Jazz at Drew Returns to Charles R. Drew University to Celebrate 60 Years and Support Student Scholarships

The sound of smooth basslines and vibrant brass will soon echo across South Los Angeles as Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (CDU) prepares for the return of its iconic Jazz at Drew festival. Scheduled for Saturday, October 10, the outdoor music gathering serves as a anchor event for the institution’s 60th anniversary and annual Homecoming celebration.

Beyond providing a day of world-class entertainment, the festival carries a deeply purposeful mission. Proceeds raised from ticket sales directly support student scholarships, academic programming, and campus development at the nation's only federally designated Black-serving health professions university. By gathering the local community through culture, CDU reinforces its unique position as both an academic anchor and a vital haven for public health equity.

Music with a Mission in South Los Angeles

Originally established to foster neighborhood unity and bridge connections between the university and the surrounding South Los Angeles community, Jazz at Drew has grown into a cherished cultural tradition. The festival regularly draws thousands of music enthusiasts, alumni, health professionals, and local residents to campus for a day rooted in celebration and collective pride.

This year's event holds elevated significance as the university marks six decades of educational service. Founded in the wake of the 1965 Watts Rebellion, CDU was created specifically to address the severe lack of healthcare access and trained medical professionals in underserved urban communities. Hosting a major cultural festival on campus grounds allows the university to celebrate that enduring legacy while welcoming the neighbors it was built to serve.

Investing in the Next Generation of Black Clinicians

The funds generated by Jazz at Drew play a critical role in addressing one of the most pressing challenges in American healthcare: the underrepresentation of Black physicians and health professionals. Today, Black doctors account for roughly five percent of the total U.S. physician workforce, despite Black Americans making up over 13 percent of the population. Research consistently demonstrates that patients often experience better health outcomes, improved communication, and higher levels of trust when cared for by providers who share their cultural background.

By funneling festival proceeds directly into student financial aid, CDU helps eliminate economic barriers for aspiring doctors, nurses, physician assistants, and public health leaders. Students who train at CDU are uniquely equipped to address chronic health disparities—including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and maternal mortality—that disproportionately impact Black populations.

Celebrating Community and Health Equity

As general admission tickets go on sale, university leaders are encouraging both long-time supporters and new visitors to join the festivities. The day promises a diverse lineup of live musical performances, local food vendors, and opportunities to engage with the university’s ongoing health initiatives.

By blending cultural enrichment with its founding commitment to social justice, Charles R. Drew University demonstrates that community wellness extends beyond the clinic walls. On October 10, Jazz at Drew will once again prove that supporting the future of Black healthcare can be both a transformative movement and a joyous celebration.