Mark your calendars because the 28th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival makes its triumphant return on Saturday, Sept. 23. The outdoor celebration, which is hosted by LA City Councilmember Curren Price in conjunction with Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD) and Concerned Citizens of South Central Los Angeles, had been held virtually since 2020, during the course of the pandemic in an effort to keep the community safe.
The public is invited to attend this FREE celebration in District 9 to experience one of LA’s most revered events honoring the legacy and contributions of Jazz music on the West Coast. The festival will feature some of the region's most exceptional musicians, including the five-time GRAMMY award winner Billy Childs, considered one of the foremost American composers of his era; Hubert Laws, premier flute player and winner of the 2011 National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Masters Award (the highest honor the nation bestows on jazz artists); and Boogaloo Assassins, a 13-piece Latin Soul and Salsa group from Los Angeles and three-time recipient of the “Best Latin Band” by OC Weekly Music Awards.
During the one-day event, Jazz, Blues and Latin Jazz will be featured on three stages of music: Ernie Andrews Stage, Barbara Morrison Stage and the historic Dunbar Hotel Stage from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
“It feels so good to finally bring back this treasured community experience, and we plan to make it our best one yet,” said Councilmember Price. “This will be an unforgettable day filled with soul-stirring melodies, electrifying performances and the infectious rhythm of jazz from world-class musicians. It’s time to reconnect with old friends, make new memories and celebrate the rich history of Jazz.”
As in year’s past, this community block party will feature a Youth Pavilion with educational programming, games and arts & crafts for the youngest concert-goers; an Art Pavilion with visual cultural art exhibits featuring cutting-edge artwork from renowned local artists; a Health and Wellness Pavilion offering a wide range of free and confidential healthcare services, dental screenings, and more; and last but not least, a Public Resources Pavilion with City departments providing valuable resources and services to residents of Los Angeles. In addition, dozens of local food and beverage vendors will be onsite offering a diverse selection of culinary experiences.
Festival parking is extremely limited. It’s recommended that Angelenos use Metro or use a rideshare provider to get to the festival.
For more information please visit https://centralavejazzfest.com/ or contact Councilmember Price’s District Office at (323) 846-2651.
At-a-Glance
When: Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023
Time: 11a.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: Central Avenue between Vernon Ave. and Martin Luther King Blvd.
Who: LA City Councilmember Price and Friends
Performances by:
Ernie Andrews Stage
- Hubert Laws with special guest Eloise Laws
- Central Avenue Jazz Experience (featuring Ryan Porter, Brandon Coleman, Cameron Graves, Ben Williams, Tony Austin, Toni Scruggs and special guest)
- Yosmel Montejo & La Caliente
- Elaine Gibbs
- Top Shelf Brass Band
Barbara Morrison Stage
- Billy Childs Quartet with special guest Sean Jones
- Boogaloo Assassins
- Legally Blynd
- Yuko Mabuchi
- JazzAmerica
The Dunbar Stage
- Joshua Wong
- Yafeu Tyhimba
- YMF's Los South Central Players