Jazz at LACMA Series Is Back for 2016 Season

Born in southern African-American communities in the late 19th century, jazz was a new wave, a craze that soon found its way up north and defined a generation. And for more than two decades, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art has been putting on their Jazz at LACMA series. To celebrate its 25th anniversary, they’re kicking off with one of the greats and delivering even more as the weeks go by.

The event series will kick off this jazz season with Les McCann and Friends at the end of April. McCann has recorded over 50 albums in his lengthy career but audiences can be assured that “Compared to What” will be played when they head out to see the legend and his companions take the stage. A week later the series heads into the modern times of jazz with GRAMMY-nominated Tierney Sutton and her special guest, Mark Summer. The weeks that follow have a couple of trios as well as a quartet: Eric Reed Quartet, Pat Senatore Trio and Tamir Hendelman Trio.

At the end of May, Janis Mann will be stopping by to delight with songs from her latest, “Celestial Anomaly,” as she winds down from recent coast to coast performances. Phil Ranelin & Tribe Renaissance will also be making an appearance. Having played alongside Stevie Wonder, Ranelin brings a lot of history to his performances every time he steps out to play. As do GRAMMY-winners Bob Mintzer and Russell Ferrante. The sax man and keyboardist have done wonders together in the Yellowjackets over the years, now fans can see them at LACMA. Of course, the series had to be capped with a legend, and they have got none other than Barbara Morrison. Having performed with everyone from Ray Charles to Etta James, this is a can’t miss event.

Fans of jazz may want to clear their schedules for the next few months for this series. Every Friday night, LACMA welcomes fans to come out and enjoy an evening of decadent jazz for free.

Jazz at LACMA kicks off April 22 and goes through June 24.