Etta James and Johnny Otis tribute cocnert in LA July 28

Donto James, the son of the late legendary Jazz and Blues singer Etta James, will appear for the first time as a Vocal Soloist with The Sons of Etta Band in a Tribute To Etta James and Johnny Otis at The 17th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival, presented by the office of Councilmember Jan Perry, the City of Los Angeles and Coalition for Responsible Community Development.

The schedule of performers for July 28th includes: LAUSD Beyond The Bell All-City Jazz Big Band (11:40 a.m.); Diana Holling Band (1:05 p.m.); Sons of Etta Band in a Tribute to Etta James and Johnny Otis featuring Donto James, Thelma Jones and Jimmy Z (2:25 p.m.); The New Jump Blues featuring Antonio Fargas and Danielle Withers (3:50 p.m.) and Gerald Wilson Orchestra (5:20 p.m.)

The schedule of performers for July 29th includes: Jazz America (11:45 a.m.); Ernie Andrews (1:10 p.m.); Phil Ranelin (2:30 p.m.); The Ray Goren Band (3:50 p.m.) and Poncho Sanchez (5:20 p.m.)

Event Sponsors include: Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, Thomas Safran and Associates, AEG, Comcast, Chase Bank, Los Angeles Conservation Corporation, K-JAZZ Radio, USC, AGMD, Numero Uno, Paramount Pictures, Coca-Cola, the City of Los Angeles, Dolphin Party Rentals and California Community Foundation.

WHAT: The 17th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival, a two-day event which plays tribute to the rich culture and heritage of the “Avenue,” as it was known during its heyday from the 1920s to the 1940s. In addition to some world-class Jazz, Latin Jazz and Blues, the Festival offers attendees an opportunity to browse arts and craft stalls, sample a variety of food from local vendors and engage I a variety of children’s activities.

At the turn of the 20th Century, a distinct African-American community grew within the first thirty blocks of Central Avenue. The corridor between downtown and Watts became an eclectic mix of the elegant homes, apartments and the businesses and professional offices of the black middle class. From the 1920s to the 1950s, the “Avenue” achieved national recognition as a jazz hot spot – a thriving cultural hub of intellectual thought, art and music that has been dubbed Los Angeles’s version of the Harlem Renaissance.

WHERE: Central Avenue and 42nd Street in Los Angeles, CA across from the historic Dunbar Hotel.

WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

HOW: The Festival is FREE. Food and beverages will be sold. For further information, please call the Festival at 213-473-7009, or visit online at www.centralavejazz.com.