The first annual Dilla Day LA will take place on February 13, 2015 at The Regent theater in Downtown, Los Angeles, California. Hosted by Dave New York, Dilla Day LA is a celebration of the life and music of the late J. Dilla, who passed away from Lupus-related complications in 2006. The event will feature performances by Elzhi, Bishop Lamont, J Rocc, Guilty Simpson, Frank Nitt, Phat Kat, Phoreyz, among others.

“[This is ] the first Dilla Day in Los Angeles,” says J. Dilla’s longtime friend, Dave New York. “There was a lot of drama at Dilla Day Detroit behind the scenes, especially backstage, that a lot of people don’t know about if you weren’t there. Ma Dukes and I were talking and she knew how much love he had in LA from the fans. I was like, ‘Ma Dukes, why don’t we do a Dilla Day in LA?’ Ma Dukes looked at me like, ‘Well, you’re in charge of Dilla Day LA.’”

Along with the performing artists listed above, Dave New York confirms that there will be several surprise guest appearances.

“I don’t want to spill the beans,” he says. “I want to keep the surprise. Ma Dukes will be there so it is official. We’re gonna have the J. Dilla merchandise from the foundation there. They have some goodies! Like I said, it’s gonna be a celebration of Dilla’s life, his music, and the love that he got from [Los Angeles] I know is gonna be in the building. It’s gonna be drama free. It’s gonna be a real good time. It’s gonna be epic. I know in my heart Dilla’s gonna look down and be like, ‘Big Dave!’ and give me that smile like, ‘Yeah man!’ I see it in my head everyday.”

Tickets for Dilla Day LA are currently available at TheRegentTheater.com. The event is open to all ages. View the flyer below.