Hosted by Kym Whitley, the summer concert series finale celebrated music and community connection as Altadena and Pasadena continued recovering from the Eaton Fire.
Kym Whitley already has plans for next summer. After hosting Jazzy Jam for Empowerment’s final concert of its 2026 summer series at Paseo Colorado in Pasadena, California, the actress and comedian told a crowd of more than 600 that she would return for next year’s Jazzy Jam Summer Concert Series.
The free finale concert closed the organization’s 2026 summer series and welcomed fall with a tribute to Prince and Michael Jackson, featuring Andrew Gouché and the Band of Brothers, The Purple Generation, and DJ T3. The evening also honored entertainment publicist Jalila Larsuel and saluted the Waters Family.
For JJE founder Jacqueline “Jackie” Snell, the event carried added meaning as Altadena and Pasadena continued recovering from the Eaton Fire and its impact on the community. The concert offered a place to reconnect, share music, and find moments of joy during that recovery.
“I’m so pleased we were blessed to build bridges with the community and to provide music that is healing for the soul for everyone,” Snell said.
Snell founded JJE to bring people together through music, culture, and meaningful experiences that inspire hope, healing, and connection. Its concerts and programming create welcoming spaces where people of different ages and backgrounds can build relationships and celebrate together.
The finale put that mission on full display, bringing more than 600 people into a shared space with free access to live music. Alongside performances, attendees had access to arts and vendors, games, raffles, prizes, and line dancing.
Snell said the event offered an opportunity for Altadena and Pasadena to heal together. “There were so many walks of life and generations that gathered,” she said. “It was a wonderful diversity of people, and that is what Altadena and Pasadena are all about!”
Gouché’s participation added a personal link to the tribute. The bassist and musical director has worked with both Prince and Michael Jackson, with a career spanning gospel, R&B, and popular music. His credits also include Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and The Winans.
The Purple Generation, a Los Angeles-based Prince tribute band known for its high-energy celebration of his music, joined the lineup alongside DJ T3.
The tribute also spotlighted the Waters Family, whose voices have appeared on hundreds of gold and platinum recordings. Their collective credits include Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Patti LaBelle, Paul Simon, Neil Diamond, the Jackson 5, Adele, Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer.
Larsuel received recognition from Rep. Judy Chu, Pasadena Councilmember Tyron Hampton, and radio host Pat Prescott for her longstanding contributions to the entertainment industry and her continued support of Jazzy Jam for Empowerment.
Her work as a former publicist for Michael Jackson provided a personal connection to the evening’s tribute and highlighted a profession that often operates behind the scenes—helping artists communicate their work and connect with the public.
Whitley brought another familiar entertainment presence to the program. Known for her work in The Parkers, Young & Hungry, and Curb Your Enthusiasm, she also stars in The Varnell Hill Show, the Paramount+ comedy led by Tommy Davidson that brings his character from Martin into a new series.
Nadrich Law Corporation served as the major sponsor, with additional support from ONNI Group, The Paseo, Pasadena Community Foundation, My Tribe Rise, Direct Relief, and Foothill Family Center.
The finale celebrated Prince and Michael Jackson while also honoring behind-the-scenes contributors and connecting neighbors. Snell said the event’s focus remained the same: people from different backgrounds sharing music, building bridges and finding space to heal together.
For more information about Jazzy Jam for Empowerment, visit jazzyjamforempowerment.org.
PHOTOS: RONALD JENKINS
