Between getting nominated for a Grammy for Best R&B Album, playing on Jimmy Kimmel with Smokey Robinson, and raising two sons with his wife Jae Lin, he has a lot on his plate.
But despite all his success, he never forgets his hometown of Oxnard, California, just north of Los Angeles. And he’s giving back to the larger community that fostered his growth.
On December 14, for the third consecutive year, .Paak and his team hosted Paak House in the Park, a family-friendly community event in Los Angeles’ MacArthur Park benefitting his 501-C3, The Brandon Anderson Foundation (aka Paak House.)
The organization aims to “create a ‘safe-haven’ for the next generation, while cultivating alliances with like-minded non-profit organizations to generate a greater impact — together…through community outreach, sponsored events, summer programs, and after-school programs, all leading to establishing an actual .Paak House building, in an impacted community,” according to its website.
Living up to its mantra of “Uplift, Engage, Support,” the event was donation-based and provided community services like free haircuts and stands to fill your own backpack with supplies. “Black-ish” star Anthony Anderson served as master of ceremonies for the event, which also showcased local kids’ dance and music groups alongside a killer festival lineup including Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals, Kali Uchis, The Game, Emily King, Thundercat, Mereba, Blueface, Kamasi Washington, and more.
I got to attend and was blown away by the commitment to inclusivity, spirit, health,talent, and fun. Beyond the festival, .Paak House provides support with community outreach, sponsored events, summer programs, and after-school programs, all leading to the establishment of an actual .Paak House building in an impacted community in the near future. Last year they raised $155,000 for the foundation.
To people with power using their platforms for good.
Check out photos below and make a tax-deductible donation to the Brandon Anderson Foundation here. See y’all in 2020!
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Kids get their faces painted.
Who doesn’t love cotton candy?
The event kicked off with a stunning performance from the Los Angeles Parmelettes.
Free Ben & Jerry’s for all.
Anthony Anderson does his best to compete with Tommy the Clown and co.
Mereba performs.
Let It Happen dance troupe performs (@norah_yarah_rosa on IG.)
Emily King performs.
Thundercat performs.
LA-native The Game performs with Anderson .Paak.
Kali Uchis performs.
Kamasi Washington and Maurice “Mobetta” Brown perform.
Seth Rogen cracks jokes.
The author at MacArthur Park. UPLIFT, ENGAGE, SUPPORT is .Paak House’s mantra for community engagement.
Anderson .Paak hangs with Black Santa at .Paak House 2019.
Drummer DJ Beck, saxophonist Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, Anderson .Paak, Anthony Anderson, pianist Domi, Maurice “Mobetta” Brown and Jose Miguel Serrano Rios of the Free Nationals pose with the crowd.
Attendees enjoy the photo booth.
A mom and daughter enjoy the concert.
A dad and son enjoy the music.
