ITALIAN WEEK/SETTIMANA ITALIANA INC. KICKS OFF 42ND ANNUAL FESTIVAL WITH EXCITING LINEUP OF EVENTS IN LITTLE ITALY.

ITALIAN WEEK/SETTIMANA ITALIANA INC. KICKS OFF 42ND ANNUAL FESTIVAL WITH EXCITING LINEUP OF EVENTS IN LITTLE ITALY. What does the son of a famous Las Vegas headline and a sexy Canadian Chef have in common? They are both the star attractions at Italian Week/Settimana Italiana, the annual community festival, which runs from June 9 to 19 at various locations in and around Little Italy (Preston Street). The new Italian Week Executive Committee is pleased to announce that Louis Prima Jr., son of legendary Las Vegas performer Louis Prima and his band are bringing their high-energy show to the festival June 17-18. Joining Prima Jr. on the bill is DJ Tatiana from Denver who has been making people dance to her hypnotic beat since 1999 when she began spinning records. The entertainers will perform under a big tent in the parking lot of the Adult High School, 300 Rochester Street. Also headlining the festival is David Rocco Toronto-born chef and creator of David Rocco’s Dolce Vita, a widely syndicated TV-series featuring the best of Italian cuisine. He will host an exclusive menu of food and wine pairing on June 16th at Divino Wine Studio, 225 Preston Street. Italian Week 2016 officially kicks off June 9th with an Italian flag-raising ceremony at Ottawa City Hall with Mayor Jim Watson and local dignitaries, followed by a small reception. A Launch Party Gala and Dance Party to follow on June 10th at Sala San Marco, 215 Preston Street will have more than 300 guests celebrating a new edition of the festival. This year the Launch Party includes a few surprises and promises to be the party event of the year!  On the same night we welcome Frank Spadone, Toronto-based comedian at Absolute Comedy at 412 Preston Street.  We’ve also planned a soccer tournament during the weekend of June 11-12 in the Adult High School soccer field.  The outdoor holy mass at St. Anthony’s Church, Booth Street at Gladstone Ave., will be celebrated June 12th by Father Felix Loganathan. After the mass, a procession with the statue of St. Anthony and church parishioners will wind its way through the streets of Little Italy. Look for some Italian themed PaintNite evenings, June 13, 14 and 15 open to the public at DiVino Wine Studio, Heart & Crown, and Caffè La Grotta. Italian Week Grand Finale Weekend (June 17-19) on Preston Street is what thousands of Ottawans look forward to every year. An estimated 150,000 people visit Preston Street when the street is closed down to vehicles from Pamilla to Poplar Streets. Little Italy comes alive and features the Ferrari Festival, the Italian Car Parade, Louis Prima Jr., DJ Tatiana, children’s attractions, Italian movies, fun Father’s Day activities, music and food offered by the many fine restaurants and cafes in the spirit of being Italian #SonoItaliano #SonoItaliana. Check us out online at www.italianweekottawa.ca and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Media Contact: Tony Lofaro | tlofaro@italianweekottawa.ca | 613.816.2718