12th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival

12th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival

Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29

Los Angeles – T he Dunbar Economic Development Corporation, the artistic director of the Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival, announced the stellar line-up for the 12 ^th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival on Saturday, July 28 and Sunday, July 29 from 11 a.m . until 7 p.m. Admission and parking is free.

T he streets of Central Avenue between 42^nd Place and 43rd Street will come alive with the sounds of straight-ahead jazz and blues from high-caliber musicians:

Saturday, July 28:

Clora Bryant and guests, panel discussion

Paul Bryant Trio

Ernie Andrews, vocalist

Phil Ranelin

Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars

Arthur Blythe Quintet

Sunday, July 29:

Buddy Collette' s Jazz America

CJS Quintet, winners of the Chuck Niles Award

Henry Franklin featuring Michael Sessions

Roy Gaines and surprise guests

Gilbert Castellanos Latin Trumpet Summit

Charles McPhearson

Sandra Booker's Underground Jazz Movement

The masters of ceremony are Michael Dolphin of the Dolphin' s of Hollywood legacy, KKJZ Radio Personality Jose Rizo, and Jazz announcer James Janisse. Note: The order of appearance of performers may change.

"The Festival is one of the most important cultural events of the year," remarks Reginald Chapple, president and CEO of Dunbar EDC. "It is not only a tribute to the history of Los Angeles' contribution to the music industry, but an opportunity for everyone to enjoy timeles s music." Other activities at the Festival, includes art and crafts, food, and informational booths.

"Our focus, when selecting the entertainers, is to honor the rich music legacy of Central Avenue -- from the musicians to the orchestras that once graced the stages in nightclubs on Central Avenue," explained Jose Rizo, KKJZ radio personality and Dunbar EDC board member.

"It has always been important that the Central Avenue Festival reflects elements of the history of the avenue," says Michael Dolphin, a Dunbar EDC board member and Central Avenue historian. "This year, blues legend Roy Gaines and surprise guests will lead a 50^th Anniversary Tribute to "Mama" Laura Gros s. Mama Laura has operated Babe and Ricky's (Blues) Inn, formerly located at 52^nd and Central but now operating in Leimert Park, since 1957 - quite an accomplishment for any busines s owner, but certainly a tribute to the legacy of Central Avenue."

To learn more about the Dunbar EDC or the Festival, contact 323-234-7882 or visit the website at www.CentralAvenueJazzFestival.com . For press credentials, inquire at platinumstarpr@aol.com.

About Central Avenue :

Central Avenue was part of the early national musical circuit for musicians from 1900-1950. Those several blocks along the avenue gave birth to R&B station KGFJ radio, which broadcasted in the window of the Dolphin's of Hollywood Record Store at Vernon and Central Avenue.

Along the Avenue was the Dunbar Hotel, the only first-clas s hotel available for Blacks to stay in Los Angeles. Duke Ellington maintained a suite in the Dunbar. Renowned entertainers like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat "King" Cole, Clora Bryant, Johnny Otis, Gerald Wilson, and hundreds more were regulars at the Dunbar Hotel, Club Alabam, The Apex, The Last Word, and The Downbeat, and other nightclubs on Central Avenue.

About the Dunbar Economic Development Corporation:

The Dunbar EDC, under the guidance of President and CEO Reginald Chapple, is a leader in real estate development and historic preservation in the Central Avenue corridor. Incorporated in 1988, the non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation' s mission is to advance the cultural heritage and economic well being of the Vernon-Central corridor through stewardship of the built environment. It is accomplished through the implementation of objective strategies in affordable housing, busines s creation, economic development, technology training, family support, youth development, arts, and cultural enhancement.