Los Angeles has long been one of America’s great jazz cities, yet its place in the music’s history is often overshadowed by New Orleans, Chicago, Kansas City, and New York. In this episode of Strictly Jazz Sounds, Steve Braunginn sits down with Martin Ludlow, President and CEO of Bridge Street, Inc., to discuss the vision behind the inaugural LA Jazz Festival and why he believes it’s time for Los Angeles to take its rightful place on the global jazz stage.
Their conversation explores the rich legacy of Central Avenue, the Dunbar Hotel, Leimert Park, and the generations of musicians who have shaped the sound of jazz—from Dexter Gordon, Charles Mingus, and Eric Dolphy to Kamasi Washington and Terrace Martin. Ludlow also explains why the festival is designed as a community-wide celebration rather than a traditional concert event, featuring more than 160 artists from over 20 countries, free performances, youth education initiatives, and programming that reaches neighborhoods across Southern California.
Steve and Martin also discuss the evolving definition of jazz, the relationship between jazz and contemporary genres, the importance of mentoring young musicians, and how festivals can strengthen both cultural identity and local economies.
Whether you’re planning to attend the LA Jazz Festival or simply care about the past, present, and future of jazz, this conversation offers an insightful look at one of the most ambitious new festivals in America.
