The Leimert Park Jazz Festival transformed the upper parking deck of the Baldwin Hills – Crenshaw Plaza into an incredible community experience for more than 3,000 people attending the event on Aug. 31.
With a line-up ranging from legendary artists such as guitarist Stanley Jordan to rising stars like saxophonist Chris Powe, the crowd was musically entertained throughout the day. Other performers were the Billy Childs Trio, Gilbert Castellanos Quintet, Justo Almario’s Afro-Colombian Ensemble, and the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Jazz Band with special guests Nolan Shaheed on trumpet and George Bohanon on trombone.
Co-hosts Jose Rizo and Ron G kept the audience engaged and amused between sets as they shared jazz facts and cracked funny jokes. Also, guests enjoyed an array of food from various vendors along with libations courtesy of the wine and beer lounge.
The Kid’s Zone was another great aspect that reflected the festival’s mission to provide activities for all ages. The special area not only offered fun and games for young people, but also featured a tortoise education and adoption segment complete with live animals.
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In addition, the 5th Annual Art Competition enticed more involvement from the community with local artists contributing original works to the contest. The winner was Imad Obegi for creating “Rhythms of Leimert Park,” which he called “a vintage-style poster image that captures the liveliness of jazz.” The finalists were DeMario Morgan for painting “Soul of Music” and Gail Oliver for her artwork “I Am A Jazz Man Guardian Angel.”
Judges for the art competition were Charles Bibbs, internationally acclaimed artist; Steven O’Connor, logo designer and winner of the 2023 art competition; and Khalil Kinsey and Larry Early, chief curator and senior curator, respectfully, of the Kinsey African American Art & History Collection.
Pleased with the outcome of the event, Diane Robertson, executive producer in association with The World Stage, described it as showcasing “the vibrant culture of Leimert Park and South L.A.” as well as authenticating the neighborhood as a tourist attraction.
“I am also motivated by the chance to promote, revitalize, and nurture the rich tradition of jazz through free and low-cost programs that attract both jazz enthusiasts and newcomers while uplifting and uniting our diverse community,” said Robertson, a Leimert Park resident who launched the Sutro Avenue Summer Soirée Block Party that blossomed into the nonprofit Leimert Park Jazz Festival.
“The festival is gaining recognition as a model for high-quality, community-centered, culturally significant programming. It also contributes to the economic vitality of South Los Angeles by attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and establishing itself as a key destination in the area,” she noted.
Robertson also expressed appreciation to the sponsors and supporters of the festival. The list included Baldwin Hill Crenshaw Plaza, County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, L.A. Councilmembers Heather Hutt and Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank and Weingart Foundation. Also contributing were Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Metro, Destination Crenshaw, Victoria Foyt, Diana Buckhantz-Vladimir and Araxia Buckhantz Foundation, BAI, Kawai, Crowns & Hops, KJAZZ, KCRW, and David Bohnett.
As for the future, Roberts said the Leimert Park Jazz Festival will continue to provide low-cost programming throughout the year. Currently, the nonprofit hosts Sunday Jazz at ORA (formerly Hot & Cool Café) on the fourth Sunday of each month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
ORA is located 4331 Degnan Blvd., in the historic Leimert Park Village neighborhood of Los Angeles. Sunday Jazz at ORA showcases bands for the first hour and holds an open jam session during the second hour.
Outlining past collaborations, Robarts said, “We partnered with The World Stage in February to present a program on ‘The History of Jazz in Leimert Park: Past, Present, Future.’ In May, we worked with Dr. Ronald C. McCurdy, a professor in the Jazz Studies Department at USC, to present a program on ‘Activism, Social Justice, and Jazz,’ with plans for a follow-up on Sunday, Nov. 17.”
To learn more or obtain the newsletter, visit LeimertParkJazzFestival.org and stay connected on Instagram and Facebook.
