U-Matic

Italian Festival Tape #1
7/7/89

U-Matic S tape containing footage of shot of the 1989 Italian Riverfront Festival in Hart Plaza on July 7th. The tape features musicians, dancers, the opening ceremony's speakers, and the arrival of Governor James Blanchard. The recording is continued on tape 2015.008.207.

The tape begins with a brief segment of a cacophony of voices over first a test pattern, then a dark screen. Next a woman with a camera is filmed talking to the camera operator near Hart Plaza's amphitheater.

The camera then moves to the riverfront where a band performs several Italian language songs. In between shots of the band the camera also films the crowd, a protestor holding a "Reuse, Recycle, Reduce Waste" sign, and the Hilton Windsor.

Next, two young women-identified as Leah and Gretchen-perform tarantella dances. Afterward the band that previously played performs the Star Spangled Banner. They are followed by singer Quinto Milito who performs "Il Canto degli Italiani," backed by the same band.

Marlene Baker then speaks at the adjacent podium where she introduces the festival's chairman, Reno Garagiola. Garagiola mentions the mayor, governor, and the issue of clean water. Baker then returns to the podium to recognize the festival's committee, the festival's queen Lisa Marie Payne, and some of the people in the audience.

After a cut, another woman appears at the podium to present a declaration to Garagiola and the Italian Festival Committee from Mayor Coleman A. Young.

Following a series of short shots of the crowd and dancers, another woman takes to the podium to read a statement about the festival on behalf of Governor James Blanchard. She is followed by a gospel group who performs beside the riverfront. During the group's performance, Governor James Blanchard arrives on a boat.

The recording is on a 3M UCA-30s U-Matic S tape with a handwritten 3M label on its top. The tape is housed within a black plastic latching case with a City of Detroit Department of Public Information Video Production label on its cover.