Councilmember Curren Price announced the official dates of the 24th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival with the unveiling of the 2019 poster contest winning entry. The FREE community event will return to historic Central Avenue, between Vernon Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard, on July 27-28 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
Hosted by Councilmember Price, the summer festival features live jazz performances from world-class musicians and emerging artists on three stages; in addition to the famed Dunbar Hotel, which was popular with jazz legends from the 1930s to the 60s. The outdoor event also includes interactive pavilions, providing everything from free medical screenings, live art demonstrations, information on jobs and other family-friendly activities.
“The Central Avenue Jazz Festival is a celebration of the history, rise and future of jazz,” Price said. “It is the city’s gift to music lovers of all backgrounds and from all corners of the world.
“This year, we launched an inaugural poster contest to infuse greater energy and excitement into the festival. I can’t wait for the public to see the winning artwork, which captures the heart and essence of the jazz experience in District 9.”
For the first time, Councilman Price held an art contest open to the public to design the Central Avenue Jazz Festival poster. The competition drew entries from all over Southern California. The winning submission, entitled “Giant Steps,” comes from a local artist, LP Ǽkili Ross.
In the artwork, an African-American man is seen playing his saxophone while walking past the landmark Dunbar Hotel. According to Ross, he wanted to demonstrate the past and present moving together as the young musician draws inspiration from historical predecessors that descended onto Central Avenue and played at the venue before him. His design will be featured in all 2019 Central Avenue Jazz Festival marketing materials, including banners, t-shirts and much more.
“Los Angeles is a city defined by extraordinary talent,” Ross said. “I sought to create a special piece, which resonates with the community of Central Avenue while highlighting the continuation of a legacy built so long ago.”
LP Ǽkili Ross will be awarded his $500 prize and a plaque at the main stage during the opening day of the festival. He will also be onsite to speak with concert-goers and autograph the commemorative posters.
Each year, the Central Avenue Jazz Festival draws tens of thousands of people from across the United States. In addition to live performances from various jazz genres, the revered summer festival includes a diverse selection of culinary experiences, as well as, Pavilions for Art, Business & Employment Resources, Health & Wellness and the Youth.
For more information on the 24th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival, including forms for sponsors, vendors or volunteers, please visit www.centralavejazzfest.com. Talent for this year’s jazz festival is scheduled to be released in May.
