Leimert Park

Leimert Park Village, the historical hotbed of African-American culture, is in the throes of another renaissance to provide new allure to locals and tourists alike.                                           

The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center, named after one of L.A.'s well known jazz and blues singers, opened in February, 2011. In December, 2010, a new space for arts education debuted and showcased two solo performances for local artists. On Leimert Blvd., community native and world renowned artist Mark Bradford opened a new studio that has aroused interest in the neighborhood to initiate an influx of aspiring artists and lofts. And for the last two summers, a homegrown music and arts festival has been successfully staged in a city parking lot.

Another recent entry to the scene is the Leimert Park Art Walk, launched as an experiment in June, 2010,  and has gradually grown ever since. It exposes artists and features other attractions such as live music, film screenings, food, crafts and a children's pavilion. The Walk is held on the last Sunday of every month in the lobby of the Vision Theater, and three storefronts on 43rd Place facing Leimert Plaza Park.

The park itself hosts a drum circle every Sunday afternoon, and is bounded by clubs like the World Stage which hosts a writer's workshop and jazz jam sessions on Sunday nights. 

Cafes and restaurants in the area cook up African, Cajun, Caribbean and Soul food specialties.  

Directions

From the Santa Monica (10) Freeway, exit Crenshaw Blvd. and head south to 43rd Street. Turn left go 3 -4 blocks.