Chilling while Enjoying the Cool Sounds of Jazz & Blues in Leimert Park Village

Ricky Richardson | Contributing Writer

(Los Angeles, CA) A large crowd of music lovers descended upon Leimert Park Village for the 2nd Annual Barbara Morrison Jazz & Blues Festival, presented by the California Jazz & Blues Museum. This year's festival presented an unforgettable experience for all in attendance.

The festival was held on Saturday, September 7, 2024, in Leimert Plaza Park, in the heart of the cultural hub of the African American community.

The heat is on. You are aware that we are experiencing a heatwave. The heatwave was made on television, radio, and social media. Local authorities reminded everyone to take precautions and utilize local cooling stations around town.

Hundreds of music enthusiasts and I agreed to chill and relax, (chillaxing), underneath a large canopy, at the Barbara Morrison Jazz & Blues Festival. The canopy served as a cooling station on this hot day.

The Leimert Plaza Park was the ideal spot to celebrate the life and legacy of the international singer, educator, and entrepreneur, Barbara Morrison.

Jay Jackson served as emcee, of this wonderful celebration to honor Barbara Morrison. A live recording of Barbara Morrison was on rotation throughout the afternoon. Barbara's spirit could be felt throughout the program.

The first incredible performance was produced by The Harmony Project in Leimert Park. This talented group of teens is led by Malia Pinkard, Program Manager. The group performed several college cadences "Apple Tree," "FAM 2," and "Coming to America."

Yvette McCullough, VP of Community Relations, City National Bank, Roscoe Lee Owens, and Linda Morgan Sam, Jazz Zone addressed the crowd.

The World Stage Big Band exploded on stage to start their set with a picante arrangement of "Manteca." They continued with "Simone," "Buster's Blues," and "Moving West, Part 2." Vocalist Amita DeLone joined the band to perform "How High the Moon," "and "Sweet Georgia Brown." The band performed "Black Orpheus," and concluded their swinging set with "Moonlight in New York" with Dwight Trible on vocals.

Tim Morganfield, co-owner of The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center and CEO of the California Jazz and Blues Museum and business partner, Karen A. Clark, gave an overview of the relocation and future reopening of the California Jazz & Blues Museum in Leimert Park. Robert Saucedo, President and CEO, of Community Build, Inc., and Councilmember Heather Hutt addressed the guests.

Eloise Laws started her wonderful set with an energetic, upbeat version of "Let the Good Times Roll." She continued with "Wang Dang Doodle," a classic blues track. Additional selections performed were "What You Won't Do for Love," and "Love Comes Easy. The set was a family affair with Debra Laws on vocals and Ronnie Laws on saxophone.

Bobby "Hurricane" Spencer performed next. Bobby "Hurricane" Spencer performed a set of sho nuff, down-home blues. The quartet was great on "Rock Me, Baby," "I Used to Stop Drinking," "Put on your Red Dress," and explained "Why I Sang the Blues."

The party shifted into high gear for the remainder of the evening. TheKarenA and Jazzy Rita featuring Richard 88 Fingers Turner, Torrence Brannon-Reese & Everything with Soul Band, Klymaxx featuring Cheryl Cooley, and The Barbara Morrison Band with special guest (The Bu Crew Band) contributed tremendously to our enjoyment of the 2nd Annual Barbara Morrison Jazz & Blues Festival.

The 2ndAnnual Barbara Morrison Jazz & Blues Festival was sponsored by the City of Los Angeles, Councilmember Heather Hutt, (10th District), Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA), City National Bank, KJAZZ 88.1 FM, Community Build, 102.3 FM Radio Free KJLH, Jazz Zone, Big Momma's Bayou Shack, and FAMLI, Inc.