Perfect Setting: Great weather, soulful food, multi-cultural retail booths, health pavilion surrounded with the very best in live jazz performances.

Los Angeles, CA—The 17th Annual “Jazz At Drew” Legacy Music Series and Cultural Marketplace and Health Pavilion presented another excellent festival rejoiced by the thousands who attended the two-day event on October 6th and 7th, 2007 in the grassy outdoor of the campus.

Considered one of Southern California’s most popular music and community charity events, this year’s stellar line-up of jazz, gospel, R&B also included Latin jazz greats—the university’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.  Many dignitaries and city leaders were in attendance including Congresswoman Laura Richardson and California State Assemble Member Mervyn M. Dymally.

“Jazz at Drew” has gone beyond just being a celebration of music—it has embraced the multi-culture and diversity of South Los Angeles.  “With so much unrest on the streets,” said one attendee, “it is nice to see jazz aficionados of every color gather and enjoy the music together.”

Roland Betts, the event’s executive producer, has spent years in perfecting the festival because of his belief in the healing power of music.  “It’s about building cultural bridges through music, while also continuing the University’s mission to conduct education and research in the content of community service,” he said.

The festival was a truly well thought out and sophisticated event, which this year included exceptional Latin performances.  Jose Rizo’s Jazz on the Latin Side All-Stars with special guest guitarist Kenny Burrell served up a spicy set of Latin Jazz on “Baile Mi Gente” with a saxophone solo by Michael Sessions, “Yes or No” by Wayne Shorter, “Iron Man James,” “Caramba” by Lee Morgan, “Ah Leu Cha” by Charlie Parker and concluded their set with a salsa tune “Mama Vieja.”

The All-Stars included University and hospital employees and friends—treating the audience to an invigorating music performance with tunes like “R.J. Song,” “My Dreams,” and “Stolen Moments.”  The Locke High School 40th Anniversary Reunion Band revved the beat up with “Straight No Chaser,” “81” by Ron Carter, “Sister Sadie” by Horace Silver, and “Impressions” by John Coltrane. Vocalist Niomisha Wilson performed Natalie Cole’s “Inseparable.”

Guitarist David T. Walker featured Clarence McDonald on piano/organ, Byron Miller-bass, and Ndugu Chancler on drums grooving throughout their dynamic set.

Sheila E. and the E Family Orchestra with Peter Michael ignited the festival grounds with some of their very best sizzling Latin jazz.  The Pan African Peoples Arkestra featured many band members from the Leimert Park All-Stars and had the undivided attention of the audience during their performance.

Dr. Susan Kelly, President of Charles Drew University was surprised when the performance celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Music of Curtis Mayfield, The Impressions and the Music of Jerry Butler—some of Dr. Kelly’s favorite musicians, was dedicated to her. 

The Rickey Minor Symphony Orchestra with special guest Jerry Butler performed “For Your Precious Love,” “Brand New Me,” “Let It Be Me,” and “Only The Strong Survive.” Minor, who is the musical director for FOX’s hit TV show American Idol, has been a beacon of support to Jazz At Drew. 

“It was an incredible event and such a gift to be able to see so many jazz great together all in one venue,” said Dr. Kelly. “That venue being our University, as a visible and vital part of this community, made it even more memorable.”

One of the most touching moments was when Dr. Kelly unveiled the name of the University’s new nursing school:  The Mervyn M. Dymally School of Nursing at Charles Drew University.  Dr. Dymally, California’s State Assembly Member and long-time public servant, was completely surprised and overwhelmed with emotion. “There has been no greater champion for our University than Mervyn Dymally,” declared Dr. Kelly.

Jazz At Drew 2007 was truly made special by all of those who performed and attended.
Dr. Gus Gill, President, Academic Senate, Charles Drew University sponsored the Gus Gil Gospel Hour where spiritual and uplifting entertainment was provided by The Soul Seekers and The Mighty Clouds of Joy.