Stanley Jordan, the legendary jazz guitarist known for his innovative “touch technique,” recently brought his musical brilliance and passion for mentorship to South Los Angeles.
As part of the 2024 Leimert Park Jazz Festival, Jordan not only headlined the event but also conducted special mentoring sessions for students at 42nd Street Elementary School. These sessions, made possible by the festival’s community outreach efforts and festival Board Chair Diane Robertson, left a lasting impact on the young students and highlighted the powerful role of arts education in underserved communities.
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“This school is near and dear to my heart. It is in Leimert Park where I am a stakeholder, resident, and homeowner,” Robertson shared.
“I know the principal and asked if he would be amenable to having our headliner this year, the legendary guitarist Stanley Jordan. He told me emphatically, yes… These music mentoring sessions that [Stanley] conducts really help to spark an interest in our young people for an appreciation for music and art.”
At 42nd Street Elementary, Jordan addressed both the K-2nd grade and 3rd-6th grade students where he shared not just his musical talents, but also his insights on creativity and the importance of following one’s passions.
“The best advice that I gave today, and I say this again and again, is to realize that your dreams are going to take work to achieve and don’t give up,” Jordan emphasized during the sessions.
“There’s difficulty in almost everything that you do, but if you’re not encountering resistance, you’re not really accomplishing anything.”
On the day of the festival, Jordan took the stage with the Stanley Jordan Trio, delivering a performance that was as mesmerizing as his mentoring sessions. His innovative guitar techniques and emotional depth captivated the audience, reaffirming his status as one of the leading figures in contemporary jazz.
The festival, featuring a diverse lineup of artists, was a vibrant celebration of music, art, and community, with attendees from all walks of life coming together to enjoy the cultural richness of South LA.
By bridging the gap between world-class artists and local students, the Leimert Park Jazz Festival fostered cultural pride and artistic curiosity in the next generation as well as ensured that the legacy of jazz and the spirit of community continue to thrive in Los Angeles.
