The Travellist Issue 2 March 2015 | Page 61

Jamila Jabulani • Inglewood, California are looking for generous portions of southern comfort food like oxtails, short ribs, and peach cobbler then this is your spot! www.soulfoodkitchenla.com JJ’S BISTRO RESTAURANT & CATERING: 401 E. HILLCREST BOULEVARD, INGLEWOOD, CA 90301 Made more so popular by the reality television show Preachers of LA, this restaurant is a healthy option with vegetarian items for those who aren’t into heavy soul food yet desire a similar taste. No fried foods here! Flavorful soups and salads rule the menu. The Bistro is named after the owner’s beloved dog who often makes a cameo on Preachers of LA. https://www.facebook.com/pages/JJs-Bistrorestaurant EntertEntertainment ainment THE FORUM: 3900 WEST MANCHESTER BOULEVARD, INGLEWOOD, CA 90305 Once home to the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team and the Los Angeles Kings Hockey team, this cozy entertainment venue re-opened last year and hosts concerts by artists such as Lady Gaga, Sam Smith, Chris Brown, Fleetwood Mac, and Maroon 5; award shows like the VMAs (Video Music Awards); comedy tours; and sporting events. With perfected acoustics and Vegas-style lighting, the Forum has a capacity of 17,505 and is just a few minutes away from the 405 freeway and LAX airport. www.thelaforum.com/ THE SAVOY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER: 218 SOUTH LA BREA AVENUE, INGLEWOOD, CA 90301 A performance haven for R&B artists, this is a great place to let loose and get down without being judged. The typical age range is 25 to 40 and the club features hip hop, R&B, and reggae music. One of the most popular nights is Taco Tuesday because patrons can hear some good music, have some potent drinks and enjoy $1.00 tasty tacos. Most recently, the cast of R&B Divas filmed at this spacious location and featured performers have included Chrisette Michelle and Brian McKnight. Complete with a stage, large dance floor, booths, bottle service, and free admission on most nights, The Savoy is a nice addition to the neighborhood. It’s an unforgettable experience. www.thesavoyentertainmentcenter.com/ their doors to showcase work by local residents. Many major cities enjoy an annual art walk of some sort and this is Inglewood’s version of celebrating art in The Wood and beyond. Each year, the event becomes more diverse in art form and ethnic representation and provides art enthusiasts an opportunity to view work off the beaten path. Free shuttles are provided and there will of course be wine! http://www.inglewoodopenstudios.com/ THE AFRO-LATIN FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AND DANCE: EDWARD VINCENT JR. PARK AMPHITHEATER, 700 WARREN LANE, INGLEWOOD, 90302 This free event promises to be a vibrant and culturally engaging event every summer. Sponsored by the Inglewood Cultural Arts organization, the festival features live performances by groups from East Los Angeles, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Brazil. World music including samba, disco and house is played by a DJ in-between sets to keep the crowd energized and excited for the next performance. It’s a great family-friendly event where curious souls can learn about and celebrate Afro-Latin music and dance. Audience participation is encouraged so don’t be afraid to sing or dance along! http://www.inglewoodculturalarts.org/ KJLH RADIO STATION: 161 N. LA BREA AVE, INGLEWOOD, CA 90301 This “radio free” classic R&B station is situated in downtown Inglewood and is actively owned by Stevie Wonder who sometimes steps in as a guest DJ. Kindness, Joy, Love, and Happiness (KJLH) sponsors various cultural and community events in Inglewood and surrounding areas. Listen in to see what’s happening in the community and to also hear the popular Steve Harvey Morning Show. www.kjlhradio.com INGLEWOOD OPEN STUDIOS: The second weekend in November is when over 60 artist studios fling open March 2015 59