The City of Inglewood hosted its third annual Music Festival at Darby Park on July 5. Inglewood residents grooved to several recording artists and musical groups including the Delfonics Experience, Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker, Tierra, Tia P., and Poncho Sanchez.
“It was a lot of work to be able to have this music festival, a lot of pushing behind the scenes to get all of the pieces of the puzzle to come together,” said Inglewood councilwoman Dionne Faulk. “It’s really important for me to make this happen because I feel there’s a lot of other cities producing a free concert in the park for residents.”
KJLH radio personality Adai Lamar was the MC of the festival. Lamar appreciated the diversity of the attendees and the music.
“It is so awesome to be able to see such a diverse group come together in unity with everything that’s happening,” Lamar said. “The only thing that’s going to be able to get us through these times that we’re in right now is pulling together and being a community.”
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When signing up for tickets, attendees had the chance to donate to the Inglewood High School Marching Band. The proceeds helped the band travel to Washington D.C. to participate in America’s National Independence Day Parade.
“We want to share the prosperity that the city has garnered from the smart decisions we made by providing things like property tax rebates, free concerts in the park, rent control,” said Inglewood mayor James Butts. “This is wonderful because this is the most people that’s ever been in this park at one time.”
Darby Park was filled with festival goers who were ready to dance and pop their fans to the music. Many brought blankets and beach chairs to relax while listening to the music.
“It’s just a great vibe to see and we have different cultures that are here as well,” said Inglewood City Clerk Aisha L. Thompson. “It’s amazing to see something like this happening in our city.”
During her performance, Whitaker brought exposure to her education program Yo-Yo’s School of Hip Hop, and her role on the Disney Channel show “Saturdays.”
“The energies recharges me to connect with my community,” Whitaker said. “I fought so hard to be a part of my community for so long and to be accepted.”
Tia P. showed her pride in her Inglewood roots by performing her single “West.” The song was featured in the Netflix show “Rhythm + Flow.”
“It’s a beautiful thing to see all these beautiful, melanated faces,” Tia P. said. “I love to see the heart of [Inglewood] still being here, which is us.”
The festival also showcased vendors and local organizations. Arnetta Robinson sold Afrocentric apparel through her business named One of a Kind Denim and Dresses.
“I love being in Inglewood, I went to Morningside High School,” Robinson said. “I’ve seen a lot of schoolmates, a lot of familiar faces and I love the music.”
Danielle Duruisseau makes her own shea butter and soaps through her business Zen’s Botanical. She also sells East African jewelry.
“It’s perfect to be able to connect with your customers where they’re at,” Duruisseau said. “I’ve had some absolutely wonderful customers.”
Vendors sold a variety of wares, including jewelry, clothing, food and drinks. Inglewood Parks, Recreation and Community Service Department Director Thomas Uwal noted the importance of giving local businesses an economic boost.
“The vendors after COVID, they were hurt,” Uwal said. “What a better way to bring them here, sell whatever items that they have to the community while you’re having the music.”
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