Jazz at Drew Returns to South Los Angeles on 9/21 with Stellar Lineup of Music and Community
Jazz at Drew is set to make it comeback on Saturday, September 21, 2024, with an extraordinary lineup of musical talent and the exciting reveal of the main act on September 1. Produced and hosted by Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU), this event marks a significant revival to the cultural calendar of South Los Angeles since COVID-19 hit. Tickets are on sale for general admission, lawn seating, tables, and VIP access on the event website.
Jazz at Drew continues its tradition of showcasing premier musical talent and fostering a deep connection with the community. Among the artists performing at this year’s event is the Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown, known for his smooth, soulful guitar playing and engaging performances. Brown, a multi-platinum selling and chart-topping artist with hit albums like “After the Storm” and “Better Days Ahead,” promises to deliver a set that will leave a lasting impression.
Adding to the excitement is the return of The Lao Tizer Band featuring Eric Marienthal. The band is ready to enchant the audience once again with their new album “Songs from the Swinghouse.” Their blend of jazz with a broad spectrum of influences promises a performance that resonates with both jazz aficionados and casual listeners alike.
Also returning to the Jazz at Drew Stage is Grammy-nominated vocal group DW3. Consisting of brothers Eric and Billy Mondragon alongside Damon Reel, DW3 is known for their exhilarating blend of smooth ballads and high-energy funk and dance jams.
Erin Stevenson, whose journey from working at NASA to becoming a musician is as inspiring as her performances, will also be performing. Known for her powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence, her mix of R&B with modern vibes is sure to captivate the Jazz at Drew audience.
In addition to these stellar performers, the main Jazz at Drew act will be revealed on Saturday September 1. The announcement will be made on CDU’s social media channels as well as on the event page at https://www.cdrewu.edu/jazz-at-drew/. Prior Jazz at Drew headliners have included Will Downing, Shelia E., The Ohio Players, Louis Beltran, and Earth, Wind & Fire.
Net proceeds from the event will support scholarships, student support services, and pipeline programs at CDU, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, and certificate programs, across a range of health and medical professions. The university is one of only four Historically Black Medical Colleges in the nation and the only federally designated Historically Black learning institutions west of Texas. CDU is also one of the most diverse universities in the nation in terms of both student and faculty diversity.
The 2024 Jazz at Drew concert is not just an event; it’s a community festival that underscores the transcendent power of music, celebrating cultural diversity and promoting CDU as a community founded institution. This year’s event is expected to attract an audience of 2,000 people to the CDU to experience great music for a greater mission!
The event is possible through the generous support of many organizations and individuals including Common Spirit, L.A. Care, Cedars Sinai, AltaMed, The Weingarten Family, Western Alliance Bank, MLK Community Healthcare, David Geffen School of Medicine, Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Elizabeth Baskerville, AOE Consulting, Drew League Foundation, Infinite Circulation, LA Galaxy, the South Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Moss Adams, Gallagher, Angela Minniefield, Jackie Brown, California State Senator Steven Bradford, and California State Assemblymember Mike Gipson.
ABOUT CDU
Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) is a private, nonprofit, community-founded, student-centered University committed to cultivating diverse health professions leaders who are dedicated to social justice and health equity for underserved populations through outstanding education, clinical service, and community engagement. CDU is also a leader in health disparities research with a focus on education, training, and treatment for cancer, diabetes, cardiometabolic, COVID, and HIV/AIDS. Founded in 1966 in the heart of South Los Angeles, CDU offers a range of undergraduate degree, graduate degree, doctorate, and certificate programs including nursing, medicine, biomedical science, public health, computed tomography, physician assistant, genetic counseling, and psychology. Learn more about CDU at www.cdrewu.edu.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Jonathan Zaleski
Director of Communications and Public Relations
jonathanzaleski@cdrewu.edu
310-569-0153