LOS ANGELES HOSTED 19TH ANNUAL CENTRAL AVENUE JAZZ FEST


posted by Robert J. Carmack   All photos by  Robert J. CarmacK

Los Angeles Just completed hosting their 19th annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival on the very historic Central Avenue between Vernon Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd  . The city was a gracious host to some of the most colorful  and diverse audiences in the country. The Music as usual was at the forefront of the two-day festival, among the many  community organizations chipping in to balance off the activities.    ALL FREE !!! There were events for the youth at a special Pavilion that featured arts & crafts, face painting and interactive musical activities.

Community  Health and Wellness booths were set up to check and prevent poor health  ie; free blood pressure and health screenings.

Large local artists exhibit were made available for purchase.

Horace Tapscott  Central ave Jazz fest 2014 027
unknown artist creation of Jazz musician Horace Tapscott

http://www.centralavejazz.org

Musically  speaking, there are no other events better than Central Ave Jazz fest. with the future of jazz clearly in great hands of young  musicians like, Kumasi Washington,Ray Goren, Mekala Session, Darynn Dean, while heavy anchors like Ernie Andrews and the great Gerald Wilson, who “collectively” has held down the LA Jazz scene over 70 years.   Gerald traditionally closing out the festival on a high note  with the young tenor saxophonist , Kumasi Washington’s solo.

Scenic views of the Festival!!

Girl Bassist & vocalist Central ave Jazz fest 2014
Jazz America Big Band with Darynn Dean

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jazz America   Central ave Jazz fest 2014 E

 

 

Jazz America- Tenor Sax   Central ave Jazz fest 2014 002 B
Jazz America Youth Jazz Band

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central ave Jazz fest 2014 053

Hipster Collectors Corner – Members with Founder & Editor Robert J. Carmack (center/rear)

 

Ernie  Noland  Rickey  and Jame Jenisse  Central ave Jazz fest 2014
l-r James Janisse(turned ) Rickey Woodard,Noland Shaheed,Ernie Andrews

 

Ernie Andrews  solo      Central ave Jazz fest 2014 009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The great Billy Mitchell on Piano with Ernie Andrews

The great Billy Mitchell on Piano with Ernie Andrews

Justo Amario  sax Central ave Jazz fest 2014
The great Justo Almario on Tenor sax/flute

 

NOW  Rahsaan  Kirk  PIX   Central ave Jazz fest 2014
Rahsaan Roland Kirk woodwinds genius musician
Congo Man  Central ave Jazz fest 2014
L A conguero

 

 

 

 

 

 

youth sax section Jazz America  Youth   Central ave Jazz fest 2014 A
Jazz America Youth band

 

Mongorama Band   unknown stand out violinist
Mongorama Band unknown stand out violinist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gerald Wilson  Central ave Jazz fest 2014
Gerald Wilson Orchestra standing left with bushy white hair 95 year old conductor, former arranger and trumpet player for Jimmy Lunceford Band 1930s
Crazy Dancers Central ave Jazz fest 2014
Festive Crowd enjoying 19th Annual Central Ave. Jazz Festival

Follow this writer/photojournalist on twitter   #@jazz2bluesguy

4 Comments Add yours

  1. Jay Tucker says:

    Just thinking about all of the history that lingers within the haunts of the Central Ave. corridor; then to have an event like this one. How terrific that must have been. Sorry I missed it.

    Like

    1. Yes, Just think about it. Sad to find out, the Dunbar Hotel is millions of dollars in Debt, SMH

      Like

    2. Thank you Mr Tucker, as I was photographing the kids playing on-stage ,I couldn’t help thinking back to 50 years ago,I was doing the very same thing..playing on a big gig with a youth jazz band, & the great Gerald Wilson headlining the show… wow! awesome!! Loved every minute of the festival. Jazz is in capable hands!

      Like

  2. Bongo says:

    paintings of Rahsaan and Horace.artist name is Bongo RasStarr

    Like

Leave a comment