After more than a year of uncertainty, The Jazz Bakery has announced that it has found a new home in the heart of downtown Culver City.   

            Founded in 1992 as a non-profit organization by jazz vocalist Ruth Price, the Jazz Bakery has provided a unique and lively performance space for Westside musicians and touring jazz performers for 16 years. The venue has received wide acclaim for its musical ensembles and its distinctive theatre seating that has focused audience’s attention on the performers.

            Once known as “the most prestigious jazz space in Los Angeles,” the recent economic downturn and the rising cost of rent forced the Jazz Bakery to shut down operations at its former residence in the Helms Bakery building in May 2009.

            The Jazz Bakery continued to host performances in rented theatres throughout Los Angeles. These “Movable Feasts” kept the spirit of the organization alive as it searched for a new home.

            Last week, Ruth Price announced that the search for a long-term abode had finally come to an end. “We have received a $2 million seed grant from the Annenberg Foundation, as well as the Culver City Redevelopment Agency’s approval of an exclusive negotiation agreement to develop a prime downtown [Culver City] property,” Price claimed. The property, at 9814 Washington Blvd., is valued at more than $1 million. Formerly occupied by a doctor’s office, the building is just steps away from the Kirk Douglas Theatre in downtown Culver City.

“It’s an ideal location … very close to where we were we were for 16 years,” said Price.

            Plans are already being drawn up for the new space. The new theatre is expected to seat 200 patrons, and Price has hinted that the venue will also include a cafe and wine bar, a dedicated art gallery and a possible “virtual museum” for West Coast jazz.

            Until then, the Jazz Bakery’s “Movable Feasts” will continue. Price urged her loyal patrons to continue their support for the Jazz Bakery until the renovations are completed. The goal is to have the new residence open and operational by 2012.

            “It will take time and all-out effort to build our new home,” said Price.

            For more information on the Jazz Bakery, and to reserve seats for the next Movable Feast performance, visit jazzbakery.com.