FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Elissa Ruffino (NIAF) 202/939-3106 or elissa@niaf.org

EVENT: NEIL SEDAKA TO PERFORM AT ANNUAL “SALUTE TO THE MARTINI”

SPONSOR: The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF)

WHO: Singing legendNeil Sedakais one of the highlights at NIAF’s annual Salute to the Martini.

WHAT: An open bar, Italian food specialties, grappa and dolce (sweets) are part of the evening’s entertainment.

WHERE: The International Ballroom
Hilton Washington & Towers
1919 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C.

WHEN: Friday, October 12, 2007, 8 p.m. to midnight

COST: $85 per person without a gala ticket, $65 per person with a gala ticket (includes food, open bar, and performance by Neil Sedaka)

DRESS: Cocktail attire

R.S.V.P.: To cover the event, contact Elissa Ruffino at elissa@niaf.org, 202/939-3106 or Marjorie Korn at marjorie@niaf.org, 202/939-3116.
To purchase tickets, contact Kelli DiPietro at kelli@niaf.org or 202/939-3118, or visit www.niaf.org.

For more than 50 years, Sedaka has written, performed, produced, and inspired countless songs. He has recorded chart toppers including “The Diary,” “Oh! Carol,” “Laughter in the Rain,” “Calendar Girl,” “Bad Blood,” “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,” “Solitaire,” and “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.”

His music was known for its unique recording style involving multi-tracking his own voice to achieve a rich sound. On April 24, 2007, Sedaka released “The Definitive Collection,” a retrospective CD in honor of his 50th anniversary in show business. “The Definitive Collection” debuted at number 22 on the Billboard Chart, marking the first time Sedaka has appeared on the chart since 1980.

The event is part of NIAF’s 32nd Anniversary Convention and Gala Weekend. Among the notables attending the events are actorTony Lo Bianco, actressSusan Lucci, singerDion, and legendary croonerJerry Vale. They will be joined by baseball greatYogi Berraand Super Bowl-winning coachDick Vermeil.For a complete list of events and activities, visit www.niaf.org.

For further information on Neil Sedaka’s 50th Anniversary, visit www.sedaka50.com.

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) is a non-profit organization based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to preserving the heritage of Italian Americans. Visit www.niaf.org.