Literary Los Angeles has been having a love affair with John Fante for awhile now, and, in glorious L.A. fashion this means free, and some not-so-free events in his honor.
Last year, on the 100th anniversary of John Fante’s birth, there was an panel discussion at the Hammer, which included Fante’s children and Fante biographer Stephen Cooper. And, whether you were there or not, you can watch the event, for free, here. Thank you, internet.
This year, on the 101st anniversary of the author’s birth, Councilmember Jan Perry will officially re-name the intersection of 5th Street and Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles “John Fante Square.”
The dedication starts at 11am, and following the ceremony, there will be speeches from the Fante family, scholars and public officials, and a loosely structured free walking tour of “John Fante’s lost and surviving downtown.”
For more details about the tour and event, go to http://lavatransforms.org/johnfantesquare
Time:
11:00 am, Thursday, April 8
Location:
S Grand Ave & W 5th St
Los Angeles, CA, 90014
Transportation:
Since parking in downtown L.A. is typically difficult, save time and effort by taking the Metro. Take the red line to the Pershing Square stop, and exit “Pershing Square” (5th Street) then walk west two blocks to Grand Ave. If you accidentally exit “4th Street,” just walk south one block and west two blocks.