Central Avenue one of the historic platforms in jazz history where legendary jazz artists performed from the 1920’s thru the 1950’s in the mist of the jazz era. These Artists include Dexter Gordon, Billie Holiday, Clora Bryant, Buddy Collette, Lionel Hampton, Melba Liston Teddy Edwards, Art Tatum, and Hadda Brooks. In addition to Gerald Wilson, Cab Callaway, Count Bassie, Duke Ellington and, many more jazz greats that graced the stages of the numerous clubs and theatres along Central Avenue. Club Alabam, located in the Dunbar Hotel where most of the black musicians called home while they were in town, was one of the pivotal center points along with the Last Word, Downbeat, and the Lincoln Theatre. There were also many other clubs that helped give Central Avenue the rich culture and flavor that still rings loud and clear in the hearts and minds of jazz lovers today.

For the past eleven years Central has celebrated with a festival that paid homage to the legendary jazz artist past and present. The 12th Annual Central Avenue Jazz Festival will be held Saturday July 28 and Sunday 29, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Masters of ceremonies will be conducted by Michael Dolphin, Jose Rizo and James Janisse, just the right team to introduce the great music from the fantastic artist that will performed at this year’s festival.

Saturday July 28, 2007

Panel Discussion moderated by Clora Bryant

Paul Bryant Trio

Ernie Andrews

Phil Ranelin

Jazz on the Latin Side All Stars

Arthur Blythe Quintet

Sunday July 29, 2007

Jazz America

CJS Quintet

Henry Franklin feature Michael Sessions

Roy Gaines

Gilbert Castellanos Latin Trumpet Summit

Charles McPhearson

Sandra Booker’s Underground Jazz Movement