by June Miller Richards
All Aboard for a Spooktacular Halloween Boat Ride at JW Marriott Desert Springs
This Halloween season, the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert is putting a spooky twist on its popular electric boat rides. The resort’s sleek vessels will be transformed into floating haunted scenes, complete with eerie lighting, cobweb-covered corners, haunting melodies and a costumed crew ready to set the mood.
Passengers will embark on a 25-minute “spirit voyage” through the scenic waterways of the hotel, enjoying a selection of sweet and savory treats along the way. Little ghosts and goblins under 12 years old who arrive in costume will receive a complimentary spooky drink to keep their Halloween spirits high.
Pricing starts at $140 per boat, which accommodates up to eight passengers. Rides are available on October 17, 18, 24, 25, and 31, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and are open to both hotel guests and local visitors alike.
Reservations are recommended and can be made through the hotel’s activity website
Spooktacular Boat Rides are BACK!
Hop aboard JW Marriott Desert Springs’ haunted boats for a Halloween cruise like no other. Enjoy eerie lights, haunting tunes, sweet & savory treats, and a costumed crew as you glide through the resort’s waterways.
Kids in costume (under 12) get a free spooky sip!
$140 per boat | Up to 8 passengers
Oct 17, 18, 24, 25 & 31 | 6–10 PM
Reserve your ride
https://jwdesertsprings.247activities.com/services/BoatTour/ (more…)
by Dennis Richardson
It’s the one festival that can only be done by Complex, combining food, fashion, art, and community: Family Style Food Fest! The mashup day-long party is back in 2025, with tickets on sale and a whole list of freebies, activities, entertainment, and so much more.
Last year’s Festival went big, hosted by Kerwin Frost, and in partnership with The Pokémon Company International. It brought together the best chefs, restaurants and brands to create limited, one-of-a-kind collaborative food and merchandise items. In addition, it presented exclusive concepts and merch that couldn’t be purchased anywhere else.
Photo Credit: Jason Norton
This year, Family Style Fest return’s to Los Angeles State Historic Park, and the vision gets even bolder with the appointment of globally celebrated artist and designer VERDY as the festival’s Creative Director. Guests will enjoy an international roster of some of the most exciting chefs, restaurants, designers, and creators for a singular experience.The restaurant lineup includes fan favorites like Howlin’ Ray’s, Jon & Vinny’s, and the Michelin-starred Kato. Newcomers include Bell’s, the Michelin-starred Los Alamos bistro widely regarded as one of California’s best restaurants, and Marathon Burger—the hottest newcomer on the burger scene from the family of the late Nipsey Hussle.
In addition, guests can look forward to a plant-based chef quickly gaining notoriety, named Aaron Elliott! Recently featured in GQ, Aaron is a former punk drummer turned Noma-trained chef, who’s cooked for the likes of Travis Barker, James Cameron, Ari Emanuel, and more. The rising star makes some of the best food in Los Angeles, and is expected to cook up a few signature dishes. These vegan powerhouses include Aaron’s Crispy Artichoke Sandwich, Korean Fried Cauliflower Tacos, and a Yuba Salad — all made with the freshest ingredients sourced from Santa Monica Farmer’s Market.
Secure your tickets to this year’s Family Style Food Festival here!
by Contributor
We tend to think of cemeteries as places of rest,— where we go when it’s over or to visit loved ones. Hollywood has its own place of rest— the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. But here’s the catch: this cemetery is host to a series of events such as movie watching, concerts and party events. We thought it might be time to take a deeper look into the movie screenings as summer has arrived as we now outdoor more than ever.
A Resting Place for Legends
Founded in 1899, Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles, resting alongside Paramount Studios. This sacred ground is home to stars like Judy Garland, Douglas Fairbanks, Rudolph Valentino, and Dee Dee Ramone, among many others. Once a glamorous landmark, the cemetery suffered neglect and bankruptcy by the 1990s, its marble crumbling and koi ponds drained. That changed in 1998, when a pair of visionaries—Tyler Cassity and his brother Brent—bought the property with an idea that startled traditionalists and delighted culture lovers: turn the cemetery into a place for the living, too.
