Benefit concert set for jazz musicians impacted by fires

By Darlene Donloe

Contributing Writer

LEIMERT PARK — When LeRoy Downs, the well-known veteran “Just Jazz” radio show host on KCRW, got the call to host the upcoming Jazz for Relief LA benefit concert for jazz musicians affected by the local wildfires, he didn’t hesitate to say yes.

“I told them, ‘I’m there, say no more,’” Downs said. “There was nothing to think about. Those of us who feel for the community must do our part. I don’t know what it will take for people to take those extra steps and help, but I hope they do. 

“I want everyone to reach inside themselves and know that a connection helps. Give someone a word or a hug. That’s humanity.”

The concert, set for 7 p.m. Jan. 27, at The World Stage, 4321 Degnan Blvd., will feature several jazz artists eager to help their fellow musicians. Tickets are $40.

The concert lineup includes Dwight Trible, Eric Scott Reed, the Herbie Hancock Institute-UCLA Jazz Ensemble, Ralph Moore, Scott Mayo, Michael Mayo, Teodross Avery, Danny Janklow, Dara Starr Tucker, Mike Gurrola, the LA Jazz Quartet, Theo Saunders, Alexis Lombre and more.

All proceeds will go to the jazz musicians, who, like other entertainment professionals in Southern California, have had their lives turned upside down by what Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley called “the most destructive natural disaster in the history of Los Angeles.”

“This was the idea of legendary pianist and composer Eric Reed,” said Dwight Trible, The World Stage executive director. “He organized this whole thing. He is one of our master class coordinators here on Saturdays. When he came to me with the idea, I said, ‘Yes.’ This is what we are all about. It’s about giving back to our community.”

Trible said he can’t imagine what people who lost everything are going through.

Trible, a legendary jazz singer, felt a sense of responsibility for having the event at The World Stage.

“I know so many musicians who lost everything,” he said. “Every one of those jazz artists who lost their property has been one of our artists who has played on the World Stage. It’s our duty to help them. This is unimaginable. It feels like all of Los Angeles needs to come together. It could have been one of us. The last thing on your mind — is that, at any minute — everything you own is gone.

“This is enough to drive anybody to give up. But we can’t. We won’t. We want people to know we are here for you.”

The wildfires began the morning of Jan. 7 when the Palisades Fire erupted. The blaze, supported by dry brush and high winds, spread quickly. At least 28 people have died, and thousands of homes and businesses have been destroyed.

The concert hits home for Downs, who, like tens of thousands of Pacific Palisades, Altadena, Eaton Canyon and Pasadena residents, was forced to evacuate only to return and find the place he called home had burned to the ground.

“I know so many people who lost their homes,” said Downs, who lived in the Palisades. “I understand what it means to be affected. I was in a house that wasn’t mine, but it burned to the ground. I was able to pull some things out. I didn’t get everything because I thought I’d return in a few days. I never expected this to happen. To know I only lost a little and given 15 minutes to get out of a house is unfathomable.”

 While evacuating, Downs said he felt like he was “going through the motions.”

“In my head, I was thinking, ‘Let’s go and be safe,’” Downs said. “But my thoughts were that I’d be back. While driving and evacuating, there was a fire on the hill. There was nothing right by the house I lived in. It all happened so fast.”

Once the evacuation was lifted, Downs returned home.

“I’ve seen the devastation first hand,” he said. “It’s like a bomb went off. I had two cars. I left one in the Palisades. I walked five miles to get it. I knew it was OK because I saw footage on a video. Walking through the Palisades, it became so real. This whole thing has been like a movie.”

Downs hopes many people support the Jazz for Relief LA effort.

“This is the time for all of us to rally around each other,” he said. “I hope the people affected can come. We need to surround them with love and let them know we care and love them. These people need to be hugged, and they need to know that we are thinking about them.”

Although he’s dealing with his loss, Downs, who refuses to put the spotlight on himself, is preparing to take the stage to help raise not only his voice but much-needed funds for the musicians who, due to the loss of their instruments, compositions and other musical aids, have lost their ability to make a living.

“This is more than just a concert,” Downs said. “It’s a gathering of kindred spirits coming together to uplift one another during this difficult time. People are struggling out there. Their livelihoods have been ripped from them, and their homes have been destroyed. It’s utter devastation.”

Despite the devastation, Downs believes people affected by the fires are resilient.

“They’re strong, but they still need our help, love and support,” he said.

Since the wildfires began, Downs said he has been hearing the word “crazy” used to describe them and their aftermath.

“Everyone is using the word, ‘crazy,’ he said. “I need to pull out a thesaurus and find the right word. There isn’t a word that describes what happened. What happened is too heavy. I need to find the right word. Crazy just doesn’t cut it.”

Beloved for his deep passion for jazz and ability to connect with audiences, Downs is more than just a voice on the radio; he is a passionate advocate for the arts and a vital part of the local jazz community. He believes in the power of music.

“Music is compelling in all scenarios,” he said. “We emote with music. There are messages with music. Whoever is listening will get that message. With music, the artist expresses themselves. It’s important to share these messages and understand them.”

Downs, whose voice has echoed the sentiments of a community faced with adversity for decades, said the famed World Stage in Leimert Park, where music is so integral, is the perfect backdrop for the benefit concert.

“It’s the epicenter of the community,” he said. “It’s the beacon of the community in the heart of Leimert Park. Music has always been created, expressed and presented there. It’s there that you can find all forms of being creative. It’s the feeling of expression. It only makes sense to have the concert at The World Stage.”

Darlene Donloe is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers who covers South Los Angeles. She can be reached at ddonloe@gmail.com.

       
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