In the last decade we have become accustomed in seeing troops return home and loved ones embracing their soldier with tears of joy running down their face.  That familiar gymnasium scene can be found across the nation. What we don’t see is “What Happens next?”

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Steve Barta (pianist, composer, arranger, producer and educator) has joined together with Jazz Legends Al Jarreau, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Hubert Laws to produce a wonderful musical tale. It combines the rich history of Jazz and Popular music. JumpinJazz Kids is a classic narrative story with fun, pop-influenced jazz songs and a full Symphony Orchestra. Steve Barta has released fourteen recordings that reflect his influence particularly Brazilian, Jazz and Classical. SteveBartaMusic.com

As we look around our communities and absorb the floundering economy, we often lose sight of how our forefathers took on the same challenges yet prospered with new beginnings and often in a new country. Without a lot of money, but with hope and dreams, they moved forward, seizing the day when opportunity knocked.

In Denno, a small village of Trento, Italy, three young men sought a better life. Upon learning of a “land of opportunity”, Louis and Guido Yellico and their friend and neighbor, Silvio Dalpiaz, who was betrothed to their sister Maria Yellico, set out to make their way in America.

In their small village, farming and mining were the main means of support, so upon arriving at Ellis Island they were sent where their mining skills could be put to use:  Silvio to Ohio, and Louis and Guido to Aguilar, Colorado. They were pursuing opportunities.