Dear Neighbors,
It's been far too long (since 2019, to be precise) since we had the opportunity to gather together at the Central Avenue Jazz Festival, but the wait is nearly over! Prepare to immerse yourself in the sweet sounds of Jazz, Blues and Latin Jazz at this free celebration returning to District 9 Saturday, Sept. 23 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Vanessa Estelle Williams, an acclaimed actress, director, producer, and activist, will be joining a team of talented hosts to present an extraordinary lineup of performers. The hosts for the day include Jose Rizo, a renowned KJAZZ disc jockey, band leader, and music producer; Michael Dolphin, Vice President of the California Jazz Foundation and a music aficionado; and Jimetta Rose, a talented LA native known for her incredible singing, songwriting, and poetry.
This year’s celebration will feature an impressive roster of artists, including headliners Billy Childs and Hubert Laws. Billy Childs, a five-time GRAMMY award winner, is widely regarded as one of the most prominent American composers of his generation. Hubert Laws, a distinguished flutist, was honored with the prestigious 2011 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Masters Award, the highest recognition bestowed upon jazz artists by the nation.
An added treat this year at the Dunbar Hotel will be a special presentation from Keith Rice, Ph.D, Historian/Archivist at the Tom & Ethel Bradley Center (CSUN) and Deborah Swan of the Hefflin Legacy Foundation and granddaughter of Leon Hefflin, Sr, who are coming together to lead a discussion on "The African American Experience on Central Avenue.”
During the festival, make sure to visit our four pavilions dedicated to youth programming providing games and arts & crafts for the youngest concert-goers; health & wellness offering a wide range of free and confidential healthcare services, dental screenings, and more; an art pavilion with visual cultural art exhibits featuring cutting-edge artwork from renowned local artists; and public resources extending valuable information and services to residents of Los Angeles.
And what is a festival without great food and refreshments? The Jazz Fest has put together a diverse selection of culinary experiences at our “Jazz Flavor Court” with local minority- and women-owned small businesses that will make your taste buds dance.
Parking is limited so please consider traveling via LA Metro or hop in a rideshare to the event. For more information, including the performance schedule and to download a festival map, visit centralavejazzfest.com.
It’s time to reconnect with old friends, make new memories and celebrate the rich history of Jazz along historic Central Avenue.
