The Center of Hope courtyard was transformed into an intimate concert venue for a wonderful celebration of jazz music, benefiting a good cause, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 12:00-6:00 pm.
By Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer
Inglewood, CA – The Center of Hope courtyard was transformed into an intimate concert venue for a wonderful celebration of jazz music, benefiting a good cause, on Saturday, December 13, 2025, from 12:00-6:00 pm.
“Swingin,’ Singin,’ and Givin’: WinterFest ’25 was a holiday fundraiser for Hope Academy in partnership with Center of Hope, 9550 Crenshaw Blvd. Inglewood, CA. 90305.
This spectacular afternoon of music, art, and purpose is presented by PocketJazz Presents and Hope Academy for Scholarship and Innovation. The afternoon was hosted by producer, playwright, and spoken word artist Robert J. Carmack, MFA. Stefanie C. Baker, PhD, Event Host-HOPE ACADEMY co-founder, Executive Director of Schools, HOPE ACADEMY, welcomed the crowd to the event and gave an overview of HOPE ACADEMY.
Jazz lovers, art patrons, and foodies were in attendance to enjoy the soulful melodies of jazz while supporting a good cause. The weather Gods looked down favorably upon this event. Festival organizers were blessed with good vibes on a beautiful day, filled with blue skies and a lot of sun, on a cool, fall afternoon.
The program got underway with Willow Corrine Chambers, a dynamic young vocalist. Willow Corrine Chambers is a name to remember, who is blazing a trail in the music industry. Corrine is a young, 16-year-old high school singer with an impressive vocal range, phrasing, and tone, with the stage presence of a seasoned performer. She thrilled the crowd with a mixture of holiday classics as well as jazz standards. The set list consisted of “” It’s a Wonderful Time of the Year,” “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “It Could Happen to You,” “What a Difference a Day Makes,” “Jingle Bell Rocks,” and concluded with “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” The future of jazz is in good hands. The group left a lasting impression on the crowd and me. The group consisted of Willow Corrine Chambers-vocals, Benjamin Rahan, Keshav Puré-drums, and Leo Rosen Prinz-on bass. I’m looking forward to hearing more from everyone in the future, collectively as a group of individuals.
The stellar lineup of entertainment continued with a smokin’ set by the Robert Turner/Kevin O’Neil Trio. This tight group came out swinging and on fire with a composition by McCoy Tyner entitled “Passion Dance.” Their set was a Tribute to McCoy Tyner, featuring brilliant arrangements by Kevin O’Neal. They continued with “Contemplation” and “Peresina” with spoken word written and performed by Robert J. Carmack. The group continued full speed ahead with “So What” and “Search for Peace” with lyrics written by Kevin O’Neal and performed by the incredible vocalist Alaina Simone. Alaina contributed her vocal styling to “I’ll Be Around” and “In Search of My Heart.” The group consisted of Robert Turner-keyboards, Kevin O’Neal-bass, Robert Miller-drums, Alaina Simone-vocals, and Robert J. Carmack-poet and spoken word.
The crowd and I were thoroughly entertained during the segment entitled Unofficial Slam, featuring an outstanding performance by Gabriel “Slam” Nobles-vibes/leader of the group, Mike Roundtree-drums, Randall Willis-saxophone, Anthony Graham Jr., keyboards/organ, and Robert Presutti-bass. They performed some classic jazz standards, a pop track, and a festive seasonal track. Their set list featured “Well You Needn’t,” “Everybody Love the Sunshine,” “Killer Joe,” and an exciting remix of “Searching” with improvised spoken word provided by Medusa. The group continued with “Vibrations,” “We Are One,” and concluded their set with “This Christmas.”
Inglewood City Councilwoman Gloria Gray stopped by to greet the diehard jazz fans. The inaugural “Swingin,’ Singin,’ and Givin:’ WinterFest ’25 concluded with a great set by the Nick Smith Experience. The Nick Smith Experience consisted of Nick Smith on piano/keyboards, Marvin “Smitty” Smith on drums, Ian Martin on bass, and Ricky Woodard on flute and saxophone.
All proceeds from the event directly support HOPE Academy’s campaign to build a groundbreaking educational learning community—an initiative designed to provide transformative opportunities for HOPE Scholars through innovation, mentorship, and academic excellence.
The legacy of HOPE Academy is woven deeply into the fabric of the Los Angeles community. In 1972, Dr. Benjamin F. Reid, Pastor of First Church of God, established First Church of God Christian School with the intent to provide ‘academic excellence for minority children in an unashamed Christian environment.” For more than 30 years, this house of faith provided educational services and support to students and families in the Inglewood and surrounding communities. First Church of God Christian School closed its doors in 2007. In 2000, Pastor Dr. Gregory L. Dixon resolved that the church’s name should embody its purpose, changed the name from First Church of God to “Center of Hope.” In 2012, Pastor Geremy L. Dixon was elected Lead Pastor of Center of Hope. Armed with a determination to continue the 30-plus-year legacy of academic excellence. Pastor Geremy boldly set out to offer a high-quality, Christ-centered, culturally sustaining, educational experience for the children of Inglewood and beyond.
Families of all backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs are welcome in the HOPE ACADEMY community. Considering that the school is located in the heart of the city of Inglewood, CA. We anticipate serving a significant number of multilingual earners and students who are differently abled. We stand on the firm foundation that God’s creation is intensely diverse and that diversity powers a more just and inclusive society.
We intended to begin with the Transitional Kindergarten (TK) classroom, the Class of 2040, adding one grade level annually, until the Class of 2024 reaches 8th grade. Enrollment in Year 1 is estimated at 20 students. Growing by one class per year will allow HOPE ACADEMY to grow gradually while ensuring that resources, staff, and facilities are adequate to support each new grade level. Our growth model is designed for us to maintain quality and stability as we grow.