Community

Jazz, Blues and Storytelling Come to La Mesa on March 28 in Benefit for Lemon Grove Arts

By Santee Pulse Staff ยท Published March 16, 2026 ยท 3 min read

East County music lovers have a night to look forward to later this month. The Ira Aldridge Repertory Players will present "Sanctified in Swing" on Saturday, March 28 at the Spacebar Cafรฉ & Wine Bistro, 7454 University Ave. in La Mesa. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m.

The evening blends jazz, blues, and R&B vocal performances with original poetry and storytelling. Leslie Green, a Lemon Grove resident with a powerful soul-rich voice, will headline the musical portion, joined by Roosevelt Carter, whose smooth baritone and warm voice have made him a recognized performer. Both performers are Lemon Grove residents.

Playwright and award-winning director Calvin Manson will also premiere selections from his new work, "When the Ocean Calls Your Name" โ€” a piece about how a chance encounter on a sunlit shoreline becomes destiny. Master of Ceremonies Rene Minniefee, a local singer and songwriter, will anchor the night.

Part of the proceeds will benefit the Lemon Grove Arts Collective, a newly formed organization working to build a vibrant arts community in Lemon Grove. Tickets cost $40 and can be purchased by calling (619) 887-9260 or through the event page at events.ticketleap.com.

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