The 11th annual Leimert Park Village Heritage Festival welcomes the world to Leimert Park over Labor Day Weekend, August 31 through September 2, from 12 noon to 8 p.m.
The festival is the realization of a vision from founder Sika Dwimfo to create an annual event that celebrates unity, family, diversity and the legacy of positive contributions that Leimert Park has made to the city of Los Angeles. Sponsored by International Eye, Los Angeles, the 2019 festival celebrates the vibrant international cultures that have created the dynamic community acknowledged as the cultural epi-center for Black arts and culture.
Now in its second decade, the 2019 festival boasts an intergenerational production team that collectively brings a global vision of rebranding the festival as a world class event. According to Artistic Director, Marie Kellier, “We’re putting this festival front and center on the world stage because now, more than ever, it is critical to highlight the creative powerhouse that is Leimert Park.”
This year’s line up includes Adaawe, a primarily female performing ensemble, Street Corner Renaissance, Blues Guitarist Greg Wright, Chocombo, Earthquake Reggae Orkestra, Ladee Dred, SHINE Mawasi, Sev Shaw, Shilo, and James Brown All-Star Band. The festival features fine arts, one-of-a-kind jewelry, a food court, a health and wellness stage, and a vibrant youth component on Labor Day.
On Sunday, September 1st, the festival hosts an exclusive listening party by the legendary group, Mandrill, who will present their 20th album, Back In Town. Dr. Ric Wilson and other artists affiliated with Mandrill will be in attendance, including D.J. Johnny ‘Juice’ Rosado from New York who will be mixing Mandrill music. The entire affair will be live-streamed.
Leimert Park Village Heritage Festival is an authentic expression of the voices and visions of the community and is designed to ensure that Leimert Park maintains its essential character as the nucleus of Black arts and culture in Los Angeles.
