LA Italian Festival cancelled after founder Joey Sorice dies

The LA Italian Festival has been abruptly cancelled following the sudden death of its founder and CEO, Joey Sorice. Organizers announced that Sorice suffered a heart attack at his home on Saturday morning, just one day before the eighth edition of the festival was scheduled to take place at Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue.

Vendors received less than 24 hours' notice regarding the cancellation. While the organizing team expressed grief and a desire to preserve Sorice's legacy, some community members suggested the event should have proceeded in his honor.

Sorice was a well-known figure in the Los Angeles entertainment community, recognized as one half of the comedy duo ‘Jimmy and Joey’. The pair was notably associated with The Comedy Store and had previously auditioned for America’s Got Talent.