On Sunday, March 26th at 2 p.m., The Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum, located at 4130 Overland Avenue in Culver City, will present another of the late Mimi Melnick’s Double M Jazz Salons. The much-anticipated concert will feature prolific saxophonist, composer and bandleader, Azar Lawrence.

An edgy, risk-taking, world world-class ensemble, The Azar Lawrence Quartet includes, pianist Theo Saunders; Henry Franklin, bass and Tony Austin, drums. During unencumbered, spontaneous forays, the artists will showcase original compositions that challenge the imagination while offering unique renditions of classic standards.

From downbeat to cadenza, unsuspecting listeners are ushered on a spiritual odyssey. Azar reveals, “As we cross the bridge into the New Age, the music of the spheres guides us.” Steeped in timeless traditions, Azar will blend the brew while praising the ancestors. Delving deeply into his vast repertoire, the titan of the tenor will stoke the fire and serenade lovers as he abruptly turns balladeer. His horn of plenty remains poised for either occasion.

A native Angeleno, Mr. Lawrence has toured extensively throughout the U.S. and abroad, performing with McCoy Tyner, Alphonse Mouzon, Horace Tapscott, Nolan Shaheed, Harold Land, Jr., Roy McCurdy, Kevin Toney, William Henderson, Nate Morgan, Tootie Heath, James Leary, Bobby West, Phil Ranelin, Dwight Trible, Fritz Wise, Michael Hunter, Rashied Ali, Larry Gales, Miles Davis, Albert Dailey, Onaje Murray, Sunship Theus, Ron Carter, Gene Harris, Woody Shaw, George Cables,

Elvin Jones, Herbie Baker, Earth, Wind & Fire, Richard Grant, and scores of others.

Sunday, March 26th at 2 p.m

Azar Lawrence

The Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum

4130 Overland Avenue

Doors open at 12:30 p.m. At 1:00 p.m., Azar will briefly reflect on his stellar career, in an informal discussion with jazz historian, Jeffrey Winston. The first of two sizzling sets, will begin at 2:00 p.m. The Double M Jazz Salon will continue its unique program series at the Mayme A. Clayton Library & Museum in Culver City. In 1996, Jazz Baroness Mimi Melnick launched her first salon at her Encino home on Strawberry Drive. Mimi loved jazz. She organized the intimate salons to support L.A.’s jazz community. Producer Steve Isoardi notes, “We are now celebrating the 22nd year of Mimi’s unique series!”

“We are very proud and extremely honored to carry the torch”, said Executive

Director Lloyd Clayton. The MCLM, collects, preserves, exhibits and celebrates, the vast history and cultural heritage of Americans of African descent. Seating is limited. Salon tickets are $20.00 and may be purchased online at

or call, (310) 202-1647.