Enter Cinespia: Cult Classics Among the Headstones
In 2002, a young DJ and film aficionado named John Wyatt pitched a bold idea to Cassity: outdoor movie screenings on the cemetery’s Fairbanks Lawn. That first summer, Cinespia was born, kicking off with a screening of Strangers on a Train for a few hundred curious Angelenos. It was eerie. It was irreverent. And it worked.
Today, Cinespia screenings draw thousands with curated cult films, DJs spinning vinyl, food trucks, vintage photo booths, and a picnic-friendly vibe that’s become a summer ritual. Movies like The Big Lebowski, Clueless, and La La Land now grace the very mausoleum walls that once sheltered silver screen royalty.
Rocking the Masonic Lodge
But movies weren’t enough. The Cassitys restored the Masonic Lodge, a stunning Spanish Revival building tucked into the grounds, transforming it into an intimate venue for live concerts, literary readings, and spoken word performances. Acts like Father John Misty, Karen O, Phoebe Bridgers, and even Finn Wolfhard have performed here in candlelit intimacy few LA venues can match.
The Philosophy: A Living Cemetery
Cassity’s vision is not about disrespect, but reinvigorating reverence. In his words, “People don’t come here because they’re morbid. They come here because they want to remember—through culture, through experience.” Hollywood Forever doesn’t pretend death doesn’t exist—it invites us to commune with it creatively, communally.
What It Means to LA
In a city obsessed with reinvention, Hollywood Forever is the rare space that allows nostalgia, innovation, and irreverence to coexist. It’s where memory becomes entertainment, and where every summer screening feels like a séance in celebration of the past.
So next time you’re there—blanket down, wine poured, classic movie rolling—remember that you’re part of an experiment in memory, magic, and the weird wonder of Los Angeles itself.
For more information: https://hollywoodforever.com/culture/
| Jun 28 |
Casablanca |
9 pm |
~$30 |
| Jul 4–5 |
Top Gun & La La Land + fireworks |
9 pm |
~$52 |
| Jul 12 |
It |
9 pm |
~$30 |
| Jul 19 |
Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion |
9 pm |
~$30 |
| Jul 26 |
The Addams Family |
9 pm |
~$30 |
Tickets start at $29.99–30; parking adds $24–36
by Contributor
Since its inception nearly two decades ago, Dance DTLA has grown into one of Los Angeles’ most beloved free summer traditions. Held under the stars at Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center, this outdoor dance party blends beginner-friendly instruction with a community vibe and live DJ sets. Over the years, it has celebrated the cultural diversity of L.A. through styles like cumbia, salsa, disco, Bollywood, and vogue.
More than just dancing, Dance DTLA is about community—welcoming all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels to connect through movement and music. Hosted Friday nights throughout the summer, each session begins with a dance lesson followed by hours of open dancing.
And, there is parking at the Music Center, for $10 flat fee.
Dance DTLA Summer 2025
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June 20 (Friday) | 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM – Bollywood Kickoff
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June 27 (Friday) | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Afrobeats
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July 4 (Friday) | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Hip‑Hop
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July 11 (Friday) | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Salsa
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July 18 (Friday) | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Reggaeton
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July 25 (Friday) | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Cumbia
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August 1 (Friday) | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM – Disco
All events are free, with lesson + social dancing at Jerry Moss Plaza
by June Miller Richards
Registration is now available for the second annual Venice Beach Run, scheduled for Saturday, July 19, commencing and concluding at the Venice Beach Pier. The event’s proceeds will support the Los Angeles Parks Foundation (www.laparksfoundation.org), established in 2008 to improve and maintain public parks and recreational areas. Proceeds will specifically aid the Venice Beach Recreation Center to foster health and recreation for the community. Organizations such as the LA Parks Foundation are becoming increasingly important as they work to enhance and conserve parks while promoting vital environmental education.
