Drummer Massimo Cusato, born in Calabria but living in Rome, has played with Italian stars like Massimo Ranieri, Eugenio Bennato, Lucilla Galeazzi and Niccolò Fabi. But he is also leader of his own group, QuartAumentata, which has just released its fourth CD, "U Mundu Balla," with 11 new songs based in Calabrian tradition and spiced with diverse international flavors.

Cusato and QuartAumentata arrive in Milwaukee for the first time to play at Festa Italiana, which focuses on Calabrian culture this year. There will be an exhibition featuring Calabrian culture, tourism and history and Nando Citarella & La Paranza -- a folk-based group from the featured southern Italian region -- will also perform at Festa.

We took the opportunity to talk to Cusato, via e-mail, about the group and its Calabrese music.

BT: Can you tell us about the group that will play here in Milwaukee?

MC: The formation is based on: drums, percussion, bass, accordion, guitar/mandolin and voice. For two years we've been using this formation that has a strong rhythmic impact and a fundamental aspect on which to base our sound. Naturally, not knowing what awaits us, we can change some of our show but always remain faithful to our style.

BT: Is this your first time playing in America?

MC: For me it is the second time. The first time I came with Massimo Ranieri to New York. As a group this is our first time and we have a certain enthusiasm because to travel playing the music of others is nice but to bring forward your music, your land, your roots and sharing that which is a part of you, I think is marvelous.

Many people tell us that we represent modern Calabria because we marry the past -- music and of daily life -- with the modern -- again in music and a life open to the Mediterranean, ready to absorb new cultures and new stimuli. We have plaed a lot in Calabria and at many national festivals. Victory to us comes at the end of a concert when people come to compliment us and buy our CD.

BT: Beyond being from Calabria, is there a bit of Calabria in the group's music? That is, the spirit and the soul of Calabria?

MC: Our music is ABSOLUTELY based on tradition. We sing in dialect and our groove is a mix of Black Africa, funk, pop that, when mixed with our musical culture – the Tarantella – produces the sound of QuartAumentata. It's a true mix, from elsewhere like our land that in the course of centuries has seen many invasions.

BT: You have played with many Italian musicians, some very famous. Is that still the case now or are you playing solely with QuartAumentata?

MC: In this very moment, I'm very much focused on my group even though I continue to collaborate with other artists, particularly a great Roman singer/songwriter Niccolò Fabi. Visit his site.

To play with other people enriches you and you learn continuously. As long as it's possible, I will try to move forward both the group and my personal career. When the day comes that I have to choose, we'll see…