Jazz great Randy Weston, who is celebrating his 85th birthday and the publication of his autobiography, “African Rhythms,” will close out the music at the 29th annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival and the 34th annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.
Among the other artists performing are Balle Fette Bu Senegal, Taikoproject, Cuauhtemoc Mexica Dance as well as the Harold Land Trio, and the Jazz Mentorship Program All Stars featuring Patrice Rushen, Ndugu Chancler, Bobby Rodriguez and Bennie Maupin.
A battle of the drum lines between Washington Preparatory and Centennial high schools is set for noon on Saturday. Additional events include guided tours of the Watts Towers of Simon Rodia both days from 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., supervised children’s activities from noon to 4:30 p.m., a universal drum circle and exhibitions at the Noah Purifoy Gallery, the Mingus Gallery and an opportunity to view the permanent collection of international musical instruments in the Dr. Joseph and Bootsie Howard Gallery.
For additional information, call (213) 847-4646. The complex is located at 1717 E. 107th St., Los Angeles.