The race is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities and is the the only race that starts and finishes out over the water on the iconic Venice Beach Pier (3100 Washington Blvd, Venice, CA). Participants can sign up for the fast + flat 5K at 8:00 AM or the Speedy 1 Miler at 10:00 AM. Participants will receive a commemorative race shirt (with a new design each year!), a custom cinch bag, a die-cast finisher medal, and complimentary downloadable race photos. The finish line festival includes a beer garden, live DJs, and opportunities to explore fitness expos and sample offerings from various local businesses and restaurants.
The Venice Beach Run on Saturday, July 19, 2025, known as Conquer the Pier, is a relatively new event that began in 2024. It features a 5K and a 1-mile race, with both starting and finishing on the iconic Venice Beach Pier. The race supports the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, specifically benefiting the Venice Beach Recreation Center. It welcomes runners, walkers, and families of all ages and abilities, encouraging community fitness in a festive beach environment.
The course winds through the historic heart of Venice Beach, past landmarks such as Muscle Beach and the Venice Canals—areas first developed in 1905 by Abbot Kinney as the “Venice of America.” Today, the neighborhood remains a vibrant, eclectic destination alive with murals, street performers, skaters, and oceanfront charm.
Whether you’re a serious runner, casual walker, or simply love the beach, the Venice Beach Run: Conquer the Pier is a celebration of movement, community, and iconic SoCal culture.
For more information, visit: https://laparksfoundation.org/laparks_events/venice-beach-run-2025/
by Randy Dunbar
For a fun time head on to the Port of Los Angeles located in San Pedro, there you’ll find Electrify Expo a fun family event that takes place outdoors and offers a unique opportunity to experience and learn about the the evolving industry of electric mobility.
Electrify Expo is North America’s largest electric vehicle (EV) festival, first launched in 2021 as a response to the growing interest in clean transportation and sustainable technology. The event was founded to provide an interactive, festival-like space where the public could test-drive EVs, explore cutting-edge e-mobility tech, and engage directly with automakers and innovators.
Origins & Growth
Started in Southern California, the expo quickly expanded to a multi-city national tour, bringing together electric cars, e-bikes, e-scooters, motorcycles, and even electric boats and aviation prototypes. Early events were held in places like Irvine, Long Beach, and Austin, with attendance growing year-over-year.
What Makes It Different
Unlike traditional auto shows, Electrify Expo is outdoors, hands-on, and centered around experience. It’s known for its demo zones where attendees can test ride or drive vehicles on-site, making it a favorite among both enthusiasts and EV newcomers.
Each location features:
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Test tracks for cars, bikes, and scooters
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Industry panels and tech showcases
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Family-friendly activities
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Live music and food trucks
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Appearances by major brands like Tesla, Rivian, Ford, Kia, Toyota, Harley-Davidson, and Lucid
Southern California Connection
SoCal has remained one of the flagship locations for Electrify Expo due to the region’s progressive EV adoption, climate-forward policies, and tech-savvy population. The Port of Los Angeles edition of the event, now a regular stop, is one of the biggest on the national tour, often featuring product debuts, start-up showcases, and massive attendance.
Electrify Expo – Los Angeles
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Dates: Saturday–Sunday, June 21–22, 2025
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Location: Port of Los Angeles, 3011 Miner Street, San Pedro, CA
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Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM each day (general admission at 10 AM)
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Tickets: Starting at $20 GA; early-entry “Power Pack” options availableautoshowoc.com+12electrifyexpo.com+12electrifyexpo.com+12.
What to Experience:
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EV Demo District: Test-drive the latest electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, e-bikes, scooters, skateboards.
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E-Motorcycle & E-Skate Zones: Free-ride areas with timed racing leagues.
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Thrill Shows: Freestyle motocross and e-skateboarding races all weekend.
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Electric Avenue: Discover innovations from top EV brands with live demos and expert commentary.
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EV Charging & Reality Check Zones: Learn about charging infrastructure and get myth-busting insights.
