MELBOURNE - From Australia, the ability to stay in touch with modern Italy and experience the nightclub atmosphere of Italian cities firsthand has arrived through Club Dolce.

“The initiative has grown significantly since its launch in March,” said Vincent Scarpino, a young Italo-Australian and one of the three founding members of Club Dolce along with Christian Colaianni and Andrew Maio.

“Over these few months, we’ve already organised two events and both had over a thousand people come.”

Instead of regular events, Club Dolce prefers to organise a small number of large ones throughout the year. These parties are designed to offer a true Italian experience made of “music, DJs, food, and live entertainment”.

At past events, guests were treated to performances by Accordiolino and Adam Cursio from Siesta Cartel, alongside a pizza show by Riccardo Romano with food and beverage supplied by several event sponsors.

“Guests are pampered from start to finish,” explained Scarpino.

“For instance, upon their arrival they’re offered traditional Italian biscuits and throughout the evening they’re served some traditional dishes, from pizza to tiramisu.”

The format has been so successful that it’s inspired other organisations to try and emulate the evenings.

“Our goal is to bring the broader community together under one roof and allow everyone to experience Italian music, food and entertainment,” emphasised the young co-founder.

“By this, we don’t just mean Italians, but everyone interested in experiencing the dolce vita for a night.

“Our demographic is quite broad, ranging in age from [people in their] twenties to forties, and it’s great to see everyone enjoying themselves together, regardless of their age.”

As one would expect, the real star of Club Dolce events is the music, which is also what distinguishes these events from others. Often, Italian events rely on somewhat dated music, as well as timeless classics, of course.

“I was in Italy last month specifically to understand firsthand what music is being played in the discos and clubs,” shared Scarpino.

“I took in everything I experienced there, and we’ll keep that in mind for the next events.”

The next Serata Italiana will be held this Thursday, September 26, at The Albion in South Melbourne.