The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival is just around the corner and the entertainment lineup, once again, includes locals.

 

Brandon LeRoy and Marissa Bailey are back on the Antero Main Stage for the fourth consecutive year. During their 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 3 performance, the vocalists will deliver their popular show which features Italian-themed music through the eras – from the Italian Opera and “Rat Pack” to current radio hits.

 

As the festival has been an important part of his life since he was born, the annual is special to Leroy, he said.

 

"I have never missed a year walking down the streets of downtown Clarksburg, admiring all of the smells, sights and emotions of Italian heritage with my family and friends," he said. "Since I was little, I would always stop and stare to watch the main stage entertainment and it is an honor to be included as one of the main stage entertainers for the fourth consecutive year."

 

This performance, as always, will be one to remember.

 

“We are especially excited to perform before Sunday’s Headliner Dennis Tufano, former lead singer for ‘The Buckinghams’ and credited for performing alongside Olivia Newton-John and performing the original title/theme song (first season) for the longtime running ‘Family Ties’ TV show,” LeRoy said.

 

The duo’s show will feature favorite pieces from previous years, as well as vibrant crowd interaction and a couple of new twists, he said. New tothis year’s show is the introduction of the pair of performers’ brand-new orchestra under the direction of R.J. Nestor – the addition of which they said will bring a new look and sound to their show.

 

A 2011 graduate of Bridgeport High School, LeRoy – who also plays saxophone - recently released his first recording project titled “For You – EP,” which features vocal and instrumental tracks. The album, which was produced by Emmy Award-winning composer/producer Jamie Peck, will be available for purchase during and following the Sept. 3 show. His next musical endeavor, he said is an all-saxophone album which will be in production soon.

 

Bailey has been involved with the festival since she was just three years old, having served as cantor for the Mass, a member of the festival dancers and a singer with the Florence Chico Cann Children’s Choir.

 

She is presently a junior at West Virginia University – where she placed runner-up as Mountaineer Idol her freshman year and won the championship title in the university’s Dancing with the Mountaineers Stars competition. Bailey double majors in musical theater and strategic communications with an emphasis in public relations. She is a regular performer with the WVU School of Theatre and Dance, recent roles in shows including “Pirates of Penzance” and “The 25^th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” among others. She serves as a cantor at All Saints Catholic Church and former voice student of Pam Pinti Krall. She performs throughout the area and also shares her talent with family and friends at weddings and funerals.

 

LeRoy works as a structural engineer for AECOM in Morgantown. After his graduation from BHS, he earned a degree in civil engineering from WVU, graduating in 2015. He also performs throughout the area; venues including The Fifth Floor, The Caboose, Mia Margaritas and at events such as Bridgeport Light Up Night. He, also, is a cantor at All Saints Catholic Church, where he shares his musical talents as well. LeRoy has studied with a number of locals and celebrities, including Pam Pinti Krall, Stephen Pishner, Randall Hall, Kenni Holmen, Greg Laur and Kristal Medina Lake.

 

Being on that stage - and looking out into the audience - hundreds of individual embracing the Italian heritage, including family members and friends - is an incredible feeling, LeRoy said.

 

"The crowd is always enthusiastic and interactive - as many Italians typically  are - and it truly makes for a better show and more memorable experience," he said. "The WVIHF and my Italian heritage hold a special place in my heart  and I am just so excited that I am able to share this with everyone on stage year after year."

 

For inquiries about performances, LeRoy can be reached at:

http://branleroy3.wixsite.com/brandonleroymusicor via email at branleroy3@gmail.com.