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Solar & Outdoor Rec Zones: See the latest in solar-powered gear, outdoor EV-friendly accessories, and off-road rigs
Price: $48 – $59.76
by Contributor
Jazz at LACMA (Los Angeles)
On Friday, May 16, head to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for a free evening of live jazz at the Smidt Welcome Plaza. The concert starts at 6 p.m., and L.A. County residents can enjoy free museum admission after 3 p.m. with ID.
Titanic: An Immersive Voyage (Beverly Center)
Explore the story of the Titanic through this immersive experience featuring recreated ship interiors and interactive exhibits.
Universal Fan Fest Nights (Universal Studios Hollywood)
From May 16–18, enjoy extended park hours with exclusive entertainment, character meet-and-greets, and special attractions during Universal Studios’ Fan Fest Nights
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Los Angeles County Fair (Pomona)
Running through May 26 at the Fairplex, this year’s fair theme is “Art Unleashed.” Enjoy immersive art exhibits, carnival rides, live music, and a diverse food scene. The weekend concert lineup includes The O’Jays, Chris Young, and Cheap Trick.
Home 2025
by June Miller Richards
Three-Time U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo Headlines 2025 Native American Arts Festival Week
The Idyllwild Arts Native American Arts Festival Week returns to the Idyllwild Arts campus from Monday, June 16, through Friday, June 20. Now in its third decade, the celebration enhances the Idyllwild Arts Summer Program through a variety of Native American arts-focused activities. Executive Director Shaliyah Ben (Diné) leads the event, which includes an invitational exhibition, tastings of traditional Native cuisine, the Michael Kabotie Lecture Series, a curated film evening, the Welcoming Home the Birds event and a staged reading of the latest play by three-time U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo (Mvskoke) featuring jazz trumpeter Delbert Anderson (Diné).
The week begins Monday, June 16, with the invitational exhibition “Renegades of Art,” curated by Pamela Peters (Diné). Four artists will showcase works conveying the strength and cultural resilience of tribal nations through murals, mixed media and tribal presence. The artist/curator-led panel discussion starts at 7:00 p.m. in the Parks Exhibition Center on campus, followed by a reception with a Native foods tasting at 7:45 p.m.
This year’s Michael Kabotie Lecture Series features poet and performer Kinsale Drake (Diné), N8ive Beauty cosmetics creator and host of PBS/FNX series “This is Indian Country” Ruth Ann Thorn (Luiseño), and Yup’ik song and dance with Ossie from Inuit-soul band PAMYUA. The festival also includes a screening of the documentary “Indian Alley,” written and directed by Pamela Peters (Diné).
The week concludes on Friday, June 20, with Welcoming Home the Birds, honoring the relationship the Cahuilla and Serrano have with their traditional homelands. This family-friendly event begins at 5:00 p.m. with a Native artist marketplace, hands-on activities for all ages, and Native song and dance performances. Bird Singing starts at 7:45 p.m. Idyllwild Arts acknowledges the Qawishpa Cahuillangnah (also known as the Cahuilla Band of Indians) on whose land the Idyllwild Arts community resides.
Located on a 205-acre campus in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild Arts Academy was recently ranked by Niche as the #1 High School for Arts in America, and prides itself on providing the tools for young artists hailing from more than 30 countries to leverage their imaginations to change themselves and the world around them.
Idyllwild Arts Academy is located at 52500 Temecula Road, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA 92549. For the complete schedule of workshops and events, visit idyllwildarts.org/nativeamericanarts.
by Contributor
This bike is about to be auctioned off…the famous bike that Pee-Wee Herman saddled in the movie, “Pe-Wee’s Big Adventure.”
The Most Famous Bicycle in the History of Film will Go to Auction May 3-4, 2025 at Van Eaton Galleries
Los Angeles, California – April 25, 2025 – Van Eaton Galleries, the premier gallery and auction house for Disneyana, classic animation and pop culture has announced the “Pop Culture: Collection of Jay Ward” auction to take place May 3, 2025 and May 4, 2025. The highlight of the massive auction is the most famous bicycle in entertainment history – Pee-wee Herman’s screen used bicycle ridden by Paul Reubens.
