I look fondly upon the place where I grew up. It is the place where I am from but not the place where I belong. That's something Dwight Trible and I have in common. Both born in Ohio, both now calling Los Angeles our homes.

Dwight: "I was born and raised in Cincinnati but I feel that I am from LA. I feel a deeper connection with this city than any place else on earth. When I was 10 years old, the spirit told me that I would live in LA. I was 23 when I moved here."

If Dwight has made LA his home, it, in turn, has adopted him with open arms. This talented jazz vocalist, who has played with the likes of Billy Childs, Kenny Burrell, Bobby Hutcherson, Harry Bellafonte and Charles Lloyd, has made The World Stage at Leimert Park his musical home.

"I first heard Dwight at a concert over 10 years ago. His approach to singing is so unique that it takes a few moments to even realize what's going on," commented Angel City Jazz Festival producer Rocco Somazzi. "But once you're locked in, he takes you on a truly intense emotional ride. I've seen Dwight perform many times and hearing him sing always gives me the feeling that something magical is happening."

When asked what excites him about jazz music today, Dwight replied, "I believe it's breaking through the boundaries and stereotypes of being labeled jazz. The music is reaching in so many different directions; it has transcended the word jazz."

A man surprising and profound, playful and talented, LA's own Dwight Trible will be performing on October 1 at the Angel City Jazz Festival - Global Jam with The Pan Afrikan Peoples Arkestra.

His parting words? "There is nothing better in LA than a warm clear night at the Ford Theatres. When you can look up and see the stars and hear some beautiful music, it's heaven on earth. And, that's the truth." Welcome home.

- Kim