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    The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center

    4.5 (11 reviews)

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    The lovely Grammy-nominated Jazz and Blues beauty, Ms. Barbara Morrison...
    Anika C.

    Yelp 100 Challenge 2016 - Review 11 of 100... This is truly a hidden gem that I am SO thankful I encountered, thanks to Goldstar! [Yelp just told me my original review was too long... I will keep the most important parts, but, if this does not sound as coherent as I am hoping for, it's because Yelp is making me limit what I can share. Therefore, I must forgo telling you how I found this place, what to expect if you call the phone number associated with it, parking information, and numerous tidbits of information that detail my experience with this enchanting spot!] The highlights of my evening: * Ms. Barbara Morrison is a jewel! I didn't realize until my adventure partner told me that the lovely silver-haired chocolate was Ms. Morrison herself! She shared her walnuts with me... asked me if I am in the arts (no - I'm just an enthusiast!)... explained the pictures on the wall to me... I HAD to go back out there and take a picture with her! I would return here just to be in her presence. She is unassuming and so humble and very funny and LOVES her craft... she is doing everything in her power to make the arts available to those in the community and beyond! * Ms. Morrison and her space make me want to learn! My dad is a (retired) history professor and I NEVER liked the subject unless it was taught in a fun, interactive way. I knew nothing of Eartha Kitt outside of "Santa Baby" so my decision to choose this night's particular performance was an attempt to learn more about the history of music in a way that would intrigue me to learn more. Mission accomplished! Since the performance two days ago, I have read up on this multi-lingual beauty, downloaded some of her songs and videos, and decided that I'm sticking to the classy sexiness of yesteryear... I may not get the attention that my skin and cleavage-showing friends do, but there is something SO sexy about the mystery of a woman. I ALSO learned that the "M.A.S.H song", which I previously hated with a passion, is a beautiful song with lyrics called "Suicide is Painless". * The caliber of talent here is amazing! Suzette Nichols, who Ms. Morrison informed us is also an LAUSD teacher, beautifully channeled her inner Miss Kitty! It was her, one stage, two settings... she told the story of Ms. Kitt's life beautifully through monologue and song. She incorporated the "scowl" I've now seen in Ms. Kitt's videos, purrrfectly mimicked her Catwoman purr, and sang "C'est Si Bon" like she wrote it! I don't know French so she could have been singing anything to me that night, but the apparently French-speaking chocolate audience member behind me yelled out "Wow!" during the following applause before telling her boo, "Perfect!" This place is not perfect. I will not - I can't - go into a lot of detail about it (contact me for that privately) but I WILL say that this center has been in an area of LA rich with history that gentrification is trying to change dramatically for eight years... EIGHT years thanks to personal, solicited, and donated funding! It is a much more seasoned staff of dedicated workers (I do not know if they get paid) who is keeping this cultural mecca alive. They need help! Money helps the most! I'm sure rent is not cheap and people want to get paid to work! Time and energy from younger folks will help, too! We want to keep the vintage characteristics and intellectual property presented here but a fresher perspective would definitely help with advertising and broadening this space's potential audience. Ms. Morrison is still traveling (she had just returned from performances in Switzerland) and performing (my dad has seen her at jazz festivals up until last year) to open up a Jazz and Blues museum adjacent to the theater. How awesome would it be for inner city kids and visitors from all over to be able to learn about the roots and foundation of music in Leimert Park?!? It's great to celebrate the lives of MJ and Prince and be fans of current R&B, rap, rock, etc., artists, but let's be real... they would never have had the opportunities to be who they were and are without the, literal, blood sweat and tears of those who paved the way for them! Learning of these often forgotten and unsung performing arts heroes would also teach our youth that everything cannot and should not be handed to you for being on a show... hard work, dedication, consistency, and perfecting your natural gifts and talents is the best way to get, and stay, on top of your game, no matter what your game is. Please check out and support this spot. I highly suggest paying a visit. But, if you just want to send a check or (help) sponsor an event or volunteer some time, do it! Your investment will make a world of difference!

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    Photo of Amy M.
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    3 years ago

    Fabulous venue for Blues and Jazz. HIGHLY RECOMMEND going to their First Thursday Blues....

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

    The BMPAC is the place you want to be, amazing live music, great people and easy parking! &)

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    13 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    Review Highlights - The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center

    Great acoustics, welcoming atmosphere, comfortable seating and there is always a friendly crowd filled with Jazz and Blues enthusiasts!

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

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    The Barbara Morrison Performing Arts Center - theater - Updated August 2026

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