“A genius is the one most like himself.” Thelonious Monk once uttered those words to saxophonist Steve Lacy, and if they are true then Monk is truly one of the greatest geniuses in history. As we celebrate his 100th birthday this October, we have yet to discover a more original and instantly recognizable personality than this legendary pianist-composer. Monk is the theme for the 2017 citywide Angel City Jazz Festival, which comes for the first time to the historic yet brand-new World Stage (among many other venues) in Leimert Park. Count Basie bassist James Leary will start by premiering a Monk-inspired suite with a choir of bassists in (six- five-)part harmony, along with drummer Cameron Clayton. The evening concludes with vocalist Dwight Trible and his group Cosmic Vibrations, with Monk-themed spoken word by special guest, actor Roger Guenveur Smith. - Gary Fukushima