Photo courtesy of Councilmember Rex Richardson.

Long Beach will get its very own dose of the New Orleans blues during the 5th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival when songstress Goapele and trio DW3 headline the event, the office of Councilmember Rex Richardson announced this week. 

The Uptown Jazz Festival is an open and free community concert that takes place on Saturday, June 11 at Houghton Park in North Long Beach from 12:00PM to 8:00PM. Guests of the event can enjoy free music, a kid’s zone, and purchase items from various food and vendor booths.

Goapele, who was once called the “spiritual love child of Sade and D’Angelo” by Rolling Stone magazine, is a melody of jazz, soul and hip-hop. One of North Long Beach’s favorites, DW3 is considered a Southern California premiere R&B, funk, and contemporary urban jazz powerhouse; the harmonious group has serenaded Uptown Jazz Festival attendees for the past five years.

“The Uptown Jazz Fest will be an excellent opportunity to enjoy great music and food and experience the great renaissance happening in North Long Beach,” said Councilmember Richardson in a statement. “In our 5th year, we continue to raise the bar with renowned and talented artists, Goapele and DW3 headlining. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there to enjoy this very special celebration of music and the arts in our community.”

Councilmember Richardson and Emissary Media Group are presenting the 5th Annual Uptown Jazz Festival. The Port of Long Beach and the Uptown Business District are sponsoring the event.

For more information about the event, visit www.insidedistrict9.com or call 562.570.6137.

Those interested in vendor applications can email [email protected] or call 562.570.6137.

Houghton Park is located at 6301 Myrtle Ave Long Beach, CA.