*(Compton, CA) — The possible threat of rain didn’t put a damper on the large, multicultural, diverse crowd in attendance for the 2nd Annual Jazz on the Grass, on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Jazz on the Grass was presented by the Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Ain’t no party like a Delta party!
Jazz on the Grass took place on the beautiful campus of Compton Community College under the leadership of Dr. Keith Curry, CEO.
Jazz on the Grass was held on the inviting, relaxing Quad of the campus on a nice, pleasant overcast day. The phrase ‘chilling’ took on a whole new meaning on this day.
The 2nd Annual Jazz on the Grass had the appearance and feel of a reunion: high school, college/university and family reunion immediately come to mind. A generous amount of hugs were shared throughout the afternoon. The Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated is building on the success of last year’s inaugural Jazz on the Grass. The first annual Jazz on the Grass was held at Dominquez Rancho Adobe Museum featuring DW3, Mark Felton, Dee Dee Foster, and Kente Scott & Flymoon
I knew that I was in the right place at the right time as I was greeted by Soros from Compton Alumnae Chapter at the festival check in table.
Lynette Adams-Goodson, Compton Alumnae Chapter President greeted the crowd. Dr. Keith Curry, CEO, Compton Community College welcomed everyone to the festival and gave an overview of the campus, completed projects and further projects.
Music aficionados came from near and far, Compton & surrounding communities and the greater Los Angeles area. The joyous sounds of jazz permeated the air, and lured local residents to the campus who live within walking distance of the campus.
Aundrae Russell, host, radio personality, Radio Free 102.3FM, KJLH returned as Emcee. DJ Ron C provided and eclectic soundtrack all afternoon of old and new school R&B, soul and a tribute to the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop.
“Then David spoke to the Levites to appoint their brethren to the singers, accompanied by instruments of music, stringed instruments, harps and cymbals.” 1 Chronicles 15:16
Compton High School Marching Band made a grand entrance to the delight of all in attendance.
There was no looking back now. The show got underway with Fire Hazard, who performed a great set of original selections. This local, talented group of young musicians performed “Birds Theme,” by Kenneth Dixon, saxophonist. The next two selections were composed by keyboardist Alex Niles, “Deja New,” and “Within the Hiding Place.” They concluded their set with “Tell Me a Bedtime Story” from the Herbie Hancock songbook. The band consisted of Kenneth Dixon-saxophone, Josh Turner-bass, Alex Niles-keyboards, and Kevin Gondim-drums.
Joinstar Project took the atmosphere of the party up a notch with a set of old school R&B, Soul and Funk. The brought along the heat, opening with “Fire,” by The Ohio Players, followed by “Rock Steady” by the late great Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. They continued with “Sweet Thing” by Chaka Khan, followed by “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. They concluded their entertaining set with “Before I Let Go” by Frankie Beverly.
The Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated has a good thing going on when you have local dignitaries on site. Compton Mayor Emma Sharif, Councilman Jonathan Bowers (District 3), and Councilmember Lillie P. Darden (District 4) were on site to acknowledge and recognize the Compton Alumnae Chapter for the great things that they do for the community. Former Congresswoman Laura Richardson was also in attendance.
Mother Nature got in on the act with Libations from the sky that resulted in a thirty-minute pause for the cause.
DJ Ron C was in the mix and spot on during the break in live entertainment. The Quad became a huge dance floor for the grown folks, and party people to get their groove on. The grown folks, party people showed up and showed out despite the inclement weather.
Jazz on the Grass attracted other Sorority Sistahs to the festival, Zeta Phi Beta, AKA Alpha Keta Alpha, and some fraternity brothers- Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Phi Alpha, and Phi Beta Sigma to name a few.
There were various vendors at the festival for people who needed to get in their hourly session of retail therapy. Sorority Girl and All That and Sum-Greek Warehouse and Showroom to name a few. Food trucks and food and beverage booths satisfied and quenched a variety of palates.
As a photojournalist, I’ve known Sabrina Barnes for close to thirty years as an employee for the City of Inglewood. I was in a pleasant surprise when she graced the stage. Sabrina Barnes silky, smooth voice came through very clear as she entertained the captivated crowd with several jazz standards. Her set list featured the songs “Darling, You Send Me,” “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” “Beautiful Surprise,” and “Everything Must Change.” I’m looking forward to seeing Sabrina Barnes more on the local music scene in the near future. Yes, the Sista can SANG!
Back by popular demand, Mark Allen Felton, aka, Panther returned to perform a crowd pleasing set of contemporary smooth jazz to enjoy to our enjoyment of the festival. “All Blue” by Miles Davis and “Let It Flow” by Grover Washington Jr., were some of the highlights from his set. He revved up the crowd by holding a note for several minutes in a technique called circular breathing.
Mariea Antoinette graced the stage and enhanced the festival with the beautiful melodious sounds of the harp. Her set provided a dazzling display of selections combining contemporary smooth jazz with classical music, which had the crowd grooving throughout her set.
Sensational saxophonist Mike Phillips’ headlining performance was superb. All of the day’s performances contributed to the success of the 2nd Annual Jazz on the Grass presented by Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
The 2nd Annual Jazz on the Grass presented an unforgettable day of soulful jazz melodies and a vibrant atmosphere. The collective of musical talent, good eats, and community engagement undoubtedly resulted in a vibe!
Proceeds from Jazz on the Grass will benefit scholarship fund(s), youth programs, and community projects.
Compton Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., charted on March 6, 1989, has been a driving force in Los Angeles County for over thirty years. The chapter continues to honor the legacy of our illustrious sorority and strives to reinforce long-standing strength and eminence within the Compton community. Compton Alumnae Chapter is “Great Out of Compton” always pushing for “Higher Ground” as we continue putting “Sisterhood First!
The Compton Community College District (CCCD) was established in 1927 as a component of the Compton Union High School. In 1950, voters approved a bond issue separating the college from the high school district. Construction on the new college campus was completed on the present site. Classes began on the campus in the fall of 1956.
The Compton Community College District encompasses an area of about 29 square miles, making educational services available to nearly 30,000 residents of Compton, Lynwood, Paramount, and Willowbrook, as well as portions of Athens, Bellflower, Carson, Downey, Dominquez, Lakewood, Long Beach and South Gate. Today, about 290 full-time and part-time faculty teach 42 degree programs and 41 certificate programs.
Ricky Richardson is a Southern California-based writer, music reviewer, and photographer. Contact him via: liltampared@netzero.net
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