By Ricky Richardson, Contributing Writer
Inglewood, CA – The Getty Trust and a diverse group of community partners launched a 10-part series of free outdoor festivals in neighborhoods across Greater Los Angeles County from May 14-August 28, 2022. The occasion is to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Getty Center.
The Inglewood celebration was produced by Community Art Resources in collaboration with the LA Phil’s Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) with Community Advisors: Inglewood Arts Commission and Social Justice Learning Institute.
DJ Qwesscoast was on deck of the ones and twos and served as Master of Ceremony to introduce each performance.
The show got underway with Walkgood presents: Makélé Sound Bath & Kemetic Yoga with Anu Wolley. The Makélé Sound Bath uses aspect of music sound waves to help improve one’s spiritual, emotional and physical well-being. Makélé Sound Bath consisted of father and son Amen Santo and Avila Santo. This session left a calming effect that reverberated throughout the festival.
Inglewood Mayor James T. Butts Jr., City Council Members Eloy Morales and Alex Padilla and representatives from the Getty Museum, LA Phil, and Beckmen YOLA Center greeted the crowd with welcome remarks. Lisa Lapin, Vice President for Communication, J. Paul Getty Trust; Renae Williams Niles, Chief Content and Engagement Officer, Los Angeles Philharmonic; Camile Delaney-McNeil, Director, Beckmen YOLA Center; Chad Smith, CEO, Los Angeles Philharmonic; and Elsje Kibler Vermaas, Vice President for Learning, Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Inglewood High School Marching Band, under the direction of Joseph Jauregui, affectionally known as “Mr. J” entertained an attentive crowd. Their Grand Finale consisted of parading up Grevillea Avenue to the South Lawn of City Hall.
Black Nile a local jazz band featuring Aaron Shaw-sax, Lawrence Shaw-bass, Myles Martin-drums and Harrison Hendricks-keyboards had the crowd moving and grooving throughout their wonderful set. Black Nile performed “Malibu/Risin to the Top,” “Miss Ann,” “Red Sun,” “Fine China,” and “Didn’t Ya Know” with ample opportunities for solos for each member of the quartet.
Voices of Creation led by Jimetta Rose, performance was enthralling and uplifting. The multicultural group performed “Let the Sunshine In,” “Operation Feed Yourself,” “Spirits Up Above,” “Answer the Call,” “Things are Getting Better,” “Real to Me,” and “Ain’t Life Grand.” Can I get an AMEN! The accompanying musician consisted of Jack Maebe-keyboards, Brian Hargrove-keyboards and Alan Lightner-percussions and vocalist Khalila Gardner.
Foreigner B2B Blaq Pages, No)one. Art House and We Are King rounded out the entertainment on the Main Stage.
Students from Inglewood Unified School District showcased their awesome talents on the Youth Stage, located on the South Lawn of City Hall.
The two-day festival shined the spotlight on the Beckmen Yola Center. Beckmen YOLA Center is a critical addition to the vibrant array of arts and culture in the City of Inglewood. Youth Orchestra Los Angeles, better known as YOLA, provides young musicians across Los Angeles with free instruments and up to 18 hours of music instructions every week, as well as academic support and leadership training. Beckmen YOLA Center held an Open House for the public to see the various rehearsal rooms and to inquire about enrollment and perform on various instruments. The public was also able to see an open rehearsal of YOLA and see a performance of Youth Orchestra Los Angeles and ICYOLA Jazz Band.
Sunday, May 15th, DJ Jeli was on the control panel of the ones and twos, as people gathered for another day of exciting performances.
S.H.I.N.E. Muwasi, with Rene Fishers, aka, Mama Nae Nae, led the crowd on a musical journey throughout several regions of West Africa, through songs and drumming, with special guest Fode Sissoko on kora.
Youth Orchestra Los Angeles and Voices of Creation made a return engagement to the delight of the crowd.
Brasil Brasil Cultural Center brought out the WOW! factor as they shared the rich, vibrant heritage of Brazil in a spirited, exuberant performance filled with joy, that expressed the rich blend of African, Portuguese and Indigenous influences.
Godfrey at Large, Katalyst, MUÑEKA, and Battlecat and G-Funk All-Stars featuring Georgia Anne Muldrow built up on the energy and took it up a notch to showcase stellar performances.
DJ Gudo, S.H.I.N.E. Muwasi, 1500 Sound Academy and a Capoeira workshop by Brasil Brasil was held on the Inglewood Youth Stage.
The two-day festival consisted of engaging and informative art activations for the entire family. A good time was had by all in attendance.
The festivals are being held to celebrate the cultural richness of ten communities and to say “thank you” to Los Angeles for 25 years of supporting the Getty Center. More than a dozen Type equation here.neighborhood nonprofits and cultural organizations are partnering with the Getty to organize the festivals, celebrating the art, artists, and culture of each neighborhood.
Visit https://www.getty.edu and https://carsla.net, click on the link Getty 25 Community Art Festival for a list of upcoming community festivals coming to or near your neighborhood.
