As the summer season continues to heat up, so does the anticipation for Long Beach's 14th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival. Set to take place at Houghton Park on August 2, this one-day event promises to bring a collection of jazz, soul, and R&B performances to citizens and visitors alike. According to an announcement from the City of Long Beach, Mayor Rex Richardson regards the festival as "a celebration of who we are as a community."
"Each year, neighbors from all walks of life come together to enjoy great music, share in local culture and strengthen the bonds that make Long Beach such a vibrant and united city," Mayor Richardson was quoted in the city's press release. The festival, running from 2 to 7 p.m., will also feature food and beverages for purchase, a dedicated Kids Zone, and a variety of vendor and community resource booths to explore. Arrested Development, the Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group, and local favorite Fausto Cuevas y La Moderna are among the high-energy performances expected to draw a crowd of well over 6,000 attendees.
Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie told the City of Long Beach, “The Uptown Jazz Festival is North Long Beach’s most anticipated events-a powerful celebration of community, culture, and music.” The festival lineup showcases acts like Raquel Rodriguez, whose soulful sounds and indie success have amassed over 25 million streams worldwide, and DW3, a Grammy-nominated band known for their high-energy shows that seamlessly blend R&B and jazz. Performances will kick off with Fausto Cuevas Y La Moderna, bringing a taste of Latin jazz to the stage from 2:00 p.m.
In between the live acts, DJ Mr. Quick is slated to keep festival-goers moving with his quick cuts and funky remixes. The event has been put together with support from various local officials and organizations, including Vice Mayor and Seventh District Councilman Roberto Uranga, Councilwoman Mary Zendejas, and others, as well as corporate sponsorships from the likes of Long Beach Airport and the Port of Long Beach. For those who still wish to back this cultural mainstay, sponsorship opportunities remain available.
It should be noted that the Uptown Jazz Festival is distinct from the Long Beach Jazz Festival, which recently announced a postponement of their annual gathering until the following year. For further details about the Uptown Jazz Festival, visitors are directed to the official event page, where a full roster of performers and event information is readily accessible.
