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West Oaklane Festival
| How the Festival Got Started... |
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The Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation The Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation is a non-profit 501c(3) community developement corporation established by community residents and State Representative Dwight Evans to revitalize the commercial corridor in the 7100 block of Ogontz Avenue. The 7100 block of Ogontz Avenue began to decline in the early 1970’s. By 1981, Ogontz Plaza had become a vacant, graffiti-scarred eyesore. The Ogontz Hall apartment building and many other properties on Ogontz and 72nd Avenues also were vacant and dilapidated. OARC worked with elected officials, government agencies, banks, local universities, various organizations and institutions. OARC also formed partnerships with private developers to complete the Ogontz Plaza in 1987, the Ogontz Hall in 1992 and Ogontz III in 1995, returning the corridor to a vibrant, bustling commercial area. Since that time, OARC has expanded its scope, taking a holistic approach to making West Oak Lane a community of choice. OARC's mission is to create and stimulate economic development and improve the quality of life in West Oak Lane. OARC fulfills its mission through four primary areas:
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The West Oak Lane concept for a community festival began with the founding of Friends of OARC in 1983. Friends of OARC members organized the First Super Saturday Street Fair to encourage shoppers to return to the 7100 block of Ogontz Avenue and to foster community pride. With the help of LifeLine Music Coalition, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Philadelphia jazz musicians and artists, and a dedicated committee consisting of members of Friends of OARC Super Saturday turned into the 3-day West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival. Over 20,000 people from West Oak Lane and surrounding communities throughout the Delaware Valley turned out to “Experience the Excitement of West Oak Lane...a community on the move!”
October Gallery
Introducing to West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival Oronde Johnson. Returning to West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival Michael Angelo Wallace and Moctar Yara of Djema Imports plus over 70 other visual and craft artists. For information about exhibiting, please call October Gallery at 215-629-3939 or sign up online .
For more information about October Gallery please see octobergallery.com
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Oronde Kairi Johnson "The Growth of a Woman" |
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Michael Angelo Wallace "Soul of the City" |
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Moctar Yara Djema Imports is pleased to offer a selection of garments that can be customized to reflect your individuality. In two easy steps, you will be able to select your style of garment, choose from our extensive line of fabrics, preview your creation on our interactive website, submit your order and measurements. |
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Contact: Graziella D’Amelio: 215-557-7277 609-680-7670 NORTHWEST PHILLY JAZZ & ARTS SERIES CONTINUES Philadelphia, PA�March 9, 2006�As part of the Northwest Philly Jazz & Arts Series, OARC (Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation) will present FREE live music performances and art at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 23rd at LaSalle UniversityDan Rodden Theatre, located on LaSalle’s campus, 1900 W. Olney Avenue.� Live performances by jazz and rock bands will include: Curt Chambers and RC Holmes. Panamanian Spoken word artist UVA will weave her original works of poetry throughout the evening. October Gallery will be featuring a collection of original and graphic work from Laura Cooper, Andrew Turner, Paul Goodnight, Jeffrey Reese and others. OARC is presenting the NORTHWEST PHILLY JAZZ & ARTS SERIES at 6 venues throughout Northwest Philadelphia; INFUSION COFFEE AND TEA GALLERY; LA SALLE UNIVERSITY (March 23rd); SETTLEMENT MUSIC SCHOOL (April 20th); NORTH BY NORTHWEST (April 28th); CLIVEDEN HOUSE (May 27th), and VERNON PARK (June 3rd). The Northwest Philly Jazz & Arts Series will lead up to the grand 3rd annual West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts festival scheduled for June 23, 24, 25, 2006. See www.westoaklanefestival.com “The West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival is one of the largest events ever to take place in the history of northwest Philadelphia. The festival has brought thousands of people from around the world to the northwest corridor. Our goal is to attract people not only the last weekend of June but also throughout the year. Northwest Philly is rich with quality shops, fine dining, arts and music as well as many historic sites. Come enjoy Northwest Philly. Shop, dine, visit and explore some of the 15 historic sites throughout Northwest Philly, such as the Johnson House, a stop on the underground railroad, or historic Cliveden, the site of the battle of Germantown,” says Jack Kitchen, Executive Director of OARC. OARC is a non-profit, 501 C (3) community development corporation established by community residents and state Representative Dwight Evans in 1983. OARC was the executive producer of the 2004 and 2005 West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festivals, a 3-day June event which together brought over 150,000 visitors to the 7100 to 7200 blocks of Ogontz Avenue to enjoy FREE live music (on four outdoor stages), fine art, food and vendors. See westoaklanefestival.com |
June 25, 26 and 27th!!!!
