Every Saturday, a small parking lot in Leimert Park Village transforms itself into a farmers' market. A handful of stalls are set up and people gather to have a good time under a big tent in the center. After they've made the rounds and picked up some farm-fresh munchies, the music begins. It's usually jazz. And it's always terrific. The day I stumbled upon the market, there was a band of skilled musicians, along with a choir from a church in Inglewood. I'd gone to pick up a box of strawberries, but I ended up staying for two whole hours.

It wasn't just the music. There was something there for everyone--stalls with tamales, bread, cheese, homemade hummus, brownies, fresh greens and barbecued chicken...and even a face painter. The smoke from the barbecue mixed effortlessly with the music. As the day wore on, more chairs had to be brought in to accommodate the growing crowd. Almost everyone I spoke with was a musician or an artist, and those who weren't knew how to appreciate it. Everyone seemed to know everyone else. That's what gives Leimert Park its close-knit, homey feel. Before I knew it, two hours were gone, along with my strawberries, and my camera's memory was full. Certainly a day well spent.