In Step With a Sizzling L.A. Season

I find myself pushing a laid- back strut on the sun-soaked streets of Leimert Park Village. Hunting for a brilliant CD from local jazz/afrobeat luminary Najite and his Ogun Prophecy band, I duck into Sika’s African goodie shop to grab some shade and complete my mission. This was to be my last time obtaining this CD; I’d owned it twice but gave it away both times yearning to share its genius.

Turns out I’m a week too early, so I thank Sika and continue my strut, bound for the crib. The stereo in my brain hits play and slowly turns up the volume on Kool and the Gang’s “Summer Madness”--the sexy live version with the bebop twist. Ah yes, another summer is ripening in Southern Cali--dare I taste the nectar and have the time of my life thus far?

The song playing in my head creates landscapes that nurture summer daydreams. Every rhythmic step triggers a thought. I’m feeling great as I strut, like I need to go to the gym, get in shape for the coming adventure. It’s true what they say about newlyweds gaining a few extra pounds in their first couple of years together. I think of my wife’s honest smile and her plans to treat us to some camping and dune buggy racing in Pismo Beach. Which reminds me, our anniversary is fast approaching--ahh, summer love! I think a return to Santa Monica’s Oceana Hotel will be quite delicious.

Speaking of tastes, the buds strike up a conversation, begging me to satisfy their insatiable hunger for the finest fat-, sugar- and carb-filled delights in town. My strut slows as I imagine hot juices and Haagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream dribbling down my chin from the most incredible blackberry cobbler ever created at Cynthia’s on 3rd, near La Cienega. Snapping out of it, I continue strutting, wondering whether Manhattan Wonton will ever reopen at its supposed new location. The taste buds ramble on about Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, the heavyweight champion shakes and smoothies at Simply Wholesome on Slauson at Overhill, and the smooth, high-quality drinks at a new coffee shop called Aromazone on King Boulevard at Crenshaw, next to M&M;’s Soulfood--if you go, try the Serenetea Latte or Chai Berry Latte for flavor unparalleled.

A few more blocks to go as the new sweat on my forehead cues the next mental melody. From Sylk 130’s first album, “When the Funk Hits the Fan,” Alison Crockett begins to croon “Season’s Change.” Her voice elicits those timeless moments when an audience merges with the artist.

Hollywood Bowl Features Jazz, World Music, Sade

I anticipate those moments to come at the Hollywood Bowl all summer long. I hope to be put in a trance by living legend Nancy Wilson as she graces a night at the Playboy Jazz Festival on June 17. I hear joyous Latino howls and hand claps during Cachao, Eddie Palmieri, Dave Valentin and Poncho Sanchez on July 11. What a pleasure it will be to once again take part in KCRW’s World Festival--I’m already practicing my introduction of Baaba Mal, Angelique Kidjo and Ex-centric Sound System for Aug. 12. And thanks to a couple of friends, my lover and I will rock to the bewitching groove that is Sade on July 23.

Rounding off my walk, my private jukebox changes once more and Jill Scott lulls a scattered mind with “Love Rain.” She sings those intonations that urge celebration--of history, heritage. I’m hyped to visit the California African-American Museum by Aug. 19 for a show titled “Hair in African Art and Culture.” And this year, I’m hoping to spin records at the 16th annual African Market Place, beginning Aug. 18 for three consecutive weekends.

Speaking of deejaying, approaching the last block, my blood stirs with thoughts of lubricating dance floors in San Francisco, Philly and Venezuela, among other potential party destinations. After I stumble through the door, a phone call from L.A.’s own DJ Logic brings me closer to home, as he prompts me to prepare for the next Soundlessons--an artful dance experience happening every fourth Saturday at the Central City Cafe in downtown L.A. Ah yes, another summer is ripening in Southern Cali--can you dig it?

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Garth Trinidad is the host of “Chocolate City” on KCRW-FM (89.9).