Los Angeles is a city with rhythm, history, and a deep love for the arts, and there’s no better place where all three come together than at the iconic Watts Towers. This year, mark your calendars for September 28 & 29, 2024, as the community gathers for not just one, but two legendary festivals: the 42nd Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and the 47th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival. These festivals are free, family-friendly events that highlight the rich musical heritage of the region, bringing together musicians, artists, and culture enthusiasts from all walks of life.
One of the key figures behind this incredible weekend of music and culture is Torrence Brannon-Reese, a renowned community organizer, artist, and activist. Torrence’s dedication to uplifting the spirit of Watts, through music and arts, has made him an integral part of the festival. Alongside James Janisse, Torrence will host this year’s festivals, ensuring that the energy, passion, and unity of the community shine through in every performance.
Event Details:
- Dates: September 28 & 29, 2024
- Location: Watts Towers Arts Center, Los Angeles
- Cost: Free for all, family-friendly event
- Hosted by: Torrence Brannon-Reese & James Janisse
A Legacy of Music: Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival
Drumming is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of musical expression. It’s a heartbeat, a pulse that resonates with everyone who hears it. The Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival celebrates the power of percussion, not just as an instrument but as a storyteller and a symbol of resistance, joy, and heritage.
Featuring performances from a wide range of drumming ensembles such as the Afro-Peruvian Experience, Ron Powell’s “Igaba”, and the Jaz Drum Summit, this day will be a sonic journey through different cultures and traditions. Expect powerful beats, hypnotic rhythms, and a community coming together under the shared language of music.
Jazz in the Heart of Watts: Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival
The Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival continues the musical celebration with a day dedicated to one of America’s most iconic music forms: jazz. Jazz, with its roots in the African-American experience, has always been about innovation, improvisation, and emotion. And in Watts, a community that knows the struggles and triumphs of history, jazz has found a perfect home.
Artists like Jasmine Tommaso, Kirk Wilson, Nedra Wheeler, and the iconic Medusa Tha Gangsta Goddess will grace the stage, bringing their unique sounds to life. The festival will not only showcase classic jazz but also its fusion with other genres, creating a blend that’s both timeless and forward-looking.
Torrence Brannon-Reese: A Pillar of the Community
For those unfamiliar with Torrence Brannon-Reese, his work speaks volumes. As a longtime advocate for the community of Watts and greater Los Angeles, Torrence has been at the forefront of using art and culture as tools for empowerment. Through his leadership with organizations like Fa-Mli Inc., he has consistently fought for the betterment of disenfranchised communities, ensuring that the arts remain accessible to all.
Torrence’s involvement in the Watts Towers festivals is more than just about organizing—it’s about fostering a sense of pride and unity within the community. His vision, alongside the festival’s, is to remind people that Watts is not just a place with a storied past, but one with a vibrant, dynamic present, filled with creativity and resilience.
A Weekend Not to Miss
Whether you’re a jazz aficionado, a lover of rhythm, or simply someone looking to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Watts, these festivals are for you. The 42nd Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and 47th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival are set to be unforgettable, bringing together some of the finest talent in the music world and offering a free, welcoming space for families and individuals alike.
Join Torrence Brannon-Reese, James Janisse, and a lineup of incredible performers for a weekend that celebrates the legacy of Watts, the power of music, and the beauty of community. This is more than just a festival; it’s a gathering of hearts and voices, drumming in unison to the beat of a brighter future.
