Initially a Jamaican dance hall craze, Reggae is a cultural force that has transcended its Caribbean origins to become a global juggernaut. On Sunday in Leimert Park, some of the most proficient practitioners of this melodious art form will descend upon a fortunate crowd outside Kaos Network in a spontaneous free community event, as part of Leimert Park Art Walk.
A fixture in the neighborhood for the past 14 years, the event endeavors to showcase a different aspect of the African Diaspora every fourth Sunday, with this particular day being a celebration of aural sounds and rhythms from the tropics. Starting off with a 1 p.m. prayer blessing by S.H.I.N.E. Muwasi, the African Drum Circle led by Rene Fisher-Mims will perform. Then things will warm up with an open mike segment led by B. Smooth, followed by local M.C. Lady Bea.
Lady Bea, in turn, will introduce the infectious beats of a collaborative effort by Fada Frank (Francis Reneau) of Champion sound, along with Alsuis of Studio 1st Sound, from the Caribbean locales of Belize and Jamaica, respectively. Both of these sound designers have extensive resumes in entertaining local audiences for decades, and this first time union of creative forces is sure to provide a unique dance experience for those in attendance.
This will surely be a feast for the ears, abetted by the fragrant smells of Jamaican cuisine, which in turn is a worldly blend of the African, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Spanish influences that have merged over the centuries.
All this will take place on Sunday, April 28, on the People's Street at KAOS Network, 3333 W.43rd Pl., in Los Angeles.