The first ever West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival will be held over 12 venues: West Oak Lane Senior Center (big band concert); West Oak Lane Library (Children's poetry and jazz workshop); Cheltenham Square Mall (PO/Jazz Connection and Dance); Martin Luther King High School (Poetry Slam); Ogontz Grill (jazz concerts); an African Marketplace along the 7100 Block of Ogontz Avenue and Ogontz Plaza (music, dance, art, vendors); Art Noir Gallery (music and Senegalese Day Art Show); West Oak Lane Charter School (Jazz Film Festival - “A Great Day in Harlem”); Cornbread & Coffee (Spoken word and music); Brownies Par Four Lounge (concert); Simons Recreation Center (outdoor be-bopecue) and Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ (Gospel jazz performances). Over 170 accomplished Philadelphia area (native) jazz musicians/artists, most who are recognized and celebrated throughout Europe and Asia will be performing in their hometown of Philadelphia, not a regular occurrence for Philadelphia artists. Some artists who will be performing include: Doc Gibbs; Bootsie Barnes; Mickey Roker; Odean Pope; Sam Reed; Jamaladeen Tacuma; Eric Mintel; Pearl Williams; Harold Smith; Jaleel Shaw; and Anthony Colon. See www.westoaklanefestival.com.
The Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC) is a non-profit, 501 c (3) community development corporation established by community residents and state Representative Dwight Evans in 1983. OARC's mission is to create and stimulate economic development and improve the quality of life in the West Oak Lane community.
The festival is being produced by LifeLine Music Coalition, a non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and preserve jazz and the arts in Philadelphia. Warren Oree is the Artistic Director and Graziella D'Amelio is the Executive Director. Warren and Graziella most recently produced the 2003 Philadelphia Jazz and Poetry Festival in September 2003.
More Background On WestOakLaneFestival.com
WestOakLaneFestival.com is the digital portal and promotional engine behind the celebrated West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival, an annual celebration that has blossomed into one of Northwest Philadelphia’s most impactful and culturally enriching events. Steeped in local pride and artistic excellence, the website serves as an archive, community rallying point, and promotional hub for this historic festival and its year-round programs. More than a mere event listing page, it represents a deep commitment to community development, economic revitalization, and cultural celebration.
This article explores the extensive background, goals, ownership, organizational partnerships, cultural significance, venue highlights, featured artists, press coverage, and broader social impact of the West Oak Lane Festival and its website.
Ownership and Organization
WestOakLaneFestival.com is operated under the guidance of the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community development organization. Founded in 1983 by residents of the West Oak Lane neighborhood and State Representative Dwight Evans, OARC was originally formed to combat urban blight and stimulate commercial revitalization on Ogontz Avenue, particularly its 7100 block.
The LifeLine Music Coalition, another nonprofit with a focus on jazz preservation and promotion in Philadelphia, serves as the artistic partner and producer of the festival. Its leadership includes Warren Oree (Artistic Director) and Graziella D’Amelio (Executive Director), both of whom bring deep connections to the Philadelphia arts scene and years of festival production experience.
Location and Geographic Context
The West Oak Lane Festival takes place in the West Oak Lane neighborhood of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, primarily along the 7100 to 7200 blocks of Ogontz Avenue. This section of the city is known for its close-knit African American community, mid-century residential architecture, and tree-lined streets. The area also benefits from its proximity to LaSalle University, Cliveden House, and Mount Airy, all contributing to a vibrant regional character.
