons and Daughters of Italy, Lodge 2817, along with Mike Lombardo, organized the event. Battaglia and Lombardo own Lucky B’s in Raleigh. Proceeds from the event will go to Spare Some for Autism, which was founded by Beth Jarvis in honor of her autistic daughter, Cameron. Battaglia is Cameron’s godfather.