Artists scheduled to perform at canceled events were notified earlier this week that portions of the festival had been postponed because of permitting and production challenges, according to media reports.
One performer said musicians were not treated with respect in the way the events were canceled.
“I am deeply disappointed by the manner in which the cancellation of portions of the inaugural Los Angeles Jazz Festival was handled — particularly the lack of communication with musicians who had contracted, prepared and showed up ready to perform,” said Torrénce Brannon-Reese, whose Uptown New Orleans Brass Band wasn’t notified that an opening ceremony at City Hall was canceled before the group showed up.
“I respectfully call upon the organizers of the Los Angeles Jazz Festival to publicly explain what happened, address their contractual commitments to affected artists and begin repairing the trust that has been damaged,” Brannon-Reese said.
“Jazz was born from struggle, resilience and community,” he said. “The musicians who carry that cultural legacy deserve to be treated accordingly.”