Source: https://www.eurweb.com/2018/08/celebrating-the-culture-and-legacy-of-central-avenue-jazz-festival/
*Los Angeles – The 23rd Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival was held on a hot weekend, Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29, 2018. The event was held on Central Avenue between King Boulevard to the north and Vernon Avenue to the South, from 11:00am-7pm, both days.
Back in the day, Central Avenue was the hub of jazz in Los Angeles. Many of the legendary icons of jazz performed on Central Avenue in it’s heyday.
The 23rd Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival consisted of audience members who were fortunate to have experienced the amazing energy of Central Avenue. Thanks to Los Angeles City Councilmember Curren D. Price Jr., The New 9th, along with the Coalition for Responsible Community, the festival allowed attendees to re imagine and celebrate the culture and legacy of Central Avenue.
The festival consisted of seasoned jazz musicians as well as rising jazz performers who is keeping the flame of jazz alive and moving forward. Entertainment was held on four energetic stages, the Etta James Stage, Tito Puente Stage, inside the lobby of the Dunbar Hotel and the Jazz Improv Stage.
The LAUSD Beyond the Bell All-City Jazz Big Band got the show underway with an amazing set of jazz standards. Salute to the youth for showcasing their talents on the Main stage.
Vocalist, Pianist Betty Bryant was next to grace the Etta James Stage. The band consisted of Betty Bryant-vocals/piano, Richard Simon-bass, Robert Kyle-sax and Kenny Elliott on drums. The group was on point with their set of jazz and blues which was fun and entertaining. Their set featured the tunes “He May be Your Man, But He Comes to See Me Sometimes,” “I Remember You,” “St. Louis Blues,” “Exactly Like You,” “Catfish Man,” and “I Got Rhythm.”
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