The Central Avenue scene

Once described by Wynton Marsalis as “the 52nd Street of Los Angeles,” Central Avenue served as the city’s nerve center of African American arts and culture from the 1920s to the 1950s. Jazz legends such as Eric Dolphy, Charles Mingus and Dexter Gordon are among those who cut their teeth in the scene surrounding the area’s famed Dunbar Hotel, and with this weekend’s Central Avenue Jazz Festival, the neighborhood celebrates those rich traditions with arts and crafts, ethnic cuisine and freewheeling jazz. Veteran trombonist Phil Ranelin, bop saxophonist Charles McPherson and many others are sure to stir the ghosts of the area’s vibrant past.

Central Avenue Jazz Festival, Central Avenue between 42nd and 43rd streets, L.A. 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. (562) 985-5566, www.centralavenuejazzfestival.com