What is Del's Juke Joint
Del’s Juke Joint offers high-quality, free entertainment through comedy and music to low-income communities in Los Angeles County. We aim to improve residents' well-being and health, while honoring the rich Black American tradition of Juke Joints, which have long enriched the history and diverse culture of Los Angeles.
Del's Juke Joint upholds tradition!
Like the traditional Juke Joints held in Speak-easys by Black Americans in the 1800s and beyond, we're providing a free (or low-cost) gathering that fills the spirit, unites communities, gives artists and audience alike a platform to express themselves, and relieves stress for all. We add a twist to Del's Juke Joint, though, by opening our doors to Angelenos from all walks of life while carrying out this rich Black American tradition.
Audience Member giving us Angeleno history. She was hysterical.
How does Del Juke Joint benefit businesses?
Samson Crouppen, Comedian & Singer
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Drives traffic to small business owners
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Help businesses scale by requiring patrons to buy items when items are for sale
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Support business owners and independent contractors from historically marginalized communities
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Provides free marketing for the venue
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Support neighboring businesses when buying food, drinks and supplies to provide to our audience at no-cost
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Pay artists a fair wage
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Train emerging artists in entertainment such as sound engineers and customer service staff, equipping them with critical life and work skills to use well past our events
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Connect owners with community by providing free or low-cost entertainment at their venue
Del's Juke Joint Awards
In 2023, Del's Juke Joint was awarded a $10,000 grant from the Alliance for California Traditional Artists to further the enrichment of Black heritage in Los Angeles. We held free shows at:
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Emmy Lou's Art Gallery
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The Cellar Speak Easy inside the Saga Studios in DTLA
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The Living Room in DTLA
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Kevin Hart's Hart House, near USC Campus
Before the A.C.T.A. grant, we funded Del's Juke Joint with audience donations at BIPOC Venues such as Hot & Cool Cafe in Leimert Park, Engine Co 28 in DTLA, Little Amsterdam Coffee Shop in Mid City and Witches Brewery in Van Nuys.
Del's Juke Joint, Founder & Host, Comedian & Singer, Del Harrison pictured with Betty Marin, Associate Program Director for A.C.T.A.
The next show is December 7th at NiVessa Vinyl Records in Hollywood on The Walk of Fame. Del's Juke Joint is a small and mighty audience. Our style of show is held at small venues but this audience is unique. They are mavens, connectors and loving people who connect and unite communities. Your support helps us to pay artists and keeps the show free for our patrons, because something this good should always be free.