Tuesday, 15 Jul 2025
Tuesday, 15 July 2025

Inland Empire Artists Took Center Stage at LA County Fair, Celebrating Community and Culture

Inland Empire Artists Took Center Stage at LA County Fair, Celebrating Community and Culture

Pomona, CA — More than 200 Inland Empire artists performed at the Los Angeles County Fair in May, showcasing the region’s artistic depth at the 4th Annual Pomona Valley Poetry, Book, and Music Fest.

Held at the Fairplex in Pomona, the event brought together 85 poets, 125 musicians, and 20 youth dancers for a month-long celebration of creativity.

Organized by LionLike MindState, a community-based arts collective marking its 17th anniversary, the festival has become a cornerstone event amplifying Inland talent.

“Being part of this event means the world to me,” said Pomona native Phantom Thrett, one of the featured performers. “It’s like a full-circle moment. I’m performing in a place I used to come as a kid and enjoy myself. It’s dope to be here.”

Known for his smooth delivery and poetic lyricism, he wasn’t alone in his appreciation for the community-centered celebration.

Artists remarked on the unique collaborative spirit that the Inland Empire scene brings to large cultural events like the LA County Fair.

LionLike MindState founder Judah 1, a well-respected Inland poet and organizer, curated a diverse lineup for the festival, which ran from May 2 to May 26.

Since launching the Pomona Valley Poetry & Music Fest four years ago, Judah 1 has built the event into a regional showcase of spoken word, hip-hop, soul and experimental artistry.

“He’s been throwing the poetry, music and book festival here at the L.A. County Fair for the past four years,” said Tanjint Wiggy, another featured artist. “I’ve been lucky enough to perform all four years. It’s not just a stage, these are platforms for the community in the Inland and Los Angeles areas.”

Tanjint Wiggy, who holds a graduate degree in poetry from Cal State San Bernardino, performed an eclectic set blending piano, vocals, rap and a cappella poetry.

“I consider myself lucky to be involved with a lot of the Inland Empire music and hip-hop community,” Wiggy added. “From Noa James, BrickToYaFace, MC Lyfe, Sunny Days and Vibes, Big Rob, The Showcase 626, Judah One, LionLike MindState—I can’t say enough good things.”

This year’s event also included a Youth Talent Showcase, featuring 20 young dancers who took the stage with routines spanning hip-hop, contemporary, and cultural fusion styles.

The youth performances drew one of the festival’s most enthusiastic crowds, as families and local arts educators rallied behind the next generation of performers.

Inland Empire artists have long navigated the shadows of Los Angeles and Orange County’s arts hubs, but events like the Pomona Valley Poetry & Music Fest are helping turn the tide.

Several performers noted that the festival creates an important cultural bridge between local communities and mainstream venues.

“IE artists know each other. There’s real camaraderie here,” Wiggy said. “We’re friends, collaborators and supporters of one another. That’s rare.”

For many, the festival is more than just an annual gig, it’s a declaration of presence in a space that often overlooks voices from the Inland Valley region.

“The other artists are great. I know a lot of them personally,” Phantom Thrett said. “It’s great to have the community out here just expressing themselves, adding light to the situation.”

With this year’s edition now concluded, LionLike MindState is looking ahead to its fall programming, including workshops, open mics and youth poetry slams.

The nonprofit hopes the Fair’s success continues to build momentum for broader recognition of Inland Empire artists across Southern California and beyond.

“There’s no better way to celebrate our 17th year than by giving the mic to IE creators,” Judah 1 said during closing remarks. “This isn’t a trend. This is a movement.”

For both performers and audiences, May’s showcase at the LA County Fair wasn’t just a celebration, it was a statement.

The Inland Empire’s artists have something to say. And now, more than ever, people are listening.

LA County Fair Coming Soon!

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