The previous two "San Gennaro" Festivals in Los Angeles have been held near Hollywood and Vine, a place of historical significance, but past its prime.

The Grove is a much lauded Indoor/Outdoor Shopping Mall, (adjacent to the famous Farmer's Market), developed by the very respected, and politically active Ric Caruso (a Police Commissioner) and of Italian descent.

The Grove is located between Beverly Hills and Hancock Park, just north of the La Brea Towers Complex. It will be "Catholic Italian San Gennarro" meets "Jewish Little Tel Aviv". :)

It has been a very successful event in the past, and I give Jimmy Kimmel (of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Late Night Talk Show Host, and very proudly half Italian) credit for the overwhelming good that it does, But I'm disappointed that he is a Sopranos fan, and features too many Soprano type Celebrities.

And he did not choose an Italian Charity to contribute the proceeds to!!!!!

HOLLYWOOD--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 15, 2004--

"Prima Notte" Star-Studded Charity Gala on September 23, 2004, Kicks Off Three-Day Celebration of Italian Culture on Grove Drive

For the third year in a row, Jimmy Kimmel, Adam Carolla and Tommy Lasorda are bringing a world-renowned East Coast tradition to Los Angeles when they host the third annual Precious Cheese Feast of San Gennaro LA Presented by Ralphs.

Taking place September 24-26, 2004, at The Grove/Farmers Market (Grove Drive, between Beverly and 3rd, off Fairfax), the Feast is a three-day celebration and exchange of Italian culture, art, food and entertainment that is free to the public and fun for the whole family. The festival will be previewed at 7 p.m. on September 23 with "Prima Notte" (First Night), a celebrity-filled night of music, food and games that benefits underprivileged children in the Los Angeles area.

The Feast of San Gennaro, which has been a beloved tradition in New York's Little Italy since the 1920s, is an event that was always near and dear to Brooklyn native Jimmy Kimmel's heart. After lamenting the fact that Los Angeles had no such event for the Italian community, Kimmel and producer friend, Doug DeLuca, together with other local Italian-Americans, decided to bring a taste of Italy to Los Angeles.

"We've enjoyed two wonderful years hosting the event in Hollywood," said Kimmel, "but when The Grove and Farmers Market extended an invitation to hold the Feast on their property, we jumped at the chance. It's such a beautiful location. We are very excited to turn Grove Drive into Little Italy for three days. I think this is the most fun you'll have in Los Angeles all year."

This year's event, which boasts Precious Cheese and Ralphs as main sponsors, features Italian food from more than 35 of LA's top Italian restaurants, a wide selection of fine Italian wines, live music, carnival games, thrilling rides, street performers and strolling musicians.

A host of Italian-themed activities take place throughout the three days including bocce ball tournaments, grape stomps, celebrity chef demonstrations on the cooking stage, plays, live musical performances, a Kid's Corner and the crowning of the second Miss San Gennaro.

The "Prima Notte" benefit previews the Feast with appearances by today's top performers. This year's celebration will be highlighted by a tribute to Bobby Darin. Celebrities expected to attend include Joe Mantegna, Quentin Tarantino, Ray Liotta, Jim Belushi, Tony Danza, Dom DeLuise, Tony Shalhoub, Drea De Matteo, Jamie-Lynn DiScala, Steven Schirripa and many more.

The Feast of San Gennaro LA is one of the events produced by The San Gennaro Foundation, a nonprofit organization created by Jimmy Kimmel and DeLuca, along with some of Los Angeles' most prominent Italian-American citizens, to benefit underprivileged children in Southern California. Through events like the Feast and the Los Angeles Italian American Heritage Celebrity Golf Classic, the Foundation is working to raise funds for a wide variety of youth charities including Friends Sharing & Giving in Los Angeles, the Foundation's keystone program that mentors, supports and helps underprivileged children through lectures, workshops, fieldtrips and scholarships.

Aside from establishing the Feast as a destination event, the main objectives for the Feast are to honor and increase the visibility of Italian history and culture in Los Angeles. Endorsed by both the Italian Consulate and NIAF (National Italian American Foundation), the Feast of San Gennaro LA works to showcase the best in Italian music, film, art and cuisine.

The Feast of San Gennaro originated in Naples, Italy, and continues there to this day. Intrinsic to the tradition is the ceremonial carrying of the statue of San Gennaro from the church to the Festival. The Feast of San Gennaro LA continues this tradition with the Procession of the Saint on Saturday, September 25th, at 10:30 a.m. from Christ the King Church at Vine & Melrose to the Feast site. The general public is encouraged to take part in the procession.

There is no charge for admission to the Feast and the hours daily (Sept. 24-26) are 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Tickets to "Prima Notte" are $100 and $250 and can be purchased by calling 818-994-4661. For more information, visit www.feastofla.org.

The Grove is a world-renowned retail, dining and entertainment destination, offering an array of national and one-of-a-kind stores, unparalleled anywhere in the country. The Grove offers a unique combination of style, substance and quality. Located in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, The Grove offers onsite parking in an eight-level parking structure located at The Grove Drive between Beverly Boulevard and Third Street. For more information, please call The Grove Concierge 323-900-8080.

Farmers Market is an original, delightfully eclectic mix of more than 100 shops and restaurants. "The last best place in L.A.," it's beloved by locals and tourists alike. Discover a variety of cuisines (Asian, Argentinean, Greek, Mid-Eastern, pizza, pasta, sushi, deli, and more). Stroll among grocery stands, souvenir shops, and stalls where artisans work. On weekend summer evenings, bands play at the Market's two beer & wine bars, creating a free casual open-air party. (9-9 Mon.-Fri., 9-8 Sat., 10-7 Sun.).

Little Italy Meets The Grove/Farmers Market
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