LA Italian Festival Cancelled Following Founder’s Sudden Death

The LA Italian Festival in Los Angeles has been cancelled after its founder, Joey Sorice, died suddenly from a heart attack at his home on Saturday morning, according to organizers. The festival was scheduled to take place at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue on Sunday, October 4. A member of the organizing team shared on Instagram that they were trying to inform attendees about the cancellation and had contacted food vendors to cancel their participation. They noted challenges in reaching merchandise vendors due to the last-minute nature of the cancellation. The Little Italy Podcast expressed condolences, stating they were preparing coverage for the festival when they received the news of Sorice's passing. Some potential attendees expressed disappointment, suggesting the festival should continue in his honor. Sorice was known for his work as part of the comedy duo Jimmy and Joey, which gained recognition at The Comedy Store and auditioned for season 10 of America’s Got Talent. Fellow comedian Ron Swallow shared his thoughts on social media, reflecting on Sorice's impact in the comedy scene and expressing sadness over his loss.