“Where are all the Black people at?”
It’s a common question among Black tourists and those who have recently relocated to LA. The city is abundant with Black history and legendary Black-owned businesses, but there’s no consensus on where young Black professionals are going out and letting loose in their time off.
Local Black DJs and musicians are changing that with weekly and monthly residencies at LA’s up-and-coming nightlife spots. Shake a tail feather at any one of these recurring dance nights:
Nebula
The Mayfair Hotel’s Library Bar is a recent addition to DTLA’s nightlife scene and features two open floors and a garden patio for guests to boogie down. Like most of The Library Bar’s events, Nebula is free and on September 7th, guest DJs Novena Carmel and Sam Sparro will join resident DJ Knights of Zion. Novena Carmel promises a night of, “house, afro, gospel, disco, and funk rolled into one”
World70
Mayfair’s Library Bar graces the list again for their monthly World 70 party hosted by K-Boogie, Merc 80, and D.Painter, with music by Tailwind Turner. You’ll hear everything from salsa to reggae to afrobeat and funk, so come ready to move your feet. The next edition of World 70 is this Saturday, August 24 from 10 pm to close, with free entry all night.
Silent Party
The highly anticipated Trap ‘n’ Twerk edition of LA’s Silent Party is coming up fast on Saturday, August 31st at the British pub Pig ‘n’ Whistle. Don a pair of headphones and bounce between three channels with DJs playing your favorite trap and twerk hits. Tickets start at $8 and can be purchased here.
How You Feel Dance Party
How You Feel Dance Party is a great place to shake off your workweek stress and embrace the weekend. You’ll find DJ Kene & Friends in the stage room playing r&b, hip hop, classics, “nu sh*t,” and more, or switch it up in Dance Therapy with Def Sound who provides “supreme vibes that’ll be just what your body needs.” The party is free all night every Friday from 10pm to close at The Virgil.
Afrofuturist Block Party
The Afrofuturist Block Party coincides with the 11th Annual Leimert Park Village Heritage Festival and is inspired by the work of Leimert Park-based artist Timothy Washington, whose work is the focus of a solo exhibition at the California African American Museum (CAAM) beginning September 25. Attendees are invited to celebrate the limitless innovation of Afrofuturism with hands-on art workshops, food, and live music performances.