This weekend, July 27 and 28, Central Avenue in South Los Angeles will host one of the summer’s most popular music events as the 24th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival returns.
The area between King Boulevard and Vernon Avenue will turn into a music extravaganza. The two-day event will feature smooth and soulful sounds across four stages, a wide variety of cuisine, a beer garden, an exciting mix of vendors, information booths, pavilions and more.
For more than two decades, the free music festival has been a favorite among the millions of people who have enjoyed the revered summer event over the years. Legendary artists Barbara Morrison & The Bu Crew and John “Dandy” Rodriguez and the N.Y. L.A. Salsa Dream Team are among the dozens of musicians taking the stage this weekend.
“This year’s Central Avenue Jazz Festival will be an experience you won’t forget,” said Councilman Curren Price who hosts the signature event in District 9. “It is a celebration of music, history, and community. It was important to me that we pay homage to the historical predecessors while integrating diverse musical groups. From traditional to contemporary sounds, fusion, and Latin jazz, we’ve developed a lineup like no other.”
This South LA event will pay homage to the region’s rich cultural past and will turn the spotlight on what was once considered the heart of the jazz scene. This year’s dynamic lineup will include a wide range of musicians.
On Saturday, July 27, Sheléa will take the stage with her sultry sounds, and the combination of traditional pop, jazz, R & B, and soul. Another artist that will perform that day is Barbara Morrison. Known for a melodic voice and a three-and-a-half-octave range, she represents a familiar jazz and blues classics repertoire in a unique style and also sings original contemporary tunes. A master of the soprano and tenor saxophones, clarinet, and flute, Justo Almario is a multi-instrumentalist of the highest caliber. And last but not least, Ghost Note will deliver an explosion of sounds.
The Sunday lineup will include artists Azar Lawrence, Chris Dave, Cassandra Wilson, and Darynn Dean. It will be a colorful night of different sounds and genres, guaranteeing a great experience.
Every year, the Central Avenue Jazz Festival draws tens of thousands of people from across the U.S. to witness the performances.
