An eclectic mix of Jazz, R&B, Blues and Gospel music will once again fill the air of South Los Angeles as Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles plays host to one of Southern California’s most popular music and charity events during its two day jazz festival, highlighting the healing art of music and medicine.

Presented by Charles R. Drew University and Honda, the 17th Annual “Jazz At Drew” Legacy Music Series and Cultural Marketplace continues its tradition of “Building Cultural Bridges,” as the largest event the university undertakes, in an effort to raise funds for research, scholarships, endowments and facility expansion. Funds raised by this event assist the university in ensuring that the best education possible will be provided to health professionals who are committed to serving disadvantaged and medically underserved populations in this community and around the world.

The festival, which is held on the University campus located in the Watts-Willowbrook area of Los Angeles, has become a nationally respected music venue since its inception in 1991 and has now evolved into a stage for some of the world’s finest artists who perform annually, demonstrating their commitment to the only Historically Black medical school west of the Mississippi and one of just four in the United States

Proceeds from the annual jazz event have historically benefited student scholarships and youth education pipeline programs such as the Saturday Science Academy II. Created in 1990, this weekend education program does more than nurture a child’s interest in science and math. It provides children in grades K-12 with a window to the wonders of the world around them, while exploring complex subject and academic exercises tailored to their age.

Returning for the second time to the festival will be Malcolm-Jamal Warner and his band Miles Long. However, this time Warner has agreed to double his contribution to the University as both performer and spokesperson for the University’s Saturday Science Academy. Best known for his role as “Theo” on the long running television series The Cosby Show, Malcolm-Jamal Warner has begun to establish himself in the music world with his jazz/funk spoken word band. Warner now adds to his busy schedule the title of “Spokesperson” as he has volunteered his services to promote the positive impact the University’s Saturday Science Academy has made in the lives of its students, families and the community.

Published in : Entertainment, Music