With his short pants, iconic voice, bow tie and childlike persona, Pee-wee Herman, personified by actor Paul Reubens, was a movie and television personality who became one of the biggest stars of television and film in a category all by himself. On May 3rd, the bicycle that Pee-wee rode and crashed into a curb will hit the auction block for the very first time in Los Angeles.
The screen used (Warner Brothers, 1985) stunt bicycle from “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” is one of only 14 bikes used during production of the classic film. There were 13 created by Pedal Pusher vintage bike shop in Newport Beach, with this one custom-built by Gary Littlejohn, a stuntman who helped create the world’s first BMX bikes. This particular bicycle is one of the only surviving bikes that can be screen-matched to exact moments in the film.
The bike is seen as Pee-wee crashes into a curb and says “I meant to do that,” during the Warner Brothers lot chase as Pee-wee rockets over the house and Paul Reubens swings on a vine like Tarzan.
This is a rare opportunity to own one of the most iconic props of the 1980s, from the first feature-length film directed by Tim Burton.
Paul Reubens
Paul Reubens burst into celebrity as Pee-wee Herman with the success of his Groundlings Comedy Production “The Pee-Wee Herman Show” as an HBO Special in September of 1981 He quickly charmed audiences with his child-like naivete and joy for play. Warner Brothers hired Reubens to write a full-length Pee-wee Herman film, which he first conceived as a remake of Disney’s “Pollyanna” with Pee-wee in the title role. But noticing employees riding bikes around the studio lot, Reuben’s requested one of his own, and began writing “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure,” the unforgettable story of a boy and the most famous bicycle in cinema history.
In act three of the film, Reubens as Pee-wee is fleeing from security on the Warner Brothers lot when he and the bike swing across a lake Tarzan-style on a vine. This bike also makes the landing that immediately follows the vine, and the rocket-over-the-house ending in which Pee-wee escapes the Studio. This one-of-a-kind stunt bike frame and fork were custom-built by Gary Littlejohn who also was a pioneer designer in the early days of BMX bikes. The bike still exhibits wear from the original film usage. The bike bears a gleaming replica “Property of Pee-wee Herman” plaque behind the seat.
The Auction Event
The “Pop Culture: Collection of Jay Ward” auction begins at 10:00 a.m. PT on May 3rd and wil continue on May 4th. Details of the massive auction can be viewed at vwww.vegalleries.com. The public exhibition of the auction takes place at Van Eaton Galleries located at 12160 Ventura Blvd in Studio City, California until May 1, 2025.
Celebrating 30 years in business, Van Eaton Galleries & Auctions is the go-place to find pop culture memorabilia, animation art, and Disneyana. In addition to major catalog and online auctions featuring impressive exhibitions, Van Eaton runs a retail gallery featuring production drawings and collectibles that is open to the public.
by Contributor
Funny the things that matter. There have been documentaries made about nightclubs, dancehalls, theaters and landmarks. The Cinerama Dome is one such location that has figured a lot in my life. I recall going there in the early 60s to see some silly film called “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” Through the years I often spend time there. The screen was huge and the sound exquisite.
The Cinerama Dome in Hollywood, a beloved landmark and one of the last remaining mid-century modern theaters of its kind, closed in 2020 during the pandemic when ArcLight Cinemas and Pacific Theatres (its operators) announced they were shutting down permanently due to financial losses. This sparked a wave of public outcry and nostalgia, as the Dome was iconic not just architecturally but culturally—premiering films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and frequently used for high-profile Hollywood premieres.
Here’s the latest on it:
Good news: It’s coming back.
The Cinerama Dome is scheduled to reopen in 2025, rebranded as Cinerama Hollywood. It’s being renovated and reimagined by Decurion Corporation (Pacific Theatres’ parent company), and it will include:
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The historic dome restored and preserved.
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Two new bars: one called “Hollywood on Hollywood” (a cocktail bar) and another in a basement speakeasy format.
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A restaurant and revamped screening spaces.
