From jazz pieces to classical compositions, Donald Vega displays his wonderful talents as he graces the stage at the California Plaza Grand Performances free summer concert series in downtown Los Angeles. Playing to a cast of adults and children from local elementary schools alike, Donald single handedly delivered a summertime afternoon concert that made everyone forget about work and school.

As the sun warmed our bodies and glistened down on the waters of the of the water court, Donald addressed the bilingually and welcomed everyone to the performance. He also thanked Leigh Anne Hahn, who is responsible for booking all of the talent at Cal Plaza. I met her in Monterey at the Monterey Jazz Festival and she travels all over the world to bring the best talent to the Grand Performances series and does an incredible job.

Donald played compositions from Kenny Dorham to Benny Green to his own compositions. He recited to the crowd some of the lyrics to "You Must Believe in Spring" before he played the piece to give his audience a sense of its beauty. And then, of course, he proceeded to play it wonderfully so that we all could be on the same page.
Alfred Decillo- click for video!

For his last piece, Donald composed a song called "Tomorrows' that was influenced by 72 year old composer and tap dancer Alfred DeCillo. Alfred came out to join in a piano tap duo and was, as Flora would say, light as a feather! Watch out Savion, the old school is still in the house!

Donald also performed later that same evening with the rest of his band for the evening performances at Cal Plaza. He will also be featured on "Jazz in the Modern Era', a jazz television show hosted by Chet Hanley, who also attended the performance. Don't worry; you can watch this show online as well. I will make sure that you have a schedule of those shows before they happen.

If you missed "The Jazz Cat" on "Jazz in the Modern Era" just click on this link!

Donald Vega is certainly one of our stars here in LA. Make sure to check out his website at www.donaldvega.com
Peace

LeRoy Downs

If you would like to see all of the pictures and video click here!