30th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival
The 30th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival took place on Saturday, September 20th, offering music enthusiasts a chance to enjoy a beautiful day in Los Angeles. This year’s festival featured a diverse lineup of jazz, blues, Latin jazz, and contemporary jazz, making it a historic and vibrant event.
Hosted by Councilman Curren D. Price Jr. in the “New 9th” District and Michael Dolphin, the festival showcased over a dozen performances, solidifying its status as the musical “crown jewel” of the summer. LA Mayor Karen Bass and LA City Councilmember Heather Hutt also joined Curren Price on the stage. For more than 30 years, the annual festival has been a beloved tradition in the community, celebrating the area’s rich cultural heritage.
–The Central Avenue Jazz Festival was a vibrant celebration of the rich musical legacy of the historic Central Avenue corridor in South Central Los Angeles. As one of the last few authentic jazz celebrations in the Southern California region, this festival offers attendees an unforgettable experience. It is a free, family-friendly event that honors legendary jazz luminaries such as Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Charles Mingus, Gerald Wilson, and Dexter Gordon, while also spotlighting today’s emerging artists who keep the spirit of jazz alive.
From the early 1900s to the 1950s, Central Avenue blossomed into the heart of musical innovation, pulsating with the lively rhythms of Rhythm and Blues and the spirited melodies of jazz. This iconic street became the very soul of the African American community in Los Angeles, serving as a gathering place for creativity, culture, and camaraderie.
The Central Avenue Jazz Festival unfolded along the lively streets of Central Avenue. Live performances were featured on two main stages spanning from Vernon Avenue to Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Grammy Award winner Gregory Porter headlined the festival, performing for a standing-room-only crowd of jazz enthusiasts. As a talented songwriter and musician, Porter has won the Grammy Award for Best Jazz Vocal Album twice and delivered an outstanding performance of his beloved hits.
Jazz singer and songwriter Jazzmeia Horn also captivated the audience with a beautiful performance that included both jazz standards and improvisation. Other featured artists included Poncho Sanchez, Dayramar Gonzalez, Blaque Dynamite, and the Roy Ayers Tribute Project, among many others. Attendees also had the opportunity to explore a diverse array of culinary delights that tantalized their taste buds, immerse themselves in captivating art displays, and engage with rich cultural heritage. The festival was enhanced by various pavilions and exhilarating jazz performances on multiple stages, including the charming Historic Dunbar Hotel, creating a dynamic atmosphere that truly embodied the spirit of jazz and community.
