Inglewood residents and surrounding communities came out by the thousands to enjoy a day in Darby Park for the 3rd Annual Inglewood Music Festival on July 5, 2025. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
The Southern Truth
By Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
Saturday — just a day after the Fourth of July — Inglewood turned up the heat at the 3rd Annual Music Festival in fabulous Darby Park, right down the street from SoFi Stadium off Crenshaw. Under the beautiful Southern California sunshine, this truly was the place to be! And let me tell you: Councilwoman Dionne Faulk and the entire City of Inglewood deserve the biggest high five for hosting an event that brought out what felt like every single resident — plus plenty from neighboring cities too.
Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker performs for the crowd at the Inglewood Music Festival with Inglewood Councilwoman Dionne Faulk enjoying the moment on Saturday, July 5, 2025, Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
Old-school legends The Dazz Band, The Delfonics, and Tierra delivered classic hits, while salsa grooves kept the energy sizzling hotter than any July sun. And it didn’t stop there — hip hop pioneer Yo-Yo lit up the stage in an orange, strapless, glittering jumpsuit. Even before she touched the mic, the crowd was hyped, and when she shouted out her mother dancing beside her like a teenage cheerleader, the entire park cheered even louder. Adai Lamar, serving as MC for the day, added her own celebrity spark. As the beloved KJLH radio personality, fans couldn’t get enough, stopping her often to grab photos by the step-and-repeat. It was a blast.
Tierra shining on stage at the Inglewood Music Festival. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
It truly was an incredible day: families stretched out on picnic blankets, friends dancing together, and everyone soaking in the joy of community spirit. Former State Senator Steven Bradford, now running for California Insurance Commissioner, was there too, wishing Inglewood continued success — and it was undeniable, right there on display. It was a celebration of Inglewood’s culture, warmth, and history seeing everyone together — local leaders, artists, and neighbors — sharing and caring it truly made it feel like family.
And let’s not forget the pulse of the festival: DJ QwestCoast, whose heart-throbbing beats kept thousands on their feet all afternoon. That’s what a festival should feel like — alive, loud, and unforgettable.
DJ QwestCoast serving up sounds that kept everyone on their feet and out of their seats at the Inglewood Music Festival. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS.
Torrence Reese (right), one of the Delfonics who performed at the Inglewood Music Festival took time to smile with fans. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
Actor Hill Harper with Inglewood City Clerk, Aisha L. Thompson, City Councilwoman Dionne Faulk and Adai Lamar at the Inglewood Music Festival. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker’s mother busting moves on stage with her daughter with her daughter at the Inglewood Music Festival. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
I was also deeply impressed by the Inglewood City Clerk’s Office, led by the dynamic City Clerk Aisha L. Thompson. They set up right there in the park, boots on the ground, offering everything from election info to city notices — a powerful reminder of how much Inglewood cares about keeping residents informed and engaged.
A massive shoutout goes to Mayor James T. Butts, Jr. for inspiring leadership citywide, and to 2nd District Councilman Alex Padilla and 3rd District Eloy Morales, who stood shoulder to shoulder with Councilwoman Faulk — showing what a powerhouse team Inglewood has. And behind every great woman is a great partner — so let’s give credit to Mr. Shannon Faulk too for his unwavering support.
Inglewood City Clerk booth representative ready to help with information at the Inglewood Music Festival. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
Inglewood City Clerk, Aisha L. Thompson, Radio Personality Adai Lamar and City Councilwoman Dionne Faulk. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS.
DAZZ BAND brought old-school tunes to Darby Park during the Inglewood Music Festival on Saturday, July 5, 2025. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
The highlight for me? Watching the Dazz Band, decked out in purple, bring back that disco era as the crowd clapped to every beat. And Yo-Yo’s heartfelt performance, sharing the spotlight with her mother, reminded everyone what makes Inglewood special: family, heritage, and heart.
And let’s not forget the reason behind it all: the festival proudly supported the Inglewood Unified School District, proving that when we come together to celebrate, we can also give back to our kids and community.
The Inglewood Music Festival stage manager (left) and Tierra team member (right). Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
Curtis Mitchell and District 4 Planning Commissioner Cheryl Shaw-Williams pausing for the camera at the Inglewood Music Festival. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS.
Attendees enjoying themselves at the Inglewood Music Festival. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
Attendees dancing to the music at the Inglewood Music Festival held at Darby Park on July 5, 2025. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
Destinee Wesley, Deputy City Clerk, enjoying a day at the Inglewood Music Festival. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen/PACE NEWS
If you missed it, you truly missed an old-school, sunny Saturday throw-down in the City of Champions — where family and friends from all four districts danced, sang, and celebrated together. Councilwoman Dionne Faulk hosted an event that wasn’t just big — it was legendary. All I can say is: next year, let’s make it even grander!
Because this is what Inglewood is all about — and this is The Southern Truth.
Attendee enjoying her day at the Inglewood Music Festival in Darby Park. Photo by Gloria Zuurveen
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