Thousands of festivalgoers will pack the streets of Little Italy San Jose on Sunday for the historic district’s 10th annual celebration of Italian culture and local history. Here’s the lineup:
THE HONOREES: This year’s festival is dedicated to Chris Bertucelli, the La Villa deli co-owner and community leader who died at age 47 in February. His memory will be honored onstage at the 11:30 a.m. opening ceremony.
THE MURALS: The walls of the Highway 87 underpass at the edge of Little Italy have provided a high-profile canvas for new artwork celebrating Italian heritage.
THE FOOD: The culinary teams from Little Italy’s signature spots will be serving outside and inside. Look for dishes from Paesano (farfalle pasta, cannoli), Henry’s Hi-Life, Poor House Bistro, Italian Cellar and the restaurants of the Littlest Little Italy: Bibo’s, Torino Panino and Ancora Vino.
Joining them will be several South Bay restaurants and bakeries, including Original Joe’s (meatball sandwich); Sorelle (gnocchi pesto, bruschetta, tiramisu); Locanda (polpette); Holy Cannoli; La Fenice (pizza); Sleight of Hand (pizza); Roxanne’s Biscotti; La Copa Loca (gelato), plus the service groups Sons of Sicily (sfingi) and the Tricarico Club (polenta with sausage); and the Little Italy Foundation (ravioli).
THE MUSIC: Entertainment under the Little Italy arch will start with accordionist Cory Pesatauro at 12:15 p.m., followed by Italian jazz artist Vanessa Racci at 1:15. Then those two will pair up for a set at 1:45 p.m. The headliner, acclaimed tenor and San Jose resident Pasquale Esposito, will take the stage at 3:15 p.m., followed by the Anthony Nino Lane Band for a street dance party from 5:30 p.m. until the festival’s close.
THE CARS: In honor of Bertucelli, who was a member and supporter of the Goombahs Car Club, an array of U.S.-made vehicles will join the Supercars of Italy Showcase. The classic American cars and the masterpieces of Italian automotive design from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Enzo, Pagani and Maserati will all be parked on the Arena Green East for selfie-taking and gawking.
AND MORE: Little Italy Museum tours, train rides, arts and crafts booths and specialty food vendors. When the festival ends, an after-party will begin at the Italian Cellar Speakeasy and run until 9 p.m.
Details: Admission is free. Festivities are centered at the intersection of Little Italy Way and Sharks Way. More information plus parking, transit options at www.littleitalysj.com.
Source: www.mercurynews.com
