With so many incredible music festival options, it's getting harder and harder to choose which event(s) can be squeezed into the budget. From mega outings like ESSENCE Festival to conscious-minded celebrations like Broccoli City Festival, we know we're not the only ones facing this annual dilemma. As if the decision wasn't already hard enough, the Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute has added another item to 2019's stacked menu.
The noteworthy think tank has announced the inaugural Dymally International Jazz & Arts Festival, taking place this Saturday, April 27th in Carson, CA (just a few miles south of Los Angeles). Hosted by comedian/radio host/political commentator D.L. Hughley, the event will span two stages, offering a mix of R&B, jazz, reggae, soul and Afro-Cuban artists. DIJAF might be the new kid on the block, but organizers have lined up some major artists for its premiere. Stage One will showcase R&B singer/songwriter Kem, soulful trio Moonchild, jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright, reggae star Maxi Priest, South African songstress Lira and jazz flautist Nestor Torres. The secondary stage will feature a diverse roster of innovative performers specializing in music, poetry and dance, including Parlor Social, Rocky Dawuni, B.A. Williams, bridgette bianca, Samba Soul and Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca.
Another highlight of the festival will be a visual art gallery curated by LA County Arts Commissioner Pamela Bright-Moon, featuring several works for sale by celebrated local artists. We're loving the fact that this event is truly embracing art in all of its forms. But what really makes this a worthwhile event is that a portion of the proceeds will be used to support the Afrocentric mission of the Dymally Institute – to build community and institutional memory, through a digital archive; to influence public policy debates through on-going academic and community research; to help develop the next generation of elected officials, civic, and policy leaders; and to engage the community through cultural experiences.
Dymally International Jazz & Arts Festival will begin at 1 pm on April 27th at Dignity Health Sports Park on the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills. There isn't much time left, so snag your tickets today. Be sure to visit the Institute's website to learn more about their philanthropic efforts and how you can get involved.
