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Jazz at Drew made its highly anticipated return on Saturday, September 21, to an audience of approximately 1,000 people ready to experience the revival of one of Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science’s (CDU) signature events. Produced and hosted by CDU, the community festival underscored the transcendent power of music, while celebrating cultural diversity and promoting the University as a community founded institution.

Since its debut in 1991, Jazz at Drew has made a significant imprint on the cultural calendar of South Los Angeles. This 23rd edition of the event was the first one since 2019 when the festival paused for the COVID-10 pandemic.  Jazz at Drew immediately returned to form this year with headliner Morris Day and The Time and a stellar lineup of performances from Grammy-winning guitarist Norman Brown, Grammy-nominated vocal group DW3, The Lao Tizer Band featuring Grammy-winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal, powerful vocalist Erin Stevenson, and talented local artist J.Anthny. Radio personalities Adai Lamar of KJLH 102.3 FM and Greg Mack of KTWV 94.7 FM served as festival emcees, wading into the crowd at times for impromptu audience interviews. 

Jackie Brown, Director, University Events commented, “I have had the wonderful privilege of being involved with Jazz at Drew since 1994. The event was created to unite alumni and the South Los Angeles community while demonstrating the University’s mission. Over the years, the concert has attracted many musicians and attendees worldwide. Since our last concert in 2019, artists and attendees have asked about its return, and we were excited to respond! To quote Roland Betts, the founder of Jazz at Drew, “The concert is a bridge between academic learning and clinical practice by demonstrating the healing power through the art of music.” This sets CDU apart from traditional educational institutions. This is what makes us different from other concerts.”

Music fans and CDU supporters from across South Los Angeles and greater Los Angeles brought big energy to a CDU campus that was transformed into an outdoor music venue with cabanas, lawn seating, and general admission areas.  A food truck court included Eagle Rock BBQ, Nay’s Tacos, Special Flavours, and Mr. Popcorn plus attendees were allowed to bring in their own food for the day-long event that ran from noon until after sundown at 8:30pm

Elected representatives including Senator Steven Bradford, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, and Compton Mayor Emma Sharif were also present to enjoy the festivities. One of the vendors who served catfish dishes as a vendor at the Jazz at Drew debut in 1991 was also present as a guest, proudly wearing his original Jazz at Drew concert jacket. 

J.Anthny took to the stage as the opening act, singing original selections like “Up Now” and “Bounce Back” which energized the crowd and set a dynamic tone for the rest of the show. The talented local artist works as a staff member in the CDU Information Technology Department.

DW3, known for their exhilarating blend of smooth ballads and high-energy funk and dance jams, was up next and performed their original hits including “Let’s Have Fun Tonight” along with their renditions of “September,” “I Can’t Believe It,” and “No Diggity.”  This was the band’s third appearance at Jazz at Drew in the past decade.

“We haven’t been here since 2019, so it was great to see familiar faces and just be here,” said Damon Reel of DW3. “I grew up in this neighborhood so it’s always awesome to be somewhere where I started. We couldn’t be more glad to be here.”

In between each set, DJ Mr. Quick brought the festival to life with his vibrant fusion of jazz and dance rhythms that kept the audience dancing well into the night. DJ Mr. Quick also blended a celebratory set in honor of legendary entertainer, Frankie Beverly. The energy was euphoric as audience members waved white handkerchiefs and paraded around the festival grounds in tribute to the icon.

Vocal powerhouse Erin Stevenson commanded the stage with her performances, including show stoppers like “I Need Your Lovin’” and “Save Your Love for Me.” She concluded her set with her rendition of “Happy Feelings” and “Before I Let Go” in tribute to Frankie Beverly.

The Lao Tizer Band featuring legendary saxophonist Eric Marienthal enchanted audience goers with selections from their new album “Songs from the Swinghouse” alongside earlier hits. Their blend of jazz with a broad spectrum of influences provided a performance that resonated with both jazz aficionados and casual listeners alike.

Grammy award-winning guitarist Norman Brown was next to hit the stage with his soul-stirring performance of “That’s the Way Love Goes,” “After the Storm,” and “Man in the Mirror,” to name a few. The energy was undeniable as the crowd swayed, grooved, and lost themselves in the music as the sun set on the CDU Campus and the lights came up.

Morris Day and The Time, arguably the greatest party band in history, closed the show with their infectious music and captivating dance moves.  They brought the crowd to their feet with an electrifying performance of their hits like “777-9311,” “The Oak Tree,” and “Jungle Love.”

Net proceeds from Jazz at Drew are supporting scholarships, student support services, and pipeline programs at CDU, which offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, doctorate, and certificate programs across a range of health and medical professions. CDU is one of the most diverse universities in the nation in terms of both student and faculty diversity. The university is one of only four Historically Black Medical Colleges in the nation, the only federally-designated Historically Black learning institution west of Texas, and a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.. 

The event was made possible through the generous support of many organizations and individuals including Common Spirit, L.A. Care Health Plan, 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.  

As the event closed another successful year, Senior Vice President and COO, Angela Minniefield commented: “Jazz at Drew is CDU’s way to engage the community–one that we love, honor and pay homage to for founding CDU”. 

Jazz at Drew is scheduled to return to the CDU campus on Saturday, September 20, 2025. Visit cdrew.edu/jazz-at-drew for event updates.