Sheila E. Headlined 31st Central Avenue Jazz Festival
The annual Los Angeles event celebrated jazz history through diverse performances and community-focused music sets.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Jazz
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The 31st Central Avenue Jazz Festival brought together established artists and local talent in Los Angeles on September 19. Headliner Sheila E. led a day of performances that honored the historic legacy of the area's jazz scene.
Why it matters
The festival plays a vital role in preserving the rich history of jazz in Los Angeles while fostering the next generation of musical talent. By providing a stage for youth bands and established performers, the event ensures the continued growth of local musicianship.
The festival celebrated its 31st annual iteration this year. Councilman Curren Price has provided consistent support for the event for 13 years.
The players
Sheila E.
Sheila E. is a renowned percussionist and singer who served as the headline performer for this year's festival.
Curren Price
Curren Price is a Los Angeles Councilman who has actively supported the Central Avenue Jazz Festival for the past 13 years.
Jason Marsalis
Jason Marsalis is a jazz musician who performed at the festival and is currently preparing to record jazz renditions of Brian Wilson songs.
Tatiana Tate
Tatiana Tate is an emerging local musician who performed at the festival and plans to record her own original music.
World Stage Big Band
The World Stage Big Band is a musical ensemble associated with the Leimert Park community that performed at the festival.
The details
Performances took place near the historic Dunbar Hotel, with acts including the World Stage Big Band, Tatiana Tate, and Jason Marsalis. Musicians brought a traditional New Orleans second line atmosphere to the festival grounds, complemented by sets from youth bands directed by community instructors.
Timeline
The 31st Central Avenue Jazz Festival took place on September 19, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The festival honors the historical jazz residency at the Dunbar Hotel by maintaining the neighborhood's tradition of live performance. This event serves as a critical cultural bridge, linking the legendary past of Central Avenue with the current generation of emerging local jazz artists.
The festival provided the public with an opportunity to engage with high-profile performers and local youth bands in an open, community-based setting. Fans can continue to track the upcoming recording projects of featured artists like Jason Marsalis and Tatiana Tate.
The takeaway
Events like the Central Avenue Jazz Festival are essential for sustaining urban musical heritage and providing platforms for local youth. Supporting these festivals helps ensure that the cultural history of neighborhoods like Central Avenue remains an active part of the community.
Further reading
Explore more about the local scene at Los Angeles Jazz.
More information
For event updates and historical context, visit the official central avenue jazz festival website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Angeles Sentinel.
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