If you went to see Amy Winehouse’s documentary this summer and like me, you felt nostalgic about her emotional music for weeks. Here’s some good news to all my jazz lovers, you can experience the soul of jazz at the LACMA every Friday.
Concerts are held outdoors at the BP Grand Entrance, it is free and you don’t need reservations. You can bring your blanket, gourmet food and drinks while enjoying live music at LACMA.
Jazz at LACMA is currently featuring the art of Jazz by Southern California artists. On Friday, the wonderful artist “Sweet Baby Jai” was the special guest for a night of soul. Sweet baby J’ai knows how to owe the stage with her energetic vocals and presence on stage. Her music is a mix of R&B and jazz, some calls her the“ blues” singer. J’ai which means I have in French grew up in Kansas City and now lives in Los Angeles.
Closing another hot day in Los Angeles on Friday evening people were gathering with their friends to enjoy live music. Jake, 28 years old, from New York was here on a business trip, “I don’t mind the weather I am used to the humidity back on the East Coast. It is beautiful to hear great music at a museum outside,” said Jake. His girlfriend Angela also enjoyed the night, “it was great and so peaceful, I wish it lasted longer”.
Ashley, 35 years old, has been a fan of jazz for a long time. “I love it here, because people usually are so nice and love to dance,” she said. Her friend Anita added, “The food truck out front makes it even more worth it.”
As the sunset went down and the traffic slowed down, LACMA were full of people grooving their dance’s move by the stage, or on the grass drinking wine and enjoying company with friend. The peaceful and warm atmosphere makes the event successful for different type of people of all ages. Don’t be surprised if you see that the person who truly knows how to dance is triple your age, the spirit of the elder enjoying the sound of music was so refreshing.
Sweet Baby J’ai did not disappoint the spectators at LACMA, by the end of the night most people were dancing or standing to applaud the artist. Robert came with his wife to enjoy the warm night out. “It is definitely the perfect spot to be on a date,” said Robert. His wife enjoyed the show as well, “My favorite song was Summer time, the artist brought her own soul into the song and she did it so well,” said Kelly.
“Summertime, and the living’ is easy
Fish are jumping’ and the cotton is high
Oh, your daddy’s rich and your ma is good-looking’
So hush little baby, Don’t you cry”
This Friday September 4th, LACMA will be showing the 7th annual L.A. Jazz Treasure Award, Kenny Burrell. The famous guitarist who is often called a “cool, controlled and romantic” artist is well known to play sensual, meditative and intimate jazz music. He is one of the most lyrical guitarists on the haze scene. You don’t want to miss him, see you this Friday at 6 p.m.
