LA Funk & Soul Summit

LA FUNK & SOUL SUMMIT CELEBRATES THE LEGACY OF LOCKING WITH STREET DANCE LEGENDS AND AN ALL-FUNK COMMUNITY DANCE PARTY
Leimert Park Plaza to Host a Free Intergenerational Celebration of Los Angeles Street Dance and Music Culture

LOS ANGELES, CA — On Saturday, June 27, Leimert Park Plaza, the historic center of the Black Arts District of South Los Angeles, will come alive with the sounds of classic funk and the movement traditions that helped shape global street dance culture during LA Funk & Soul Summit, a free outdoor community event presented by No Easy Props and hosted by founder Asia One with support from the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

The event begins with a special focus on Locking, widely recognized as the first street dance to emerge from Los Angeles. Attendees will have the rare opportunity to learn directly from legendary pioneers and cultural icons through a series of 40-minute social dance workshops designed for dancers of all ages and experience levels.
Featured instructors include Damita Jo Freeman of Soul Train, Anthony Thomas of Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation Tour and the LA City Lockers, Richie Rich of Dance Connection, Mr. Kleen of the M.D.’s, and Locking Jerry, also known as Flomaster, protégé of Greg Campbellock and representative of the Lockers legacy.
Throughout the afternoon, each artist will share personal stories, historical insights, signature movements, and cultural knowledge from their respective eras, offering a unique intergenerational experience that preserves and celebrates an original Los Angeles art form. Special performance by the Boom Chaka Lockers.
Following the workshops, the plaza will transform into a high-energy outdoor street dance party featuring an all-funk music format curated by the renowned Funk Freaks DJ collective. Dancers, lockers, poppers, B-Boys, B-Girls, families, community members, and visitors from across Southern California are invited to dance, connect, and celebrate together.

In addition to music and dance, the event will feature local vendors representing street dance culture, lifestyle brands, and community organizations. A special guest hospitality area will welcome cultural leaders, elected officials, arts advocates, and distinguished members of the Los Angeles creative community.

LA Funk & Soul Summit is about honoring the people who created the culture, sharing their knowledge with the next generation, and bringing the community together through music, dance, and joy,” said Asia One, founder of No Easy Props.
The event is free, all ages, family friendly and open to the public.

Learn more here.