The 16th Annual Gardena Jazz Festival held on Sunday August 26th was a huge success. The festival sold out 3 weeks in advance. The event gathered a stellar lineup of some of the best musicians in the country for a one-day concert in a gorgeous natural setting at Rowley Park. This year’s performers included Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Euge Groove, Naturally Seven, Alex Bugnon, Donald Hayes and the Fernando Pullum Youth Jazz Orchestra on the main stage and DW3 and J Boykins among others on the second stage.
The Gardena Jazz Festival has always had the feeling of a local family gathering, and with good reason. It was founded by then Gardena City Councilman and now State Senator Steven Bradford as a free community festival. Under Senator Bradford’s leadership, the festival has grown to over 10,000.
Even with the temperature in the low to mid ninety’s the artists and DJ got the concert goers on their feet to dance and have a good time. Fans were able to experience great music at a relatively low price, a wide variety of food from local restaurants and businesses, unique vendors to shop from and a fun time in the park. Many folks brought lawn chairs and picnic baskets and enjoyed some good old fashion home cooking.
“As a city leader in Gardena for 12 years, I am proud to see the Gardena Jazz Festival continues to be a huge success in bringing world- class talent, community members and leaders to the City each year for an amazing day filled unity, entertainment and fellowship. I would like to thank everyone who made this year’s event so special and look forward to next year.
