Inaugural Dymally International Jazz and Arts Festival Goes Down and EUR was There (PHOTOS)

*The late Mervyn Dymally (May 12, 1926 – October 7, 2012) was honored with the Dymally International Jazz and Arts Festival that spread good cheer and positive vibes at the Dignity Health Sports Park, formally the StubHub Center on the campus of CSU Dominguez Hills, California this past April 27th.  

Being the first annual event, there was plenty of kinks in the smooth tuning of a jazz event, but the experienced producers from Rainbow Promotions, producers of the San Diego Jazz Festival and the long-running Long Beach Jazz Festival, put together a nice, calm outdoor event.

Similar to both the San Diego and the Long Beach Festivals, two stages performed in sequence.  The headliners rocking the big stage built above the CSU Dominguez Hills Tennis Courts, while a smaller stage presented the performers with a chance to utilize the smaller space to create a more intimate vibe.

Stage Two featured innovative performers Parlor Social, reggae/Ghanian Afro-roots artist Rocky Dawuni, poet B.A. Williams, poet and professor Bridgette Bianca, Brazilian dance company Samba Soul, and Afro-Cuban artists Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca.  

Although occasionally both stages rocked simultaneously, the sounds of the two performances did not drown each other out.  When in front of the main stage the second stage can’t be heard or seen. In front of the second stage, the music from the first stage was not a factor.

This audio engineering feat was lost to the attendees who focused on the music, as they transitioned from one space to the next.

Some differences between the other Rainbow Promotion events was the #DymallyArts pavilion where a gallery of great art stood inviting collectors to make a purchase.  Creating these areas that exist outside the music have added to the quality of Rainbow Promotions events that last 12 or more hours. Attendees have plenty to see, listen to and interact with as they move from one artist to the next.

A visual art gallery, curated by LA County Arts Commissioner Pamela Bright-Moon, included works either in an auction or for sale, from Allyson Allen, Kenny Gatewood, Patrick Henry Johnson, Michael Massenburg, Sam Pace, Sepia Artist Collective, Philip Risby, Nychole Owens, Dewey Tafoya, and Sandra Zebi.

Some complaints were that the attendees were not able to bring in large bags or outside food, a staple in typical the summer Jazz Festival experience.  Despite bags looked in and some returned to the vehicles, attendees provided positive feedback from the free parking provided at the venue. The food trucks including ‘My Father’s BBQ’ provided plenty of delicious munchies for the festival goers.

Hosted by comedian D. L. Hughley, whose comedy stylings covered everything from the weather to politics.  As the night went on, Hughley only increased in the delivery of his biting humor with each sip of his brown drink.

Headlining the show was KEM, singing his smooth rhythm and blues tracks.

Other performers of note were Maxi Priest, bringing out the Reggae vibes and sexual excitement.

Gerald Albright took listeners on a trip through time covering his hits from the past 30 years.  He showed that his signature sound had not faded away and he could still hold those long high notes.

Moonshine graced the stage to promote their third album.  Nestor Torres, and Lira also performed.

For more information about next year’s Dymally International Jazz & Arts Festival, go to  https://imaginemor4.wixsite.com/rainbow-promotions/shows/

About the Mervyn   M. Dymally African American Political & Economic Institute

The mission of the Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political & Economic Institute is to build community and institutional memory, through a digital archive, of the history and contributions of African American elected officials, business leaders, and community leaders who have influenced the progress of the State of California and the nation; to influence public policy debates through on-going academic and community research dealing with African American political and economic development concerns and impacts in California and elsewhere around the nation; to help develop the next generation of elected officials, civic, and policy leaders; and to engage the CSUDH community through cultural experiences that promote the Dymally influence in the African Diaspora. Learn more here: https://dymally-institute.csudh.edu.

About Rainbow Promotions

Rainbow Promotions, LLC is a company that specializes in event planning and promotion of special events such as festivals, seminars, concerts, fundraisers, corporate parties and various other events. The company is well-established in creating and orchestrating radio promotions and tie-ins with retail, assisting in acquiring sponsors, acting as a publicity liaison between the client and third parties, and as an interface between the advertising agency and its clients. For more information: https://rainbowpromotions.com.

Stay connected with Rainbow Promotions Instagram:  @therainbowpromotions

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