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Jazz at Drew's music festival re-launches after 8 years

Written by
Brittany Martin
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Jazz fans will be excited to take in a day-long festival next month as Jazz at Drew returns after an eight-year hiatus. This year’s musical lineup includes Karen Briggs, Poncho Sanchez and his Latin Jazz Band, Rickey Minor, Terrace Martin, Paul Jackson Jr. and others.

Launched in 1991 as a small concert for just 150 students and guests, Jazz at Drew grew to a festival for 15,000 before concluding its initial run. During those years, the list of talent included such stars as Dionne Warwick, Max Roach and Sheila E.

The music festival takes place at an outdoor stage on Drew University’s campus. There are several types of tickets available for the festival, from casual lawn seating all the way up to VIP Cabanas including dinner and wine service for those who prefer their concert experiences to be as elegant as possible. Proceeds from the ticket sales support scholarship funds and student organizations at the school.

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science was founded after the 1965 Watts riots highlighted the inadequate medical facilities available in South L.A. at that time. The school was set up with a goal of training doctors and nurses to fill the gap, particularly students of color and from the local community. The school struggled in the mid-2000s due to funding problems, a severing of ties with the Martin Luther King Jr. Hospital and a brief probation during which the university’s accreditation was put under review. Since then, Drew has rebounded and the jazz concert will be part of celebrations around the institution's 50th anniversary. 

The Jazz at Drew music festival takes place October 1 from noon to 10pm at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, 1731 East 120th St. Ticket prices range from $50 to $200.  

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