Immerse yourself in jazz melodies and world rhythms at the annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival on September 30, and Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival on October 1, 2023. These all-day events are free to attend. Enjoy a weekend featuring over a dozen performances in dance, music, and percussion, exhibitions, children’s activities, local cuisine, and good times, all taking place against the backdrop of the world-renowned Watts Towers by Simon Rodia, now celebrating its 102 anniversary. For more information visit wattstowers.org.
41st Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival
Saturday, September 30, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Xochipilli
Aztec traditional dancing with Huehuetl and Teponaxtle drums
Korean Classical Music and Dance Company
Traditional Korean drum and dance
SHINE Mawusi
An alliance of women practicing, nurturing, and empowering our community
Garifuna Cultural Group
Garifuna world cultural experience
Gimme A Beat
Just rhythms and rhymes featuring Tony Austin (drums), Mic Holden (percussion and MC), Kahlil Cummings (percussions), Brian Collier (drums)
Magatte Fall featuring LaVoix
A drum and dance group representing Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Guinea, and Gambia. The Manding Empire, one big family even after the colonizers separated us
46th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival
Sunday, October 1, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Alaadun
Yoruba ground blessing uniting all cultures based on common themes and principles
Melvin Lee Davis and Friends featuring Derek Bordeaux, Kevin Flournoy, and Jeffery B. Suttles
Gospel Jazz
Food4Thought, Queen Socks, and Love
Spoken Word
Ray Bailey and Friends
Traditional blues
Dee Dee McNeil
Spoken word
The World Stage Big Band
Continuing the legacy of all the great master musicians, composers, and arrangers in black music, that can be loved, enjoyed, and appreciated by all cultures.
Kamau Daáood
Spoken word
JMP Allstars featuring Patrice Rushen, Munyungo Jackson, Bobby Rodriguez, and Reggie Hamilton
Straight-ahead jazz
