Long Beach’s 13th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival to Take Place August 3 at Houghton Park

• Extra Large
• Large
• Normal
• Small

PRESS RELEASE

Above: Concert goers enjoy an afternoon of music, dancing and community at the
12th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival, held Aug. 19, 2023.

Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach and the Office of Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie present the 13th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival, taking place on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Houghton Park (6301 Myrtle Ave., Long Beach, 90805). The afternoon event will feature a lineup of incredible music and entertainment, a food and beer garden, a Kids Zone, and a variety of vendor and community resource booths.

"Uptown Jazz Festival, a beloved summer event for our North Long Beach tradition, is back with its incredible lineup of music and entertainment," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "Now in its thirteenth year, festival goers can look forward to an afternoon filled with soulful melodies, delicious food and drinks, family-friendly activities, and more."

"The 13th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival is more than a showcase of incredible music and entertainment; it's a celebration of our vibrant and diverse community," said Ninth District Councilmember Dr. Joni Ricks-Oddie. "As we come together for this special event, I am thrilled to host for my second year and look forward to seeing many new and familiar faces. This year's fantastic lineup continues to highlight amazing talent, with something for everyone! Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience-I can't wait to celebrate with you."

The afternoon event will include performances by:

Ryck Jane, 2 to 2:45 p.m.
Ryck Janeis an is an American Hip-Hop Artist from Los Angeles who is unlike the rest; she is a trumpet player - currently serving as the official trumpet player for the Los Angeles Chargers - a rapper, producer and singer. She combines soulful vibes and hard-core beats to convey a unique sound, and uses music to empower women, celebrate Black culture and be an impact in the community. Her musical journey has led her to perform with multiple artists including Beyonce, H.E.R, John Legend, Oprah and many others and she has become a house-hold name as a female who plays the trumpet and rocks the mic. She recently released her debut EP "Jane Got A Gun" that is her biggest release thus far, and her latest single "No Problems" gained much recognition from the music industry as a breath of fresh air.

Katalyst, 3 to 3:45 p.m.
Katalyst is a nine-piece ensemble from Inglewood who showcase an eclectic mix of experimental contemporary jazz. In 2020, at the height of the pandemic, they released their critically acclaimed debut album, "Nine Lives," a free-spirited instrumental jazz album that encapsulates the pulse of Los Angeles. After releasing their critically acclaimed compilation album the "Jazz Is Dead Collective" in 2022, they toured the U.S. and performed at jazz festivals in New York City and Rhode Island, and has spread their sound across various industries, having composed original music for films, performed live on television series, and provided the sounds for many branded events.

Angelo Pagan y La Candela, 4 to 5 p.m.
Angelo Pagán (singer) and Oskar Cartaya (musical director) are a musical delight who have played and recorded with many musical greats like Tito Puente, Celia Cruz, Mongo Santa Maria, Rubén Blades, Jennifer López and Wilie Colón. In addition to their six-year residency at the Sofitel Hotel in Beverly Hills, Angelo y La Candela recently performed alongside the great Gilberto Santa Rosa and Jerry Rivera during last month's closing events at The Conga Room, an iconic Los Angeles Latin club. The band also performed at singer and songwriter Marc Anthony's wedding in 2023 and at fashion design and business conglomerate Paul Marciano Family's gala in Barcelona, Spain.

BJ The Chicago Kid (5:30 to 7 p.m.) is a Grammy-nominated R&B soul singer and songwriter. He first touched the hearts of music lovers in 2012 with his debut independent album "Pineapple Now-Laters" and in 2016 released his first major label debut album "In My Mind" that earned him three Grammy nominations. His most recent project "Gravy" includes the premiere single and smooth pop-soul fusion track "Forgot Your Name," featuring Cory Henry and producer Yeti Beats. Across his career, BJ's soul-stirring talent has garnered everything from cosigns and collaborations with Kanye West, Chance The Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, Solange and Eric Bellinger.

In addition to the above lineup, DJ Mr. Quick, a Professional Disc Jockey performer and native of Los Angeles, will delight festival goers with intermittent set times throughout the day. His quick cuts, funky remixes and intimate knowledge of hit music from today's charts and old school classics keep audiences dancing all day long.

More information about this year's Uptown Jazz Festival is available at longbeach.gov/uptownjazzfest.

The 13th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival is presented in partnership with the Offices of Vice Mayor Cindy Allen, Councilmembers Mary Zendejas, Kristina Duggan, Megan Kerr, Suely Saro, Roberto Uranga and Al Austin, as well as the current list of sponsors including: Port of Long Beach, Long Beach Airport, Long Beach City College, EKA Government Advocacy, Molina Healthcare of California, LAZ Parking, Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau, Water Replenishment District, Long Beach Fire Fighters Local 372, Signal Hill Petroleum, Long Beach Police Officer Association, IBEW Local 47, SEIU Local 721, SEIU Local 2015, Westland / Amusement Industry, LiUNA, Richard Spurling, California Faculty Association, and California Resource Center.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

For more news, pictures, videos and announcements of what's happening in Long Beach, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.