Gianni Russo is scheduled to perform at the Butler Italian Festival in August.

There is nothing more Italian than meatballs, red wine and “The Godfather.”

For the second Butler Italian Festival, Louis Giovanni “Gianni” Russo, who starred as Al Pacino's brother-in-law in the 1972 Francis Ford Coppola classic, will perform classic Italian songs and talk about his acting career. Russo was featured in the role of Carlo Rizzi, who was married to Connie Corleone.

Now Russo, 74, is a spokesman, singer and motivational speaker.

The idea to bring Russo in was to make the festival “bigger and better,” according to event organizer and manager Michael Dongilli.

The festival is scheduled for Aug. 24 to 26 on Main Street in Butler.

“This was just an opportunity for us to bring someone who is obviously Italian and fairly well-known,” Dongilli said.

“He has a prominent position in a major movie, has his own line of wines and vodka, and he was willing to make an appearance. We help each other; we help him promote his product and we get a fun personality for people to meet and greet.”

He endorses products like Don Corleone Organic Vodka and Genco Organic Pure Virgin Olive Oil, Extra Fine. Russo's brand of wine is Gianni Russo Wines, which debuted in 2009.

Russo will perform classic standards and Italian hits at the festival. In between songs, he will give festival attendees a behind-the-scenes description filled with stories from “The Godfather” set.

“He's an incredible storyteller,” Dongilli said. “He'll talk about making the movie, his role, his relationship with the actors and give a lot of background on one of the most popular movies of all time. Folks will find his background incredibly interesting.”

His appearance is scheduled for Aug. 24 and 25.

“You'll be glued if you're a fan of the movie if you hear him,” Dongilli said.

In addition to Dongilli's performance, the festival will also include The Granati Brothers on Friday night, with special guest Donnie Iris joining them on stage.

On Saturday, Jimmy Sapienza will perform a tribute to Louis Prima, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and more while Mirella the Musician and Chase and the Barons perform after Russo.

Sunday, the final day of the festival, will include a noon mass followed by a Madonna statute procession on Main Street. At the same time, the Star of Italy Pageant will be held. John LuPone, an Italian opera vocalist, and Let's Groove Tonight will perform.

All information on entertainment, food and specific times can be found at butleritalianfestival.com.

“We're really excited about this second year,” Dongilli said. “We had such great success last year that we know the amount of vendors is going to double this year. We'll have more options for food and crafts, for people to take advantage of. We're expanding our KidZone area, bringing in some carnival rides and games. All and all, it's a great time.”

“It's truly family entertainment,” he said.

Dongilli said that last year's festival, which ran four days, totaled around 15,000 people. He is hoping to double the attendance number.