Who or what is known as 'the blue notes'?

Based on the clue 'spumante from a town in northern italy', what is the answer? What is referred to by 'stop the rain'? Based on the clue 't is asking for this also a sports term or a punis...', what is the answer? Who or what is known as 'the blackhearts'? Who or what is known as 'the crickets'? Who or what is known as 'the four seasons'? Who or what is known as 'the funky bunch'? Who or what is known as 'the gang'?