Final Celebration of the Charles Mingus - Son of Watts

                                          

The booklet “Tales from the Kids” showcases the talent of local youth who participated in the Young Voices from Watts program facilitated by David G. Brown.   

 

 

Participants in the Young Voices from Watts, a program of the Watts Towers Arts Center and the Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center, led by artist-in-residence and NAACP Award recipient, David G. Brown will be honored on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.

This multidisciplinary, 8-week program encourages the artistic and literary skills of South Central youth by teaching them to express themselves through art. As Brown says, "Being an artist is all about conveying who you are through the art you create. The Young Voices from Watts program provides these young people with a vehicle for mentorship and self expression, as well as advancing their artistic and social skills." Their work, a booklet, "Tales from the Kids" will be distributed to numerous facilities, bringing the young voices into the Los Angeles community.

WTAC/CMYAC Director, Rosie Lee Hooks says, "David Brown has been a mentor at the Watts Towers Arts Center for more than 15 years. He exemplifies our motto - 'If I stick to it, I can do it!'

A highlight of the event presented by the Department of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles and the Friends of the Watts Towers Arts Center Jazz Mentorship Program is the World Premier of "A Tribute to Charles Mingus: Past, Present & Future, 27th Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival, 32nd Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival, Grand Opening of the Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center, Charles Mingus - Son of Watts - Musical Caravan Project." The film by Rosie Lee Hooks and Paul S. Rogers features an all-star line-up of world-class musicians, singers, dancers and artists. Interviews and performance excerpts from many notable musicians, include world renowned Patrice Rushen, the luminous Nedra Wheeler, the extraordinary Ndugu Chancler and jazz great, Buddy Collette who discusses his life-long friendship with the legendary Charles Mingus!

The screening will be followed by a live performance of Nedra Wheeler's Bass Choir playing 'Mingus, Mingus, Mingus'. The event will be held Sunday, June 21, 1:30 p.m. at the Watts Towers Arts Center and Charles Mingus Youth Arts Center, 1727 East 107th Street, Los Angeles. For more information call (213) 847-4646. Admission is free.

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