In celebration of the Watts Towers Arts Center’s first 51 years, this fall’s line-up is guaranteed to blow your mind as you take a musical journey around the world beginning on Saturday with a mesmerizing “synthesis of pre-Columbian & contemporary music and dance in the ancient Mexica tradition” performed by the Cuauhtemoc Mexica Dance Group. Following, you are sure to be enchanted by North Indian classical percussionist Debasish Chaudhuri as he brings his own seasonings to the table with his “melodic instrument called Harmonium”, and then journey deep into “The roots of Brazil” with Carlinous Pandeiro De Ouro. Next, let the famous Munyungo Jackson present The African Diaspora as you “Travel through Africa, South America, Caribbean and United States of America, and to close this wonderful day of drumming vibrations, the seasoned Ndugu Chancler celebrates his 60^th birthday with his Drum Set at 60! Saturday’s MC’s are James Janisse and Ndugu Chancler.

Also, be sure to catch Mary Bucci Bush in the Noah Purifoy Gallery reading from her debut novel Sweet Hope describing the friendship between one Black and one Italian family scrambling to survive on a Mississippi cotton plantation at the turn of the century.

Don’t be late!!!

            Sunday’s celebration opens with the Yoruba traditional drum ensemble Alaadun as they perform the “Ground blessing” with the Watts-Willowbrook Conservatory String Ensemble “performing classical and contemporary compositions” to follow. Next on stage, Quattro will be performing “A fusion of Latin, pop, jazz, and classical music”, followed by special guest coming directly from Italy, Andrea Marcelli “A young Missoni of jazz” and his Trio. Rounding the event off for the day will be the Ray Bailey Trio playing “blues based jazz and funk”, followed by the Azar Lawrence Ensemble with “Towers of sound that propel the listener heavenward”, and wrapping it all up will be the (JMP) Jazz Mentorship Program All Stars featuring Patrice Rushen, Ndugu Chancler, Dr. Bobby Rodriguez, Justo Almario, Munyungo Jackson and Reggie Hamilton playing “straight ahead jazz” you won’t want to miss!