Feast of San Gennaro Los Angeles Italian Festival

Prima Notte (First Night) is the VIP gala fundraiser that kicks off the Feast of San Gennaro weekend of events. Tickets start at $100 donation ($50 for kids) which includes admission and food and drink tickets. For 2009 there is also a $50 adult ticket which does not include the price of food, which can be purchased separately. Guests have a couple hours to mingle, eat festival food, ride the rides, bid on the silent auction and play games, then everything shuts down while the serious business of tributes and honors begins. Part of the Gala is usually aired on the Jimmy Kimmel Live! show, since it's taking place on his outdoor stage.

Food booths reopen at 10 for a late night snack. you can buy tickets online through the San Gennaro Foundation.

Mark DeCarlo from the Travel Channel's Taste of America will host the 2009 Gala, which will pay tribute to the music of Italian American singers of the 50s and 60s and honor Sharon Papa. Performers will include Cristina Fontanelli, Joey Gian, and Tre Bella. Jimmy Kimmel and Adam Corolla will host a live auction.