Have you ever walked in a place that you have never been and it felt like home? This is exactly how I felt from the moment I walked in to the Lucy Florence Coffee House Art and Performance Gallery. They have made a few transitions from up on the east side of Hollywood to 43rd and Degnan and then to another location directly across the street. This venue has it all and is another perfect piece in the monopoly board of life, love, culture, art and music that is Leimert Park.
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I walked in and the first person I saw was Dwight Trible. Ken Moore was there with his lovely daughter, Jo Ito from “All About Jazz” as well as a few jazz lovers that I see all over town supporting jazz music and many more that I have not quite yet had the pleasure. I am happy to see them all because these people who are out for the second set supporting a small black owned business in the community are the ones who really make a difference. Ken Moore invited me down to see Bobby tonight and his exact words were “This man is a genius”! I understood the passion because all too often great musicians are not given their due. Ken is one, as well as I, who go out on a limb to promote and support the players and the music even in the face of certain financial circumstances, that shall we say, are less than favorable at most. Yet the riches and rewards that we receive from this music are far greater than anyone could ask for.
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Bobby is a very appreciative and gracious cat. He too appreciates that everyone hung around for the second set and he did not disappoint us one bit. Big sounding masterful pieces of beauty rich with the romantic stories of our lives. The performance space is quite intimate and provided the perfect ambiance to evoke emotions that can only be experienced by the synchronicity of three dauntingly beautiful sounds: piano, bass and drums. Bobby playing with a warm elegance and bass player Joel Ector is, as Charlie Mingus would say, “Playin’ what he’s feelin’”. Dexter is an uplifting spirit full of rhythmic timekeeping soul!
Article comments
1 - Mark Evans
LeRoy,
Great piece on Lucy Florence. I am currently living in KC and am trying to purchase black art. I travel to LA about 4 times a year and would like to give Lucy Florence a try. What type of art have you seen there? Are they originals, lithographs (signed), or posters? Is it abstract, still life, scenery, photographs, or a combination of everything?
Any feedback you could provide would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
2 - Lovie Davis
I HAVE THIS UP AND COMING ARTIST, HE DOES OIL PAITNINGS, ABSTRACT AND PORTAITS. HE HAVE PAINTING ON CANVAS AND SLIDES.
HOW CAN I GET HIS WORK OUT TO THE VIEWING PUBLIC, AND HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
I THINK HE IS GOING TO BE THE NEXT BIG THING
LOVIE DAVIS
3 - LeRoy Downs
For Mark Evans,
Thank you for enjoying the art. As a matter of fact. I have a few friends that own an art gallery and they have different artist display their works all of the time. Check out this article on my site...thejazzcat
Hello Lovie,
You should check out the link above as well. The person to ask for is Bryan Payne. He is the tallest cat in the first picture that you will see and he is a childhood friend. Tell him that you read about his gallery on my site and want to contact him about your artist.
Take care
LeRoy Downs
TheJazzcat.net