Celebrating 30 Years of All That Jazz & More on Central Avenue

The 30th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival is one for the history and record books. The Central Avenue Jazz Festival was presented by Los Angeles City Councilman Curren D. Price, Jr., in conjunction with the Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Concerned Citizens of South-Central Los Angeles. This free, family-friendly festival celebrated a milestone on Saturday, September 20, 2025. The party on the block was held on Central Avenue between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the north and Vernon Avenue to the south.

By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer

     Los Angeles, CA – The 30th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival is one for the history and record books. The Central Avenue Jazz Festival was presented by Los Angeles City Councilman Curren D. Price, Jr., in conjunction with the Coalition for Responsible Community Development and Concerned Citizens of South-Central Los Angeles. This free, family-friendly festival celebrated a milestone on Saturday, September 20, 2025. The party on the block was held on Central Avenue between Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the north and Vernon Avenue to the south.

     For the past 30 years, thousands have gathered each year on Central Avenue for the annual celebration of jazz, community, history and culture of Central Avenue.

    Central Avenue, affectionally known as “The Avenue” attracted a large, diverse, multicultural crowd from all walks of life. The enthusiastic crowd had one or more things in common. Some were in attendance for the great lineup of music-jazz and Afro Cuban Music (Latin Jazz), the crowd consisted of art patrons and artists, as well as a jubilant crowd of foodies. Central Avenue had something for everyone.

     You know that this was the place to be- (a destination of choice) due to music aficionado’s arrival several hours before the first note to secure a good seat or a piece of real estate on the side of the arranged seating area.

     One couldn’t help but feel the incredible energy and to witness the sense of community while strolling up and down “The Avenue.” Some guests in attendance were part of the bustling early days of Central Avenue-1920’s-1950’s or heard about “The Avenue” from a family member.

     The assembled guests knew that they were in for an incredible and memorable experience with the stellar lineup of musicians scheduled to perform from 11:00 am- 7:00 pm.

     Co-host José Rizo, KJAZZ 88.1 FM, and Michael Dolphin emceed the program on the Quincy Jones Stage, on 43rd and Central Avenue.

     Each year, festival organizers remind attendees that the future of jazz is in good hands. It does my heart good to hear students from JazzAmerica opening the show with a set of straight-ahead jazz. These talented musicians performed flawless arrangements of jazz standards. They paid homage to the birthplace of jazz, New Orleans with an opening selection of “Second Line.” The band continued with “Perdido” by Juan Tizol and “Dolphin Dance,” by Herbie Hancock to name a few. JazzAmerica is a tuition-free jazz education program for middle and high school students, co-founded by Buddy Collette in 1994.

     USC Jazz Ensemble is one of the next generations of artists helping to preserve and carrying the torch of jazz forward.

     Lorn S. Foster, Ph.D., emeritus professor of political science of Pomona College gave an educational and insightful presentation related to the rich, cultural heritage and legacy of Central Avenue inside the historic Dunbar Hotel.

     Several upcoming emerging artists left a lasting impression on the crowd during their respective time in the spotlight. The standout performances were presented by vocalist Sharada Shashidhar, Saxophonist Ennis Harris with pianist Takumi Kakimoto and an entertaining and swinging set by vibraphonist Joel Ross.

Kenny Crouch, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

     Let the party began! Keyboardist Kenny Crouch set was phenomenal as he performed a tribute to Quincy Jones and Sly Stone. The first half of his set featured a tribute to Quincy Jones with selections of television theme songs. The last half of his set featured popular tracks by Sly Stone. Kenny Crouch is part of the legendary Crouch family.

     Drummer Blaque Dynamite delighted the crowd with an electrifying set on the Roy Ayers Stage.

     Some like it hot! Musically speaking. Grammy-winning conquero Poncho Sanchez spiced up the festivities with potent mix of Latin Jazz, cha, cha, cha, Soul and R&B. One couldn’t help but join into the joyous Salsa dancing throughout Poncho’s set on Central Avenue!

Jazzmeia Horn, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

          Grammy nominated vocalist Jazzmeia Horn, a visionary artist, showcased her powerful vocal styling that is blazing a new trail in jazz today. Jazzmeia and the following two artists received a standing ovation after their respective sets.

     The 30th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival featured an amazing set of Afro-Cuban Jazz music performed superbly by pianist and composer Dayramir Gonzalez.

Gregory Porter, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

    Grammy-winning vocalist and international jazz sensation Gregory Porter performed before a captivated crowd. Gregory Porter’s brilliant set included a soulful blend of jazz, gospel, blues and soul left the crowd wanting more.

     The Roy Ayers Tribute Project featured a who’s who of talented Los Angeles based musicians, and leaders in their own right. They had the people vibing and dancing throughout their set to close out another successful iteration of the Central Avenue Jazz Festival.

     Stay connected with centralavejazzfest.com for a visual recap of the 30th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival-photos and videos.