About The World Stage
The World Stage Performance Gallery stands as one of Los Angeles' most important cultural institutions - founded in 1989 by the legendary jazz drummer Billy Higgins and poet and community arts activist Kamau Daáood. Located in Leimert Park Village - the heart of Los Angeles' African American cultural community - this 100-capacity venue has grown from a loose collective of artists into a pioneering force in South LA's music and arts landscape.
Mission and Vision
The World Stage's mission is to secure - preserve and advance the position of African American music - literature and works in the oral tradition to local - national and international audiences. The venue fills a crucial cultural void by providing a space where jazz occupies an important position within the fabric of the community - fostering an ongoing jazz-driven cultural revolution.
Educational Programming
Through its comprehensive weekly workshop schedule - The World Stage provides quality arts education that links youth with elders in the African American cultural tradition. Monday features the Drum Workshop for children of all ages - continuing the legacy started by Billy Higgins. Tuesday offers Jazz Vocal Workshop. Wednesday hosts the Anansi Writer's Workshop for literary arts. Thursday presents both the Women's African Drum Circle and the Billy Higgins Instrumental Jam Session. Saturday includes the Trap Drum Workshop for children and the Jazz Workshop. Sunday rounds out the week with the Woodwind Workshop and the Rose Gales Vocal Jam Session.
Workshop Philosophy
Workshops are generally offered to the public for suggested donations of $5 to $15 - but importantly - no one is turned away for lack of funds. These sessions operate as informal jam sessions where participants gain intimate understanding of rhythm - percussion - vocal techniques and instrumental performance. The environment fosters exchange and interaction between artists of all ages and levels - providing a place for self-discovery - experimentation and critical feedback in a nourishing setting.
Performance Events
Beyond workshops - The World Stage hosts ticketed performances typically on Friday and Saturday evenings. These concerts feature both local talent and nationally acclaimed artists - including special events like the Kwanzaa Music Festival and the monthly Leimert Park Jazz Festival Sunday Jazz Concert Series. Recent performances have featured renowned musicians and emerging voices in the jazz community.
Alumni and Impact
The fruits of The World Stage's nurturing environment are evident in its many notable alumni who have honed their creative skills through training and exposure at the venue. Alumni include musical groups like B Sharp Jazz Quartet - Young World Stage All-Stars and Black Note; bestselling authors Michael Datcher and Jenoyne Adams; Pulitzer Prize nominee Ruth Forman; acclaimed vocalist Dwight Trible; Sundance Film Fellow Nyesha Khalfani; and author - poet - publisher and radio personality Peter J. Harris.
Sacred Space
The World Stage has evolved into what many consider a sacred space in the Los Angeles music community. It represents more than just a performance venue - it's a place where cultural heritage is preserved - artistic excellence is cultivated and community bonds are strengthened through the transformative power of music and the arts. The venue continues to honor Billy Higgins' legacy while adapting to serve new generations of artists and audiences.