Jazz at Drew – It’s Time to Jazz Up Your Health 

Jubilant shouts of joy and excitement filled the air as word spread for the triumphant return of Jazz at Drew, in fall 2024.

Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer

     (Los Angeles, CA) Jubilant shouts of joy and excitement filled the air as word spread for the triumphant return of Jazz at Drew, in fall 2024.

     The 23rd Annual Jazz at Drew was a huge success for everyone involved. The beloved community music festival was held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, on the inviting, relaxing campus of Charles R. Drew University of Science and Medicine (CDU).

     Jazz at Drew has been on hiatus since 2019. Its welcome return will continue to revitalize the essence of community and cultural richness in South LA, hosted by Charles R. Drew University of Science and Medicine.

     Jazz at Drew assembled a stellar lineup of musicians that promised and delivered an unforgettable experience for festival goers, with a mix of jazz R&B, and soul to the stage. 

Morris Day, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

     The festival was headlined by Morris Day & The Time, Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown, Grammy-nominated vocal group DW3, The Lao Tizer Band featuring Grammy-winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal, powerful vocalist Erin Stevenson, and talented local artist J.Anthny.

     A diverse crowd, of over 3,000 people from all walks of life showed up and showed out. Guests know from experience that Jazz at Drew would provide a truly awesome day, filled with great entertainment, food, community, culture, and health, for a greater mission.

     The weather Gods looked down favorably upon this iteration of Jazz at Drew. The day was sunny, slightly warm as a result of recent rains. This was a welcome respite from the heatwave of several weeks ago.

     Jazz at Drew was the perfect event to usher in the arrival of fall. The well-maintained, manicured lawn of CDU provided an ideal setting for some incredible music.

     Radio personalities/hosts Adai Lamar, 102.3 Radio Free KJLH, and Greg Mack 94.7 The Wave served as emcees. DJ Mr. Quick played tracks that got the grown folks, aka, party people on their feet to dance and have a good time between live performances. The soundtrack of DJ Mr. Quick laid down made sure that there wouldn’t be any parking on the dance floor.

     J.Anthny is a member of the campus IT Department. He got the show underway with music filled with raw emotions and motivation that resonated with festivalgoers on a deep level. J.Anthny’s thoroughly entertaining set featured original selections “Something For You,” “Drop Top,” “Up Now,” “What I Need,” and “You Make Me Better.”

Erin Stevenson, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

     Erin Stevenson graced the stage to showcase her powerful and varied vocal range and dynamic stage presence. Erin Stevenson established a connection with the crowd by bringing a mix of R&B with modern vibes that had the crowd grooving throughout her set. Her set featured the selections “I Need Some Lovin,” “Save Your Love for Me,” with a segue into “Rock Me Baby.” She continued with “Smooth Soul,” Funk M,” with a chorus of “Funkin for Jamaica,” and continued with “Don’t Touch.” Erin Stevenson concluded her set with a tribute to the late great Frankie Beverly with “Before I Let Go,” and “Happy Feelings.” Throughout her set, I kept hearing people say that Erin Stevenson can SING!!!

     Grammy-nominated vocal group DW3 offered a perfectly artful balance between smooth, seductive ballads, and up-tempo dance/funk jams. Simply put or translated, wherever DW3 is, that is where the party is at. They have been entertaining crowds since 2003, at concerts, and festivals, locally and internationally. DW3 always leaves the crowd wanting more. Brothers Eric and Billy Mondragon and close family friend Damon Reel delivered the goods on the selections “Superstition,” “Let the Music Be Your Guide,” “Right On,” “Yearning,” “Close the Door,” “Never Too Much,” “Do I Do,” and “September.”

     The Lao Tizer featuring Eric Marienthal is back by popular demand. Jazz enthusiasts were captivated by their artistry and performance of original tracks. Their set featured the selections “Carousel,” “16 Heaven,” and “Why.” Eric Marienthal’s original track “Baby Cakes” riled up the crowd. The group continued with “Down,” and concluded their set with “New Orleans. The band featured Lao Tizer-keyboards, Eric Marienthal-saxophone, Anthony Crawford-bass, Gene Coye-drums, Munyungo Jackson Jr., -percussion, and Elliott Yamin on vocals.

Norman Brown, (Photo by Ricky Richardson)

     Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown was next to perform. The crowd was in for a treat as Norman Brown showcased awe-inspiring soulful performance, and masterful guitar technique. Norman Brown’s set featured selections from previous EP’s. The crowd was vibing throughout his set that blended jazz, R&B, Pop, & Blues. The set featured “That’s the Way Love Is,” “Let’s Get Away,” “After the Storm,” “Any Love,” and “Man in the Mirror.” Norman Brown related the various guitar legends that influenced his musical journey from Jimi Hendrix, and Wes Montgomery to George Benson.

     The life and legacy of the late great Frankie Beverly were remembered during a special touching and celebratory set of music played by DJ Mr. Quick.

     I’m sure by now you should know WHAT TIME It IS!!! Morris Day and The Time ignited the stage and the festival with an electrifying performance to the delight of guests who stayed until the very end. A chorus of the crowd sang along to such hits as “Get It Up,” “The Bird,” “Cool,” and “Jungle Love,” to name a few.