Should this free fest be just for the neighborhood? Maybe so; it was crowded despite sparse publicity. A few attendees' attitudes reflected local concerns about gentrification.
There were some mixed signals, though, about the target audience. Admission may have been gratis, but food prices were high. One customer's comment, upon being told the cost of a po'boy sandwich: "That'll make you po'." And it was surprising to behold, in this fast-food-clogged region, a stand serving vegan fare next to another offering natural juices -- both expensive, both lightly patronized.
Alcohol wasn't cheap either, but it came with a canopy under which you were obliged to consume it, so that proved a popular option in this shade-deficient parking lot at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall.
Not many minded the heat. As with any outdoor music festival in South Los Angeles, a relaxed and cheerful vibe prevailed.
The early part of the day focused on the heart of Leimert Park's music scene, the World Stage, including its SHINE Mawusi Women's African Drum Circle; singer and World Stage captain Dwight Trible; a reading and African jam led by perennial poet Kamau Daáood; and a tribute to vocalist Barbara Morrison and percussionist Derf Reklaw, guiding lights of the community who both passed this year.
John Beasley's famed Monk'estra will also stir up the Hollywood Bowl Sept. 21. What seemed like the entire musical family of 87-year-old Latin-jazz patriarch Pete Escovedo squirmed at his joke about blue pills. Fronting a high-energy quartet, veteran pianist Patrice Rushen and saxist Ernie Watts banged out "I Mean You" and a bunch more classics. Munyungo Jackson's Jungle Jazz brought on nightfall with urban percussion sophistication accompanied by Lula Washington's Youth Dance Ensemble. Excellent first to last.
Thanks to executive producer Diane Robertson; to KJAZZ MC LeRoy Downs; to all the helpers; and to the event's political, utility and business sponsors, whom you can scan here. Your gratitude may not lead you to forgive Wells Fargo, but did you know that George Lucas' Museum of Narrative Art, scheduled to open in Exposition Park in 2023, will house a large collection devoted to the history of African-Americans in cinema? Nope.
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PHOTO BY FUZZY BROQ.
EYEZ AND EARZ BY DEBI DOORZ.