PR.com (Allison Kugel): At this rate, you’re going to get to that spot on the road before you finish this speech, Gary. Are you there?

Gary Dell’Abate, Baba Booey: (Laughs.) No, I’m still here, and if I lose you I’ll call you right back.

PR.com: What is a Sicilian guy from the south shore of Long Island doing living in Connecticut?

Gary Dell’Abate, Baba Booey: I ask myself that question often. When we first moved out there, I said to my wife, “The only people that our kids are going to be friends with are the janitor’s kids.” But it turns out that where we live it’s a very Italian area. Some of the names that are common where we live, and my favorite one, is Ciapete. There are tons of Ciapetes and tons of Longos. So it turns out that it is pretty Italian after all.

PR.com: Let me ask you this; are there any Jewish people in the state of Connecticut?

Gary Dell’Abate, Baba Booey: There are. My son is going to three Bar or Bat Mitzvahs this year.

PR.com: I had a crazy experience in Connecticut not too long ago. I was at an outdoor fair visiting my husband’s relatives and I was playing one of those carnival games at the fair where you pop balloons and win a cheesy stuffed animal. Everything was fine and the guy working the booth seemed cool enough. Then, out of nowhere, he screams out to someone who didn’t want to play the game, “Don’t be such a Jew. You’re Jewing me out of money if you don’t play.” It felt surreal. I threw the cheap looking stuffed animal back in his face, told him to go F himself and vowed never to return to Connecticut.

Gary Dell’Abate, Baba Booey: What part of Connecticut were you in?

PR.com: I think it might have been Orange, if I’m not mistaken.

Gary Dell’Abate, Baba Booey: Here’s what I can tell you. You’re Jewish from Long Island, so you know how when you go to upstate New York it’s a little different? Well, when you go to upstate Connecticut it’s a little different (laughs).

click to read interview with Gary Dell'Abate