The inaugural LA Jazz Festival has been cancelled, according to NME. The event was set to begin on Friday, August 7, and run through August 23 with performances from John Legend, Janelle Monáe, Ezra Collective and more.
Organizer Martin Ludlow, a former Los Angeles city council member, told the Los Angeles Times that the decision was made because of “significant, unanticipated last-minute public safety and municipal costs” tied to final permitting for the On The Beach Festival.
In addition to the artists already announced, the lineup included Parliament-Funkadelic, Raphael Saadiq, Big Freedia, Free Nationals, Terrace Martin and Charlie Wilson. The opening night event had been planned for Leimert Park Village.
Ludlow said the team still hopes to bring the festival’s full vision to Los Angeles in 2027 and beyond. According to the organizer, all current ticket holders will receive full refunds within 30 days.
