Sy Smith

Lavance Colley

Muse/ique

**Central Ave Program MUSE/IQUE: A Tribute to the Musical Soul of L.A.**

Join us for a remarkable journey back in time with the Central Ave Program MUSE/IQUE, a celebration of the rich musical heritage of Central Avenue, once the heart of Los Angeles' jazz scene. This event, presented in conjunction with The New 9th and Central Jazz Festival, is part of our 2023 season MUSIC POWER, dedicated to exploring the visionary artists whose music not only shaped public consciousness but also drove meaningful social change.

**About the Program:**
Central Avenue, in the early to mid-20th century, was the epicenter of L.A.'s musical soul, a place where the vibrant nightlife and the sounds of jazz brought the community together. It was here that music and identity intertwined, and art became a lived experience for African Americans in Los Angeles. MUSE/IQUE honors this legacy with tributes to the brilliant visionaries and artists who made an impact on Central Avenue, including Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, and many more.

**Special Assembly Performance:**
In 2022, MUSE/IQUE first performed this program at a special assembly for over 750 students, teachers, and staff at Thomas Jefferson High School, offering many students their first exposure to live music on a grand scale. Thomas Jefferson High School, a cultural focal point in the story of Central Avenue, boasts a long list of notable alumni, including Etta James.

**2023 Season:**
One year later, we are reprising this celebrated program with most of the original artists, continuing to pay homage to the musical history and legacy of Central Avenue.

**Featured Artists:**
- **Sy Smith**, vocals: Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter, known as the queen of underground soul, who has performed tributes to Ella Fitzgerald and other iconic women of jazz at prestigious venues worldwide.
- **LaVance Colley**, vocals: A versatile artist with a gospel, jazz, and R&B background, who has worked with legends like Beyonce Knowles, John Legend, and Diana Ross.
- **The DC6 Singers Collective**, vocals: A Los Angeles-based ensemble known for their dynamic and energetic performances of gospel, Motown, and pop standards.
- **The MUSE/IQUE Orchestra**, led by Rachael Worby, with arrangements by Jared Jenkins, Myron McKinley, and others, featuring a talented lineup of musicians across various instruments.

**Sponsors:**
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our generous season sponsors, including Anonymous 2, Avery and Andrew Barth, Michael Casey, and many others, whose support makes this event possible.

Don't miss this unforgettable tribute to the musical soul of L.A. and the enduring legacy of Central Avenue. Join us as we celebrate the power of music to unite and inspire.