UPCOMING Grand Halle to recreate Italian flair for its spring tea

May 2—JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — An enchanting world of Italian art and culinary elegance awaits at this spring tea.

"That's Amore" will be held at 4 p.m. May 11 at The Grand Halle on Broad Street, 306 Broad St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.

"Spring tea at The Grand Halle is a one-of-a-kind event in a one-of-a-kind space," said Kim Rauch, program chairman for The Grand Halle. "It gives people something special to do with their friends and family, and it's a delightful way to spend Mother's Day weekend."

The tea theme will immerse guests in a visual display of work from artists such as Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo, Sandro Botticelli, Raphael, Giuseppe Arcimboldo, Pietro Perugino, Giorgio De Chirco and Amedo Modigliani.

"There will be well-known Italian artworks on easels decorating the parameter of The Grand Halle to give it that museum vibe," said Angelique Stolar, program manager for The Grand Halle.

"We'll also have a large replica of the Leaning Tower of Pisa where everyone will have the opportunity to pose for a photo op."

Attendees will be treated to an array of savory sandwiches, sweet pastries, soup and a variety of teas.

"Many of the pastries will be inspired by traditional pastries that you would think of that would be flavors of Italy," Stolar said.

Musical entertainment will be provided by pianist Rich Kingera, of the duo Deja Vu and a former music teacher in the Rockwood Area School District, who will be playing fun favorites such as Dean Martin's "That's Amore" and taking requests from guests.

This year, the event will include a basket raffle with items donated by local businesses.

"There's a nice variety of baskets — from food and beverage baskets to an Italian basket to gift cards to movie baskets to car wash baskets," Stolar said.

Winners will be drawn at the end of the event.

Proceeds will benefit programming at The Grand Halle.

"The tea, along with the Service of Lessons and Carols, are our biggest revenue generators of the year and our most popular programs," Stolar said.

"Proceeds go toward next year's concert season."

She said the tea typically attracts about 200 people yearly and is a sellout event.

"We hope people have a good and unique time, and this is an excuse to dress up and come and try different things," Stolar said.

"We also hope people come out for Mother's Day and experience how fun these types of events can be."

Tickets are $30 per person.

Cost for a table of eight is $210.

Seating is reserved and tickets must be purchased in advance by May 9. No tickets will be sold at the door.

For more information or to order tickets, call 814-254-4033 or online at www.GrandHalle.com.