July 24, 2014

 

By Destiny Brooks

L.A. Watts Times Intern

 

 

July 26-27 on Central Ave between 42nd and 43rd streets the 19th annual Central Ave Jazz Festival will take place. The festival is free, and will showcase jazz talent and vender food of all types. The festivities start at 11am on Saturday, and end at 7pm on Sunday.

 

For 19 years, the Jazz Festival has commemorated the rich and often forgotten history of LA and Central Ave.  Back in the 30s and 40s, Central Avenue and the surrounding area was a hub for jazz musicians and black culture. During this time, while blacks could legally play in all white clubs, they were still barred from living in all white areas. Due to the segregation, many black musicians had to stay in the Dunbar Hotel.

 

At the festival, guests will be greeted with amazing new and old talent, like the Bravo Medical Magnet’s Latin band, Patrice Rushen & Ndugu Chancler, Kamasi Washington & Next Step, and the LAUSD Beyond the Bell All-City Jazz Big Band.

 

Food will also be served at the event. Soul Food, jambalaya, tamales, and many other types will be served at the booths.

 

Like most community festivals, while there will be food and music all around, there will also be informational venders present. Several clinics and hospitals will be offering free basic health screenings, along with tips to live healthily.  Bringing proof of your Los Angeles address will put you in the running to get a free fruit tree.

 

There will also be an arts pavilion where both amateur and professional artists can gather and show off their pieces.

 

As always, this event is family friendly. Parents are encouraged to bring their children, as there is a youth pavilion that will have activities like arts and crafts and face painting.

 

For more information on talent, venders, and schedules, visit the Jazz Festival’s website at: centralavejazz.org.

Category: Community