On Saturday, Watts Towers Arts Center plays host to the 40th anniversary of the Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival, a free festival featuring world-class live music and drumming performances, drum circles, dancing, art exhibitions, arts and crafts for sale, international food, and more.

On Sunday, Watts Towers hosts the 45th  Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival, with free performances throughout the day.

The festivals also feature a drum pavilion and universal drum circle led by Matt Gibson III. Supervised children’s activities take place from 12 noon to 4:30pm. ​Admission and parking are free.

Performance Schedules:

Saturday: 40th Annual Watts Towers Day of the Drum Festival

Masters of Ceremonies: James Janisse and Torrence Brandon Reese

11am: Xochipilli (Aztec traditional dancing with Huehuetl and Teponaztle drums)

12 noon: 1+1 Duo (World percussion)

1pm: TAIKOPROJECT (Based in Little Tokyo, one of LA’s leading taiko groups)

2pm: La Bamba Collective (Afro Puerto Rican ensemble bringing the culture through Puerto Rican drums and dance)

3pm: Tribute to James Gadson, “The Hit Maker” (Featuring Munyungo Jackson, Clayton Cameron, Ronald Bruner Sr., Kenny Sara, and Kenny Elliott with Sherwood Sledge)

4pm:  Kouman Kele West African Dance Company (An exciting traditional West African musical experience)

Sunday: 45th Annual Simon Rodia Watts Towers Jazz Festival

Masters of Ceremonies: James Janisse and Torrence Brandon Reese

11am:  Alaadun (Yoruba ground blessing uniting all cultures based on common themes and principles)

11:30am: Watts Willowbrook Strings (Spiritually connected)

12:30 pm: Jasmine Tommaso (Guitar and vocals–jazz duo revisit the classics, Lorenzo Grassi, guitarist)

1:45 pm:  Tai Chi Chuan (School of Healing Martial Arts with Dr. Daniel Hoover, Instructor)

2pm:  Windy Barnes and The Influentials (Sultry, impeccable voice stylings with all-star musicians on the jazz scene)

3:15pm:  JMP All Stars (featuring Patrice Rushen, Munyungo Jackson, Clayton Cameron, Dr. Bobby Rodriguez, Edwin Livingston, and more)

4:30 pm:  Pan-Afrikan Peoples Arkestra (A community cultural institution that encompasses the creative arts, established in 1961, with multi-generations of artists)