*(Los Angeles, CA) — A large diverse crowd of book lovers assembled on the campus of the University of Southern California this past weekend, April 22-23, 2023. The event was held from 10am-6pm on Saturday, and 10am-5pm on Sunday. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is the largest of its kind in the country. This would explain why people showed up from near and far on this pleasant, warm, and sunny weekend in Southern California.
Festival of Books got underway with the USC Marching Band strolling from Trojans Place to the USC Stage to perform for the early arrivals. Anna Magzanyan, Chief of Staff, Los Angeles Times, and Effie Turnbull Sanders, USC Vice President of Civic Engagement & Economic Partnerships welcomed everyone gathered for the kickoff celebration.
Salome Agbaroji, West Regional Youth Poet Laureate recited a spoken word piece in celebration of Los Angeles and its diverse population.
The written word was celebrated at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. Attendees delighted in the various panels featuring award-winning authors, celebrities, and up-and-coming authors. Talented musicians from USC entertained attentive crowds throughout the weekend on multiple stages.
Book lovers strolled around the campus to browse booths from different independent bookstores, established publishing companies, and other literary companies.
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Attendees inevitably worked up an appetite throughout the day. Smorgasbords of food trucks were on site to satisfy everyone’s taste buds. Vchos Pupuseria Modern; Cinnabon; Berlin Sausages & Gourmet Grilled Cheese; The Tropic Truck-Cali Caribbean; Baby’s Burgers; Harold & Belles; Recess Ice Cream; Mediterranean Gourmet to Go catering; Pinch of Flavor Poke Truck; Oaxaca on Wheels; Wise BBQ; Cousin Maine Lobster; Wetzel’s Pretzels; Certa Vega Modern Day; Birrieria Guadalajara Style and Deli doctor-New York Deli on Wheels.
Authors, poets and performances for Saturday, Day 1 of the Book Festival consisted of Meghan Trainor, Courtney Faye Taylor, Marcello Carelli and the New Era Quintet, William Alexander, Grupo Folklórico de USC, Mateo, Jemele Hill, Laura Dave and Jennifer Garner, Maddi Lasker, Shandela Contreras, Leslie Odom, Jr. and Nicolette Robinson, Kwame Alexander, Craig Smith, James McEachin, Tatyerra Mikell and Lyn Starr.
Authors, poets and performances for Sunday, Day 2 of the Festival of Books Festival featured Katie Porter, Walter Mosley, Stacey Abrams, The Forshay Jazz Band Musical Ensemble, Ellie Williams, Joan Baez, Idina Menzel, Cara Mentzel, Craig Smith, James McEachin, Tatyerra Mikell, Robin Arzón and Kate del Castillo.
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California-based writer, music reviewer, and photographer. Contact him via: liltampared@netzero.net
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