By Voice & Viewpoint Staff
This past Labor Day Weekend marked the end of an era as Jazz at the Creek took its final bow with the 14th Annual Jazz at the Creek sunset finale. Held on the lush South Lawn of the Educational Cultural Complex in San Diego (ECC), the two-day celebration (August 30–31) brought together smooth grooves, gourmet bites, and golden-hour vibes for one last, dazzling hurrah.
Dr. Leonard Thompson and the M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records and M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Project Impact teams started the signature summer staple fourteen years ago, bringing top-shelf talent to the Southeastern San Diego community with care, a lot of hard work, and a love for the community. Traditionally held at the Jacob’s Center’s creek side pavilion, the concert series moved to the ECC campus last year.
“It has been a pleasure serving our community and bringing great music to our community for the last fourteen years,” said Dr. Thompson, M.A.N.D.A.T.E.’s President and CEO.
From 1:00 to 7:00 PM each day, the crowd was treated to a powerhouse lineup featuring the legendary Gerald Albright, the soul-stirring Durti-Ryce ft. Deron, local favorite Rebecca Jade, and high-energy acts like The Group Fire, Erisa Nicole, Darryl Williams, David P. Stevens, and Brittany Spaulding. The music flowed effortlessly, backed by the late-summer sun and a warm, festive crowd.
For those looking to elevate their experience, VIP guests enjoyed a curated gourmet meal, reserved seating, and access to premium wine and top-shelf spirits—plus those subtle luxe touches (like limited reserved parking) that made the evening feel extra special.
Jazz at the Creek may be signing off, but its legacy? Timeless.
The Group Five Credit: Rochelle Porter 
Rebecca Jade Credit: Rochelle Porter 
Credit: Rochelle Porter 
Center foreground, CA State Assemblymember (D-79) Dr. LaShae Sharp-Collins Credit: Rochelle Porter 
Brittany Spaulding Credit: Rochelle Porter 
The M.A.N.D.A.T.E. Records Team Credit: Rochelle Porter 
Far Right: Dr. Leonard Thompson, M.A.N.D.A.T.E Records President & Ceo. with headliner Gerald Albright (far left) Credit: Rochelle Porter 
Headliner Gerald Albright brought the house down at the 14h Annual Jazz at the Creek concert series on Sunday, August 31, 2025 at ECC Credit: Rochelle Porter 
Dr. Michelle Thompson Credit: Rochelle Porter
For full stories and photos only published in print, pick up a paper at a newsstand near you, or check out the latest edition of our newspaper on Thursday each week.
