FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 16, 2025

Celebrating 30 years of Central Avenue Jazz:

Celebrating 30 Years of Jazz and 11 Years of Arts Pavilion at the Central Avenue Jazz Festival

Los Angeles, CA – The 30th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival, presented in partnership with the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, returns on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This milestone event celebrates three decades of preserving Los Angeles’ jazz legacy while highlighting the 11th anniversary of the Arts Pavilion, a cornerstone of the festival’s fusion of music and visual art.

A Legacy of Jazz Excellence

Since its founding in 1995, the Central Avenue Jazz Festival has paid homage to the historic heart of L.A.’s jazz scene, where legends like Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday once performed. The 2025 festival continues this tradition with a stellar lineup of Grammy-winning artists, local talents, and genre-defying performers, spanning classic jazz, Latin rhythms, and avant-garde sounds. Attendees will enjoy live performances, interactive workshops, and panel discussions exploring jazz’s evolution and cultural impact.

The Arts Pavilion: More than a Decade of Bridging Jazz and Visual Art

For 11 years, the Arts Pavilion has elevated the festival into a multi-sensory experience, showcasing works by acclaimed artists inspired by jazz’s improvisational spirit. This year’s Pavilion features:

• Curated exhibitions celebrating a decade of artistic contributions.
• Live art demonstrations where painters respond to live jazz in real time.
• Interactive workshops for all ages, blending creativity with music appreciation.
• Community partnerships with local schools and arts organizations to inspire future generations.

Featured Artists at the 2025 Arts Pavilion

The Pavilion will spotlight works by renowned artists, including:

• Jimmy Velarde’s evocative black-and-white photography captures the raw soul of blues and jazz legends, earning him 12 Emmy Awards for his television work and a Grammy nomination for his contributions to music documentation.
• Mohammed Mubarak – Honoring Black history through powerful portraiture.
• Kenneth Gatewood – Nostalgic depictions of childhood innocence.
• LP Aekili Ross (LPAE38) – Celebrated for innovative, celebrity-admired works.
• Skira Martinez – Multidisciplinary creations from wearable art to installations.
• EnkOne – Preserving urban culture through iconic murals like the Crenshaw Mural of African-American Progress.

…and more (full list available upon request).

Event Details

Date/Time: September 20, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Central Avenue (between MLK Blvd. & Vernon Ave.), Los Angeles
Admission: FREE (sponsored by the City of L.A. Department of Cultural Affairs)

Highlights:

30th Anniversary Tributes to jazz legends.
Expanded Arts Pavilion with retrospective exhibits.
Food & Craft Market – Local vendors and jazz memorabilia.
Family Activities – Art stations and music workshops.

Plan Your Visit

Transportation: Limited parking; take Metro Blue Line (Vernon Station) or rideshare.
Prohibited Items: Alcohol, pets (service animals only), drones, and professional recording equipment.

Quotes

“The Arts Pavilion has transformed the festival into a dialogue between jazz and visual art,” says Omar Holguin, Pavilion Organizer. “This 30th anniversary honors how both mediums uplift community and creativity.”

About the Central Avenue Jazz Festival:
The Central Avenue Jazz Festival is an annual event celebrating the rich history and enduring influence of jazz music in Los Angeles. Now in its 29th year, the festival features a dynamic mix of music, art, and community spirit, attracting visitors from all over the city and beyond. The event is free and open to the public, offering a vibrant celebration of LA’s cultural diversity and artistic excellence.

About La Mancha Gallery:
La Mancha Gallery, founded by Omar Holguin, is dedicated to promoting artistic excellence and cultural enrichment through the visual arts. The gallery has played a pivotal role in the success of the Arts Pavilion, ensuring that it remains a space where artistic expression thrives and cultural connections are celebrated.

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If If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Omar Holguin at (626) 425-8300 or email at omar@lamancha@pm.me