Families from Seattle’s historic Jackson Place neighborhood and the greater Central District area will gather in a day filled with free art, live music and community building. The occasion; the Jackson Street Jam in Lavizzo Park celebrating the Central District’s rich history of jazz, funk, soul, and hip hop; much of which took place in the music clubs that used to line Jackson Street. Many of the musicians are still alive and active in our community- this event is to pay homage to their contributions in a family-festive environment.
In 2011 a coalition of community groups and businesses led by the Jackson Place Community Council collaborated to produce The Jackson Street Music History Project; part public art installation, youth education, and historic preservation of the black music tradition and culture in the Central District. Local students were matched with local artists to create four installations celebrating jazz, funk, soul/gospel, and hip hop on a vacant lot on Jackson Street. A free opening celebration that June at Blanche Lavizzo Park brought together hundreds of CD residents to hear performances by some of the bands featured in the art installations. The event featured performances by bands from the Central District; Wheedle’s Groove, 206Zulu hip hop artists, and many other musicians. The Seattle Times published an article on the project and concert.
This success led to another public art program on Jackson Street in 2012 and yet another planned celebration of the cultural vitality of the Central District. A Department of Neighborhoods Matching Fund Grant is funding the Jackson Street Mural Program; a series of music themed murals are being painted on Jackson Street businesses previously targeted by graffiti taggers. Youth from the King County Juvenile Detention Center are working with professional muralists to complete the murals. On July 7th Blanche Lavizzo Park will once again be host to a huge community building event and music concert featuring a wide array of talent from the CD. The Office of Arts and Culture provided a smART grant and Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center is partnering with the JPCC to host the event. This is another opportunity for youth and new residents to learn of and experience the rich tradition of music in the Central District.
from 1-7 PM. The afternoon will feature performances from funk/soul artists from the Wheedle’s Groove collective, a hip hop showcase from 206 Zulu Nation, DJ Seabefore, jazz musician Lance Randall, and local hip artist Amos Miller. Lavizzo Park is located half a block southwest from E. Yesler Way and 22nd Ave S. This event is free and open to all ages.
Performance Schedule:
1:00 PM Zulu DJs spinning funk, soul, and hip hop
1:30 PM Lance Randall Jazz
2:30 PM Amos Miller
3:30 PM Wheedle’s Groove!
5:00 PM 206 Zulu Nation Hip Hop showcase
With support by The Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, Seattle Department of Neighborhoods, Pratt Fine Arts Center, 206 Zulu, Jackson Place Community Council, Jackson Street Corridor Association, Low Income Housing Institute, Field Roast Company.
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