LIVE MUSIC
Marcellino Ristorante is well known for its exceptional musicians. Enjoy R& B sounds, smooth notes of local Jazz, old time classics, opera to contemporary hits.
To see our schedule of Live Music, visit our calendar.
Sima Verzino was classically trained in New York performing with the big NYC society orchestras and was hired to entertain on international cruise ships. She performed in Rome, Italy performing American dance music and while there, was signed to a European record label. She continued her music in Europe for 10 years, where she also met her future husband. Upon returning to New York with Chef Marcellino, Sima dedicated her time to the joint venture of working with him to produce award-winning restaurants in New York and in 2003 moving to Scottsdale to open Marcellino Ristorante.
In November 2015, Sima reignited her musical passion bringing together outstanding musicians of notoriety with musical background similar to hers. Contemporary rhythms and a soulful voice is “Sima and her Trio’s” signature sound that includes Lady Rachael Gold on keyboards alternating with Dave Ihlenfeld on keyboards/musical conductor, Felix Sainz; upright bass and Jerry Donato, sax/flute.
Dave Ihlenfeld Jazz Trio
Dave Ihlenfeld grew up in St. Louis, where at age 3 he started picking out bass lines to Motown tunes on the family piano. He attended DePauw and Indiana Universities, and then worked out of Indianapolis as a music teacher and performing musician. Since 1996 he has resided in Arizona, where he is in demand as a jazz pianist and tuba player. He has performed with a diverse range of musicians, from Clark Terry to Rich Matteson to the St. Louis Symphony. Dave formed his band, Dave Ihlenfeld and the NuWrld Jazz Project, as a palette for realizing his musical ideas and now presents the Dave Ihlenfeld Jazz Trio at Marcellino Ristorante.
We3
We3 performed their very first concert together on October 1, 2016, at the Nash in downtown Phoenix. An undeniable chemistry was recognized, and the group has continued to perform sold out shows at locations such as the MIM and Phoenix Theatre, among many others.
We3 features vocalist Renee Grant Patrick (daughter to the late George Grant of the world-famous Ink Spots), violinist Suzanne Lansford, and pianist Nicole Pesce. They are a powerhouse of talents combined, paying tribute to timeless tunes with new and familiar interpretations of popular, jazz, swing, blues standards, and so much more!
Daniel Hendricks – Tenor, Composer
They Call Him “Mr. Amazing”!
Whether exciting audiences at New York’s acclaimed Lincoln Center or thrilling the critics at the world’s major opera houses, tenor and composer Daniel Hendrick has become a premier presence on the professional stage today. He has received uncounted standing ovations in performing arts centers in a wide variety of locations, including New York, New Orleans, San Francisco, Bonn, Istanbul, Tokyo, Seoul, Paris, Vancouver, and Mexico City. Daniel’s powerful voice has been alternately described as “rich”, “lyrical”, “soaring”, “powerful” and “impressive.” He’s been lauded by the New York Times for cutting “an impressive figure onstage.” The greatest voices in the world, including James Morris, Ruth Ann Swenson, Thomas Hampson, Elizabeth Futral, Jerome Hines, and Carol Neblett have been delighted to sing opposite him.
Rachael Nicole Gold
Marcellino Ristorante is proud to announce The Rachael Gold Jazz Trio will be performing select evenings throughout the season.
Rachael Nicole Gold is a singer/songwriter & multi-instrumentalist.
Over the past thirty years she has performed extensively throughout the United States, Canada and Europe. Ms. Gold studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston and the Dick Grove School of Music in Los Angeles where she studied arranging and composition under legendary orchestrators / composers such as Dick Grove, Nelson Riddle, Clare Fischer, Tom Scott and Lalo Schifrin.
Rachael has recorded and toured with many well-known entertainers, including Sister Sledge, Donna Summer, as well as produced, arranged and composed music for film, television, video games and a variety of recording artists ranging from Sarah Vaughn to Sister Sledge to Mickey Mouse, film & TV.
Ripalta Bufo
International Soprano
We are proud to present Riplata in her 2024 debut at Marcellino Ristorante.
A multi-graduate from the music conservatory in Italy, Ripalta immediately stands out in theaters around the world with her “crystal voice”. She sings all over Italy, including Rome, Florence, Naples, Milan, Turin… but also internationally in Japan, Egypt, Russia, Croatia, Albania, Serbia, France, Azerbaijan and many others.
Winner of numerous international lyric competitions, her artistic career is full of experiences with great names in the lyric world scene such as Katia Ricciarelli, Luciana Serra, Mirella Freni and Italian pop such as Albano Carrisi, Jimmy Fontana and Giovanna Nocetti.
Her versatility and sparkle allow her to range in a repertoire ranging from classic to pop to movie soundtrack with a typical Italian original timbre. Described by the composer Vince Tempera “voice of angel” she continues to conquer whoever listens to her and she is ready to conquer you too!
