About
On Saturday, September 29, Watts Towers continues its longstanding tradition of celebrating soulful world music at its Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival, which is free and open to the public, bringing the community and visitors together to celebrate the arts. Presented by City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) and Friends of Watts Towers Arts Center, an all-star line-up of world-class musicians, singers, and dancers will take attendees on a musical journey at 37th Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival on Sat, Sept 29 from 10 - 6 p.m. Hosted by Masters of Ceremonies Kamau Daáood and James Janisse, Saturday’s Day of the Drum Festival will kick off with Aztec traditional dancing featuring Huehuetl and Teponaxtle drums. Kinnara Taiko, a Japanese American drumming group, will carry the sound of the drum and hand off the rhythms to Garifuna Cultural Group who will bring their vibrant, energetic Belizean dance to the stage. Expressions from Tambor will blend African and Caribbean drumming, and Magatte Fall & Generation Percu will feature West African percussions from different generations. A performance of cadences composed by Ndugu Chancler for the Locke High School Saints Marching Band, will be performed by MAFLA, the Music Alumni and Friends of Locke Association. The stage will close with Rayford Griffin & Friends who will honor Ndugu at the close the day with their musical set, called “One for the Chancler,” to conclude the opening day’s program. The festivals' activities are complemented by exhibitions at the Noah Purifoy & Charles Mingus Galleries featuring, "The Conductor" by Chukes and, an installation of musical instruments from around the world at the Dr. Joseph & Bootsie Howard Gallery. There will be supervised children’s activities from 12:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; and food and beverages along with arts and crafts will be for sale throughout the day. Both festivals take place at Department of Cultural Affairs' Watts Towers Arts Center Campus at 1727 East 107th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90002. For more information, please call 213.847.4646, or visit
wattstowers.org.
