35th Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival & 40th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival ~ This Weekend

In celebration of the 55th anniversary of the Watts Towers Art Center, an all-star line-up of world class musicians, singers, and dancers will come together at the 35th Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and the 40th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival. Taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on both days, the two festivals are presented by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the Friends of Watts Towers Arts Center and are free for the entire family.

The festivals are complimented by two solo exhibitions, Carlos Spivey’s “The Power of Love,” and Sammy Davis’ “It’s All About the Bass” both on view through March 5, 2017; along with guided tours of the Watts Towers of Simon Rodia, supervised children's activities, and food along with arts and crafts for sale. visit wattstowers.org for more information..

35th Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival (Saturday, Sept 24) In celebration of the 55th anniversary of Watts Towers Arts Center, an all-star line-up of world class musicians, singers, and dancers will come together at the 35th Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival, which is free and open to the public. The festival is presented by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the Friends of Watts Towers Arts Center and takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 1727 East 107th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90002. Led by Masters of Ceremonies Ndugu Chancler and James Janisse, the event begins with a Yoruba ground blessing ceremony by Alaadun. Korean Classical Music and Dance Company will follow and afterwards guests can experience the rhythms of North African Moroccan music with Amazigh 6/8.

40th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival (Sunday, Sept 25)  In celebration of the 55th anniversary of Watts Towers Arts Center, an all-star line-up of world class musicians, singers, and dancers will come together for the 40th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival, which is free and open to the public.  The festival is presented by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and the Friends of Watts Towers Arts Center and takes place from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 1727 East 107th Street, Los Angeles, CA, 90002. Hosted by Masters of Ceremonies Kamau Daáood and James Janisse, the festival opens with the Yoruba ground blessing by Alaadun. Sherwood Sledge follows with his jazz trio offering a touch of gospel, blues, and jazz. Another highlight is The School of Healing Martial Arts’ Tai Chi Chuan demonstration before legendary jazz, blues, and R&B singer Eloise Laws takes the stage. Finally, to conclude this year’s festivals, the Jazz Mentorship Program All Stars will light up the stage with “straight ahead jazz” classics and originals you won’t want to miss!