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A lifetime in music
Born into the music.
Celebrated on stages worldwide.
Accordionist, singer, keyboardist, actor and recording artist.
The son of Italian immigrants, Joe Martino has carried the music of his heritage from Chicago’s Taylor Street to Festa stages across America and Italy, and to private events for presidents and movie stars.
Music · Heritage · Celebration
A tradition is at its best when everyone feels invited.
Where it began
Joe Martino started his musical career at just seven years old. He took accordion lessons for nine and a half years in Elmwood Park, Illinois, studying under Vince Geraci and Joe DeLuca, later studied accordion in Italy, and graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago with a degree in music, where he also studied voice. As the son of Italian immigrants with family roots in the Campania region near Naples, he grew up in a culture where music was part of the fabric of everyday life.
He went on to win the Chicago Tribune Music Festival and the American Accordion Association competition, and has been climbing to greater heights with his artistry ever since.
Friends, mentors and legends
Joe performed alongside legendary accordionist Dick Contino at major festivals across the country. The two were lifelong friends, “putting the accordion on the map,” and for years they were the only accordionists on the Milwaukee festival stages. Joe considered Contino his idol and mentor.
For 28 years Joe toured the U.S. and Italy with the late Tuscan singer Luigi Lenzi. As the duo “Martino and Lenzi” they were a fixture at Festa Italiana in Milwaukee, where Joe has performed for more than 25 years, and in 2002 they performed at a private event for actor Roberto Benigni in Los Angeles. Joe has also performed with Al Martino and the Henry Mancini Orchestra.
Performed for
- President Ronald Reagan
- President George H.W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush (NIAF Convention, Washington Hilton)
- Governor John Connally
- Mayor Rudy Giuliani
- Actor Roberto Benigni
- National Italian American Foundation, Washington, D.C.
- U.S. Department of the Navy
- Radio host Erich “Mancow” Muller
On screen and on record
Joe is a SAG-AFTRA member with film credits. He performed an original song in a Pilsen park, Chicago, in the feature film Alex/October. He appeared on The Steve Harvey Show (“Date Your Husband,” 2015) and in commercials for Fifth Third Bank, Barilla Pasta, Ruffino, Bolla, Celeste Foods, American Airlines and Alitalia, along with appearances on American and Italian television and radio.
Joe is a recording artist with two CDs and a DVD of performances. In 2015 he released Accordion to Sinatra, 19 of Sinatra’s most famous songs with accordion and vocals, a tribute to the music he has played most of his life. In 2016 came Positano with Love, 15 Italian American classics with full orchestration.
The one-man orchestra
Joe pairs his classic Bell Borsini accordion with MIDI technology to create a “one-man orchestra” sound. A wireless setup lets him stroll up to 200 feet with accordion and vocals, reaching every table and corner of the room. He has been a guest artist at accordion clubs across the U.S., and the Chicago Accordion Club featured him in 2011 and 2012 alongside the legendary Frank Caruso.
Stages and festivals
- Festa Italiana Milwaukee, 25+ years
- Festa Italiana Chicago, 11+ years
- Festa Italiana Taylor Street
- Touch of Italy, Taylor Street
- Heart of Italy Festival, Oakley
- The Governor’s Mansion, Springfield
- Hollywood Casinos, Aurora and Joliet
- Sardi’s, New York
- American Airlines Milan Inaugural
- Festas in Naples and Florence, Italy
- Festa Italiana Houston
- Festa Italiana Las Vegas
- Festa Italiana San Francisco
- Festa Italiana St. Paul
- Festa Italiana Grand Rapids
- Festa Italiana Des Moines
- Festa Italiana Charleston
- Columbus Day Celebration, Indianapolis
- St. Louis Sicilian Society
- Italian Community Center, Milwaukee
- Mt. Carmel Fest, Melrose Park
- Villa Scalabrini
- Rock N Ravioli “Sinatra Sunday,” Evanston
- Italian Village and Como Inn, Chicago
Part of the community
Joe is proud to be affiliated with the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans, the National Italian American Foundation, the Sons of Italy, UNICO International, the Italian-American Chamber of Commerce of Chicago, the Italian-American War Veterans, Casa Italia, the Mazzini-Verdi Club, Our Lady of Pompeii Church and many more.
Everything your celebration needs
Joe can add featured singer Stella Raimondi, the Volare Dancers, a live band of 4 to 10 musicians, comedy, and DJ entertainment from his son Peter Martino. He also plays French, German, Polish, Irish, Greek and Spanish music for international celebrations.
Joe handles every booking personally
Let’s make your celebration
unforgettable.
Call Joe directly to check your date. He’ll talk through your guests, your traditions and the songs that matter most to your family. DJ Peter, the Volare Dancers and a live band of 4 to 10 musicians are available too.