Leimert Park Jazz Fest 360: Activism, Social Justice & Live Jazz – Los Angeles Sentinel
Leimert Park Jazz Festival presents an afternoon of live jazz and thought-provoking discussion on Sunday, Nov. 17, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Lula Washington Dance Theater, 3773 Crenshaw Blvd at Coliseum Street along the Crenshaw Corridor.
The event features a distinguished panel of scholars and musicians who have used their platforms to champion social justice and anti-racism.
"This program, "Activism, Social Justice & Jazz presented by LPJF360," is designed for a broad audience that extends well beyond jazz enthusiasts," stated Diane Robertson, executive director of Leimert Park Jazz Festival.
"Jazz has historically been a powerful voice against oppression. This event continues that legacy by addressing issues of marginalization and inequality.
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"I chose Lula Washington Dance Theatre as our venue," she continued, "because it has been a cornerstone of the Los Angeles arts community for decades. The space is well-suited for an intimate, impactful gathering like ours, allowing for engaging discussion and immersive musical performances."
"Jazz, with its roots in struggle and resilience, is more than just music—it's a form of activism," explained moderator and professor in Jazz Studies, Dr. Ron C. McCurdy.
"It serves as a metaphor for the words our founding fathers crafted for what our country could become. The improvisational nature mirrors the fight for social justice, pushing boundaries and challenging norms.
"Jazz speaks to the lived experiences of those who have faced oppression, creating a soundscape that reflects hardship and a call to action. Given today's political landscape, every artist is responsible for lending their artistic voice to combat inequality worldwide," he said.
The distinguished panel of scholars and musicians weighing in on social justice and anti-racism includes USC Professor of Law Dr. Jody C. Armour.
"Racism is a blight on the glory of American democracy," he declared. "It withers the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of millions of Americans. Left unchecked, it poses the greatest internal threat to this nation's peace and prosperity.
"Art and music," he continued, "can be powerful forces of resistance, change, and liberation. Specifically, the fine and performing arts can help unify and bond individuals into collective social actors—they can provide oppositional narratives for the head and beautiful sounds and images for the heart."
Other panelists include Dr. Eddie Meadows, adjunct Pprofessor at UCLA Alpert School of Music; Dr. Dawn M. Norfleet, faculty member of UC Irvine Jazz Studies; and Capri Maddox, executive director and general manager of the Los Angeles Civil Rights Department.
Attendees will be treated to the jazz stylings of The Kenneth Brown Collective performing the music of McCoy Tyner, Dizzy Gillespie, and more. Brown is a native of Inglewood and an alum of the Academy of Performing Arts at Alexander Hamilton High School in Castle Heights . A catered selection of charcuterie, fruit, and crudités and an open bar offering wine, soda, and water will be available.
LPJF 360 is a presentation of the Leimert Park Jazz Festival, Assemblyman Isaac Bryan, Lula Washington Dance Theater, and Councilwoman Heather Hutt.
