For ten years now, the annual Gardena Jazz Festival has been one of the most anticipated local music events of the season, and this year is no exception.

With an all-star lineup featuring a mix of emerging and celebrated jazz acts, the Gardena Jazz Fest not only puts emphasis on new music, but also uses the gathering as a way to bring the community together.

“We’re excited about a great community event,” 51st district state assembly member Steve Bradford tells Pat Prescott in an interview. “Really at the end of the day, the music is just a side note. It’s about bringing the community together and we’ve done that in a very celebratory way in the last ten years.”

Growing from a small community event that began free of charge, the Gardena Jazz Fest has exploded into an event that draws in hundreds from surrounding cities. The crowds may have gotten bigger and the admission price may have been bumped to a low price of $10, but the mission is still the same; getting to know your neighbors and becoming involved with your community.

The fest incorporates family fun, relaxing melodies and bonding with friends and family in the beautiful outdoors of Rowley Memorial Park.

This year’s festival lineup includes headliner Eric Darius, Jessy J, Jazz in Pink, DW3 and Kori Withers, daughter of Bill Withers, plus a very special guest just added.

“We have a surprise guest, someone who was recently on The Voice,” teases Bradford. “They’re going to do a number or two for us.”

The 10th Annual Gardena Jazz Festival happens this Sunday, Aug. 26 from 11:30am – 7:30pm at Rowley Memorial Park (13220 S. Van Ness Ave., Gardena 90249), and is hosted by our very own Pat Prescott!

For tickets and more information on the fest, click here, or visit The WAVE’s Events page. Listen to our full interview with CA State Assembly member Steve Bradford in the audio below!