Hundreds attend Playboy Concert Series at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza

Cover Photo- Patrice Rushen. Inside Photo- Ndugu Chancler. Both photos by Kim Webster.

By Kim Webster

LOS ANGELES CA – June is officially Black Music Month and what better way to start it off than a concert featuring Patrice Rushen, Ndugu Chancler, Paul Jackson Jr. and Reggie Hamilton. The smooth sounds of guitarist Paul Jackson Jr. set a mellow mood for the evening.

Patrice Rushen (Chair of Popular & Contemporary Music at USC) and Ndugu Chancler (Professor of Jazz at USC) gave a cool lecture on the beginnings of music styles as the crowd chanted “yeah, ah huh, that’s right.” Versatile percussionist Ndugu Chancler played drums, timbales, vibes, and the cowbell! What a treat to see him and Patrice play timbales together. When Patrice Rushen sang “Remind Me” you could hear the audience hum in delight and join her in the chorus. With Reggie Hamilton working the rhythm section on his bass everyone was groovin’ and dancin’ to Patrice Rushen’s “Forget Me Nots.” KJLH Radio’s Tammi Mac was Mistress of Ceremonies and youth musicians of the Harmony Project Jazz Ensemble opened for the event. Stay tuned for other concerts sponsored by the Playboy Jazz Festival Community Concert Series at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Just a tip, Alexander O’Neal and Cherelle will perform on June 30. For more info go to www.crenshawplaza.com and click on BHCP Live.

Patrice Rushen. Photo by Kim Webster.

Paul Jackson Jr. Photo by Kim Webster.

Reggie Hamilton. Photo by Kim Webster.