It’s not expected to be a traditional multiplex anymore but rather a more curated, upscale movie-and-dining experience, blending retro charm with modern luxury.
On that note, come this Saturday, there will be a public effort to move the opening along with a “pop-up” event and you ar invited.
For details please RSVP here: https://partiful.com/e/5b9AFbiNpclj64NVnAPd
by Dennis Richardson
If you’re looking for some fun activities over the next month with some repeat value, get ready to snack and sip to your heart’s desire.
The Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival kicked off on February 28 and will close out on April 21. During this special event, vibrant food hall,
Parkside Market, will offer unique specials in addition to an exclusive Sips & Views beverage tasting event every Saturday during the festival.
Throughout the two-month event, Seoul Sister will offer delicious and savory Deconstructed Pork Belly Wraps and Sip & Sonder will serve the Velvet Noir, a cold brew concoction that captures the rich complexity of red wine through deep chocolate tones and vibrant berry syrups.
In addition to these ongoing features will be Vista Parkside Market’s Sips & Views tasting event every Saturday from March 1 to April 19. The ticketed event includes tasting three spirits and Parkside Market bites for $50. Each week will feature a new beverage brand, with tastings from 2:30 to 3 p.m. Partners include Brewery X, Bulleit Bourbon, Don Julio Tequila, Garrison Brothers, Casamigos Tequila, and Ardbeg; each brand will have a tasting expert onsite to provide more background on the spirits.
It’s worth coming back every weekend to take in a new taste and a new experience.
Purchase your ticket
here, and check out the full schedule below:
March 1st:
Brewery X
March 8th:
Bulleit Bourbon
March 15th:
Don Julio Tequila
March 22nd:
Garrison Brothers
March 29th:
Casamigos Tequila
April 5th:
Ardberg
April 12th:
Bulleit Bourbon
April 19th:
Garrison Brothers
by June Miller Richards
First-Ever “Jazz Girls Day” in California To Take Place at Idyllwild Arts Academy on Sunday, March 2, 2025
California is about to witness a historic celebration of music and empowerment as Idyllwild Arts Academy hosts its very first Jazz Girls Day. Set against the stunning backdrop of the academy’s mountain campus, this free, daylong clinic — running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 2 — is dedicated to female-identifying improvising musicians between the ages of 10 and 18.
Originally founded by Dr. Colleen Clark in 2021 and supported through her role at the University of South Carolina, Jazz Girls Day aims to bridge the gender gap in jazz, a genre historically dominated by men. The initiative offers a dynamic blend of masterclasses, jam sessions and a live concert, ensuring that young participants of all experience levels are welcomed and challenged in a supportive environment — all without the pressure of an audition.
Dr. Clark’s initiative aims to inspire students across the country, and while it’s already landed in many other states, this will be its first time in California amidst her ongoing vision to help cohost a Jazz Girls Day event in all 50 states by 2030. The program puts the spotlight on the future of women in jazz and aims to repair the disparities.
Alex McLaughlin, the newly appointed director of the Jazz Program at Idyllwild Arts Academy, shares his excitement: “Idyllwild Arts is thrilled to be the first in California to host Jazz Girls Day. This event is a wonderful opportunity for young musicians to explore their creativity, learn from some of the best in the business and connect with peers who share their passion for jazz. We encourage families, teachers, mentors and friends to support these talented girls as they embark on this musical journey.”
McLaughlin also noted that research presented at the recent Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference revealed that participants in Jazz Girls Day are more likely to continue pursuing their musical interests — especially after experiencing the unique opportunity to perform with an all-female band. This transformative experience not only builds musical skills but also fosters a deeper, more confident perspective on what it means to be a musician.
Join Idyllwild Arts Academy (52500 Temecula Rd #38, Idyllwild-Pine Cove, CA) on March 2, 2025, for a day of inspiration, learning and community that promises to empower the next generation of jazz musicians.
Registration is still open, and interested participants and their supporters can sign up at Idyllwild Arts Academy’s Jazz Girls Day event page.
