Important: 30th Anniversary of BBoy Summit Brings Hip-Hop Legends to Los Angeles

The BBoy Summit, an iconic event in the world of hip-hop, returns to Los Angeles this weekend, marking its 30th anniversary. This year’s summit promises to be a grand celebration of street dance, music, and culture, featuring a diverse lineup of performances and activities that highlight the rich history and evolution of hip-hop. The event will take place from July 19 to July 21, 2024, across various locations in Los Angeles, including Plummer Park, Levitt Pavilion, and Wall Street.

The BBoy Summit has been a cornerstone in the hip-hop community since its inception, providing a platform for dancers, musicians, and artists to showcase their talents and connect with like-minded individuals. This year’s summit is particularly special as it commemorates three decades of hip-hop excellence, with events that pay homage to the past while looking forward to the future of the genre.

Weekend Highlights

The weekend kicks off on Friday, July 19, 2024, with a special performance at Plummer Park’s Fiesta Hall. From 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, attendees can enjoy the West Coast Funk & Soul Theatre Dance Performance, which tells the story of west coast street and club dance culture. The performance, supported by an arts grant from the City of West Hollywood, features dancers from No Easy Props and is narrated by a young girl from LA who grew up watching Soul Train, the Jacksons, and New Edition. Tickets for this event are priced at $10 at the door.

On Saturday, July 20, 2024, the festivities continue at Levitt Pavilion from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This free event will feature a dance presentation that delves into the history of hip-hop, showcasing styles such as locking, funky robot, hip-hop pop-locking, and breaking. The evening will also include performances by renowned artists like Special Ed and The Egyptian Lover, who are set to bring their unique sounds to the stage.

Sunday, July 21, 2024, marks the grand finale of the BBoy Summit with the East Coast vs. West Coast Battle and the Color Wars Last Man Standing competition at Wall Street LA. From 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, dancers will compete for cash prizes, with notable judges including Ken Swift, Trac 2, Chino, Papo Luv, Alien Ness, JRocc, Bles, Foxx Boogie, Hazze, Ervin Arana, Tiffstarr, Smurf, Silky, Wen Luv, and Vix Vapor. Tickets for Sunday’s events are $20.

Other Exciting Events in Los Angeles

While the BBoy Summit is undoubtedly a highlight of the weekend, Los Angeles offers a plethora of other exciting events for residents and visitors alike. On Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the First Baptist Church of Venice will host the first annual Venice Soulstice festival. This event celebrates Black expression through music and art, featuring live painting by artist Gakwaya, musical performances, and a talk by a local historian on the legacy of Black communities on LA’s Westside. Attendees can also enjoy Jamaican food from Ozi’s Kitchen.

For those interested in comedy, comedian Jen Kober will perform at the Ice House in Pasadena on Friday, July 19, 2024, at 7:30 PM. Known for her Southern humor and storytelling, Kober has won Best Comedic Performance on NPR’s Snap Judgement and will preview her comedy special No Flies On Me on YouTube.

Fitness enthusiasts can head to Culver City’s SixPax Gym on Saturday, July 20, 2024, for the SuperShow, a new bodybuilding competition that showcases physical transformations and uplifting stories. Participants, ranging in age from 20 to 60, will compete, and the event is free to watch.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city brimming with cultural, artistic, and recreational activities. For those visiting the city for the BBoy Summit, we recommend taking some time to explore the diverse neighborhoods and attractions that LA has to offer. From the historic Griffith Park, where you can catch a Shakespeare in the Park production of As You Like It on Sunday, July 21, 2024, to the vibrant arts scene at the Brand Library and Art Center in Glendale, there is something for everyone.

For occasional travelers, consider visiting the Hollyhock House in East Hollywood. This weekend, the French cultural institution Villa Albertine is hosting a screening of the indie film My Donkey, My Lover, and I, directed by Caroline Vignal. The event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a great film in one of LA’s beautiful historic spots.

For expert travelers, delve deeper into LA’s rich history by attending the Venice Soulstice festival. Engage with the local community, learn about the legacy of Black communities on LA’s Westside, and enjoy the artistic and musical performances that celebrate Black expression.

In conclusion, whether you’re a hip-hop enthusiast attending the BBoy Summit or a traveler exploring the myriad of events in Los Angeles, this weekend promises a wealth of experiences that highlight the city’s vibrant culture and community spirit. Enjoy the festivities and make the most of your time in the City of Angels!