A Joyous Day for the Dymally International Jazz Day

Saturday morning didn’t look too promising for music aficionados who were planning to attend the 6th Annual Dymally International Jazz Festival. The festival was scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, rain or shine.

By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer

     (Carson, CA) Saturday morning didn’t look too promising for music aficionados who were planning to attend the 6th Annual Dymally International Jazz Festival. The festival was scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, rain or shine.

     Thankfully, the rain cleared out so the show could proceed. The festival was delayed for safety reasons. Festivalgoers enjoyed cooler temperatures, clear skies, some sun, and occasional gray skies.

     Tens of thousands of festivalgoers, affectionally known as Jazz Heads were in attendance for the 6th Annual Dymally International Jazz Festival presented by Mervyn Dymally African American Political & Economic Institute and Rainbow Promotions. The festival was held at the Dignity Health Sports Park Tennis Stadium, on the campus of Cal State Dominquez Hills in Carson, California.

     Pat Prescott served as emcee for the first part of the afternoon. The Pavilion Stage, the second emerging artist’s stage got underway with The Groove Makers. The Pavilion Stage featured outstanding sets by emerging artists in between shows on the Main Stage.

     I arrived minutes before Tito Puente Jr., was scheduled to perform. You are probably wondering why the name sounds so familiar. Tito Puente Jr. is the son of the late great Tito Puente. I’m confident that you are your parents have danced to his music in the past. The late Tito Puente would have been 102 years young. Tito Puente Jr. honored his dad’s life and musical legacy during his set.  Their set features Caribbean styles made famous by Tito Puente— mambo, cha-cha-cha, salsa, and Afro-Cuban jazz. Tito Puente Jr. provided the perfect soundtrack for salseros in the house. “Mambo Gozón,” “Juventud del Presente,” “El Cayuco,” “Oye Me Guaguanco,” and “Complicación,” by the late great conqueror Francisco Aquabella.  He continued with “Ran Kan Kan,” and closed with the encore track “Oye Como Va.”

     There were many dignitaries on site enjoying this beautiful day and some wonderful music in a relaxing atmosphere. Thomas A.Parham, Ph.D., President, University California State University, Dominquez Hills, Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes, Carson Councilwomen Arleen B. Rojas, Senator Steven Bradford (Retired), Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell and Cynthia Mitchell-Heard, President and CEO, Los Angeles Urban League and former Senator Roderick Wright to name a few.

     Organizers of the Dymally International Jazz Festival had some other very important guests in attendance on Saturday. California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), and the Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute invited those affected by the Palisades and Eaton Canyon fires to a day of joy and celebration at the Dymally International Jazz and Arts Festival on April 26. The institutions have distributed 300 tickets to Palisades’s fire victims (100), Altadena fire victims (100) and 100 first responders.

      “On behalf of President Parham and First Lady Parham, as well as the director and staff of the Dymally Institute, this donation was made to bring a moment of peace and comfort to our fellow residents following this harrowing experience,” said Dymally Institute Director Dr. Anthony Asadullah Samad.

   “In past years, the festival has donated tickets to local churches and community groups. But 2025 has shown that we needed to extend love to these communities in particular, as well as the first responders that came to their aid.

      “We join hands with others in the region who have put their arms around friends and loved ones in this period of trial and displacement. It’s the least that we could do as part of the CSUDH family.”

     The Pavilion Stage featured performances from Sharp Eleven Society, The Wylde Bunch, Soultyde, and Tatiana Tate. Festivalgoers, aka, Jazz Heads were rocking and vibing while enjoying their respective sets.

     Jazz Funk Soul- festivalgoers, Jazz Heads, were in for a triple treat. Jeff Lorber (keyboards), Everette Harp (saxophones), and Paul Jackson Jr., (Guitar), are leaders in their own right. The crowd and I were thoroughly entertained as they performed selections from their latest release Simpatico as well as tracks from their respective catalogs.

Maysa, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

     Maysa had the crowd vibing with her throughout her entertaining set of “Music for Your Soul.” Maysa immediately connected with the audience with her humorous remarks in between songs. She performed “Closer and Closer,” and “Have Sweet Dreams,” written by Stevie Wonder for President Barack and Michelle Obama.  Maysa continued with “I Don’t Mind.” Maysa seamlessly transformed the festival into an Old School Party at this institute of higher learning. Maysa concluded her set with “Deep Waters” to the delight of the crowd.

Will Downing, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

     Will Downing known as “The Prince of Sophisticated Soul” as he performed a set dedicated to lovers. He opened with “Angel in Disguise,” followed by “A Million Ways,” “Wishing On a Star,” “Sorry I,” “I Try,” and “I Go Crazy,” to name a few.

     Unfortunately, I left before PJ Morton could perform. His set was delayed by technical issues.

     April 30, 2025- International Jazz Day- In November 2011 the UNESCO General Conference proclaimed 30 April as “International Jazz Day.” This International Day brings together communities, schools, artists, historians, academics, and jazz enthusiasts all over the world to celebrate and learn about the art of jazz, its roots, its future, and its impact. This important international art form is celebrated for promoting peace, dialogue among cultures, diversity, and respect for human rights and human dignity, eradicating discrimination, promoting freedom of expression, fostering gender equity, and reinforcing the role of youth for social change.

     About California State University, Dominguez Hills

 California State University, Dominguez Hills cultivates an academic community committed to justice, equity, and inclusion—one that fosters a sense of belonging and advances social mobility for our graduates. For more than five decades, we have provided knowledge, talent, and leadership to Southern California and beyond. Strategically located to bring educational pathways to underserved communities in the aftermath of the 1965 Watts Rebellion, we proudly educate many first-generation college students. Ranked first in the nation for expanding college access and increasing economic opportunities, CSUDH delivers a transformative education that is grounded in culturally sustaining practices, innovative research, creativity, and community engagement. We are dedicated to fostering students’ critical inquiry, career readiness, and passion for lifelong learning—ensuring that upon graduation, students are equipped to lead and thrive in the industries shaping the future. For more information, visit csudh.edu.