A Community Classic: Central Avenue Jazz Festival
Sounds of saxophones and singers surrounded the streets of South Central, Los Angeles (LA). Immersed in an LA cultural staple, attendees of all ages and backgrounds enjoyed music and family fun at the Central Avenue Jazz Festival on Saturday, Sept, 20.
Historically, jazz is a prevalent aspect of African American culture that made its way to LA at the same time South Central formed as a black community. “Jazz gained prominence in America in the ‘20s, in the ‘30s. This was a mecca right here on Central Avenue,” said jazz fan Lynnard Alexander. He has attended the festival every year since it began in 1996.
Alexander felt that events such as the Central Ave. Jazz Festival are beneficial for his community, especially with current politics in America. “They want to send the troops out to Los Angeles,” he said. “But look at this [festival]. This is multicultural. This is everybody, right here, right now. This is what Los Angeles is about.”
Three stages, each named after jazz icons, were set for the various performers. The Quincy Jones stage featured Gregory Porter, Dayramir González, Jazzmeia Horn, Kenneth Crouch and JazzAmerica. At the Roy Ayers stage, the Roy Ayers Tribute Project headlined alongside Poncho Sanchez, Blaque Dynamite, Joel Ross, and Sharada Shashidhar. The Dunbar stage hosted a presentation by political science professor, Dr. Lorn S. Foster, followed by USC jazz ensemble, Ennis Harris and Takumis Kakimoto.
“What an honor for them to come to the neighborhood and bless us with such beautiful music,” said Lovette Briggs, who marked her tenth visit to the festival this year.. “It brings everyone together: the food, the smiles, the sunshine.”