On May 12, Rémy Martin brought its “This Is My City” campaign to Los Angeles, celebrating the creatives and cultural tastemakers shaping the city through music, fashion, film, and community.
Held at Level 8’s Mr. Wanderlust, the evening honored Louis Murray, founder of Live Jazz LA and the Los Angeles recipient of the Rémy Martin This Is My City microgrant initiative.
Hosted by professional dancer and choreographer Aliya Janell, the event brought together a wide range of creatives and personalities from across Los Angeles, including DJ Bella Fiasco, Joshua Neal, Leo Chan, Julissa Calderon, Kendall Kyndall, and more. Throughout the night, guests moved between cocktails, conversation, and live music while taking in panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles from the Level 8 rooftop venue.
DJ Bella Fiasco controlled the room early, blending together an energetic set that kept the crowd engaged before Murray later took the stage alongside the Timeless Momentz band. The live performance embodied the exact atmosphere Live Jazz LA has become known for across the city: soulful, collaborative, and rooted in live instrumentation. Jazz, neo-soul, and R&B influences flowed throughout the set as attendees packed tightly around the stage area, fully tapped into the performance. Guests also enjoyed specialty Rémy Martin cocktails throughout the evening, including The Rémy Ginger, The French Royale, and The City of Angels, each curated to complement the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the campaign.
Louis Murray & Aliya Janell
Photo Credit: GW Creatives/ Step & Repeat
During an interview with The Knockturnal, Murray spoke about the inspiration behind building Live Jazz LA and the importance of preserving live performance culture within Los Angeles’ creative scene.
“I cherish the live performance aspect of music and I believe it’s important we keep that close in our artistry,” Murray said. “Living in LA there’s a scene for various genres on a large scale but, creating a high-quality ‘underground’ fusion of Jazz, R&B, and Neo-soul has brought multiple generations together.”
He continued, “Staying rooted in the Live Jazz sound with various instruments has helped bring the community together knowing that each show they attend, it’s expected we’ll be delivering an amazing night every time.”
Murray also reflected on what receiving the Rémy Martin This Is My City microgrant meant for both himself and the larger Live Jazz LA movement.
“It’s an amazing opportunity because I feel very connected to the city and with this Rémy Martin This Is My City microgrant I do believe it’s a way to pour back into what brings us all together in the first place and that is the music,” he said. “The music has brought our community together and it’s vital that we take note of this impact.”
One of the stronger themes throughout the night was authenticity. From the performances to the conversations happening throughout the venue, the event consistently centered creatives who have built genuine connections within their communities rather than simply chasing visibility.
When asked what advice he would give artists and entrepreneurs trying to create community-driven spaces in Los Angeles, Murray emphasized staying grounded in originality.
“Stay original and true to yourself because when you’re moving outside of your personal character, people will notice when something is inauthentic,” Murray said. “You want your community to have a foundation of authenticity; no matter the medium of art, people want to connect with their truth.”
As Rémy Martin’s This Is My City initiative continues its national run with a stop in Miami next month, the Los Angeles celebration served as a reminder that some of the city’s strongest creative movements are still being built through live music, collaboration, and genuine community connection.
Joshua Neal & Julissa Calderon
Photo Credit: Step & Repeat/ GW Creatives
