Gianni Russo

One of the entertainers kicking off this weekend's Butler Italian Festival is actor Gianni Russo, famous for his role as Carlo in the movie, “The Godfather.”

Russo will sing as well as tell stories about the making of the iconic film.

Russo said he will be arriving about noon Friday for his first trip to Butler, though he's been to Pittsburgh before.

“I'll be at the Don Corleone (vodka brand) booth all day,” Russo said. “If you bring your 'Godfather' memorabilia, I will sign it. We can take selfies.”

He said he most recently appeared in front of about 6,000 people in Chicago.

“I do a lot of Q&A from the stage,” he said.

“My only acting teacher was Marlon Brando and my only singing teacher was Frank Sinatra.”

At age 75, he said he feels great. He's been singing for 50 years and has 46 motion pictures to his name, which garnered a total of nine Oscars. Of course “The Godfather” is the most well-known, the film that has been translated into 41 languages for 142 countries.

Russo is scheduled to appear Friday evening and Saturday afternoon. Visitors can also see him at the Don Corleone brand of vodka booth where tastings will be served.

Other entertainment Friday will include a performance by Donnie Iris along with the Granati Brothers.

More music during the weekend will be presented by opera vocalist John Lupone, Jimmy Sapienza's 5 Guys Named Moe and the Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute show The Jersey Four.

Weekend activities will include cooking demonstrations, a Star of Italy pageant, more music, a 90-foot Ferris wheel, eating contests and a Kids Zone.

Admission is free. Event hours are 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, noon to 10 p.m. Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Main Street will be closed to traffic at 2 p.m. Friday and at noon Saturday and Sunday. Side streets to be closed between Jefferson and Pearl include Penn, North, Brady, New Castle, Locust, Walnut and WISR Way.

All streets are expected to reopen after the festival has ended each evening as soon as can be accomplished.