Jazz at Drew Brings Music and Community Together
Thousands gathered at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) on Saturday, as Jazz at Drew returned to campus for a day of live music, celebration, and community connection as part of the University’s 60th Anniversary festivities.
Despite sporadic showers throughout the day, the celebration carried on with performances spanning jazz, R&B, funk, and soul.
Since its debut in 1991, Jazz at Drew has brought the South Los Angeles community together through music while celebrating CDU’s influence in the region.
“Medicine plays an essential role in healing, but our well-being is also shaped by the experiences that bring us joy and connect us to one another,” said Dr. David Carlisle, CDU President and CEO. “Jazz at Drew is a reminder of the place music holds in our lives and in the health of our communities.”
“Jazz at Drew is about more than the music. It’s about bringing people together and celebrating the community that has been part of CDU’s story for 60 years,” said Angela Minniefield, Executive Vice President of Advancement and Operations and Chief Operating Officer. “Having this tradition return to campus as we mark our anniversary is a meaningful way to honor our roots while creating new memories with the community and raising funds to support our students.”
Radio personality Pat Prescott served as emcee, guiding the day’s festivities, while DJ Mr. Quick kept the energy going between performances.
Old School Funk and R&B band Biscuits & Gravy Live kicked off the celebration with a dynamic performance that set the tone for the rest of the day. Singer, songwriter, and keyboardist Jarrod Lawson followed, captivating the audience with his sophisticated blend of soul and jazz.
Jon B. brought a wave of ’90s R&B nostalgia to the CDU stage, performing songs that have remained favorites among fans for decades, along with newer material. The platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and producer is known for hits including “They Don’t Know,” “Someone to Love,” and “Are U Still Down.”
Avery*Sunshine brought a soulful, uplifting energy to the festival, delivering a performance that brought the crowd to church. The singer, songwriter, pianist, and producer is known for her No. 1 Billboard chart hit “Call My Name” and her GRAMMY®-winning album So Glad to Know You.
Grammy Award-winning conguero Poncho Sanchez’s ignited the crowd with his signature blend of straight-ahead jazz, gritty soul music, and infectious melodies and rhythms from a variety of Latin American and South American sources.
Headliner The Original Lakeside brought the evening to a high-energy close, getting attendees to their feet with hits including “Fantastic Voyage” and “All the Way Live.” The performance capped a day that celebrated both the enduring power of live music and the community connections that have made Jazz at Drew a South Los Angeles tradition.
Beyond the performances, attendees had the opportunity to enjoy food vendors and browse a marketplace sponsored by BeOne Medicines featuring local businesses and artists, adding to the festival’s community-centered atmosphere.
As CDU celebrates 60 years since its founding in the wake of the 1965 Watts uprising, Jazz at Drew continues to bring the community together through music while supporting the next generation of health professionals. Proceeds from the event support CDU student scholarships, support services, and pipeline programs that offer pathways into healthcare careers.
The event was made possible through the generous support of many organizations and individuals including L.A. Care Health Plan, The Weingarten Family, St. John’s Community Health, BeOne Medicines, CA Black Women’s Collective, Dignity Health, AltaMed, Western Alliance Bank, Turner Construction, USI, Health Net, Amgen, Cedars Sinai, MedPOINT Management, Health Care LA, Kaiser Permanente, MLK Community Health Foundation, RFP Insurance Agency, Liberty Hill Foundation, Infinite Circulation, Pfizer, Metro, Truxton’s American Bistro, City Fare Catering, and Apple Spice.