Importantly, Ogontz Avenue serves as both a historical and cultural artery, linking past struggles of urban decay with present-day revitalization success stories.
History of the Festival
Origins in Super Saturday
The festival traces its roots to "Super Saturday", a street fair held in the early 1980s and organized by Friends of OARC. Designed to revive community spirit and attract business to Ogontz Avenue, this one-day event quickly evolved into a broader effort to showcase local art, music, and pride.
Transformation into Jazz and Arts Festival
With support from LifeLine Music Coalition, “Super Saturday” was expanded into a three-day celebration in 2004 known as the West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival. That year, over 150,000 people visited the festival to experience free live music, visual arts, crafts, and cuisine, effectively transforming it into a landmark event in the region.
Over the years, the festival has expanded to 12 venues, including local churches, schools, recreation centers, and commercial spaces.
Festival Features and Highlights
1. Live Jazz and Music Performances
At the heart of the festival is a robust musical lineup featuring dozens of internationally acclaimed and Philadelphia-native jazz musicians. The event has hosted talents such as:
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Doc Gibbs
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Bootsie Barnes
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Mickey Roker
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Odean Pope
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Jamaladeen Tacuma
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Jaleel Shaw
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Anthony Colon
Multiple stages set up along Ogontz Avenue bring the rhythm of jazz, gospel, be-bop, soul, and spoken word to life. One major draw is that many of these musicians, celebrated abroad, rarely perform in their Philadelphia hometown.
2. Visual and Craft Arts
In partnership with the October Gallery, the festival features over 70 visual and craft artists exhibiting painting, photography, sculpture, textiles, and artisan goods. Notable exhibitors include:
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Oronde Kairi Johnson, known for his Philadelphia-inspired street art.
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Michael Angelo Wallace, who celebrates African-American heritage through vibrant acrylics.
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Moctar Yara, founder of Djema Imports, specializing in mudcloth and Malian textiles.
The visual art portion celebrates diasporic creativity, from African traditions to contemporary urban expression.
3. Culinary Offerings and African Marketplace
The festival also boasts a vibrant African Marketplace, complete with food trucks, soul food vendors, and cultural crafts. Culinary experiences range from Caribbean jerk chicken to classic Philly cheesesteaks.
This bazaar-style atmosphere fosters economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs while drawing in visitors with the sights, smells, and sounds of a cultural melting pot.
4. Educational and Youth Engagement Venues
Family-friendly programming and youth-focused venues are a hallmark of the festival:
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Children's Poetry & Jazz Workshop (West Oak Lane Library)
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Poetry Slams (Martin Luther King High School)
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Jazz Film Festival (West Oak Lane Charter School)
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Gospel Jazz (Mt. Airy Church of God in Christ)
These educational components ensure the next generation connects with jazz history, performance, and expressive writing.
5. Year-Round Series and Expansion
The festival has extended its reach beyond a single weekend. The Northwest Philly Jazz & Arts Series, which builds up to the main event, includes performances and gallery nights at venues such as:
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Infusion Coffee & Tea Gallery
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LaSalle University – Dan Rodden Theatre
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Settlement Music School
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Historic Cliveden House
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Vernon Park
This prelude series underscores the event’s 12-month cultural presence in the city.
Cultural and Social Significance
The West Oak Lane Festival is more than an arts event—it is a vehicle of cultural empowerment, racial pride, and community economic development. Several key points highlight its broader social impact:
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Economic Revitalization: The festival draws tens of thousands of visitors annually, generating significant foot traffic and local spending.
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Cultural Preservation: It plays a vital role in sustaining Philadelphia's deep jazz heritage and African-American artistry.
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Community Unity: It offers a safe, welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere that celebrates diversity and neighborhood pride.
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Artist Promotion: Many regional artists use the festival to build audiences and sell work, supporting Philadelphia’s creative economy.
The event also encourages multigenerational engagement, ensuring that elders, adults, teens, and children all find a place within the celebration.
Festival Producers: LifeLine Music Coalition
The LifeLine Music Coalition is instrumental in curating the musical and artistic vision of the West Oak Lane Festival. Known for producing the 2003 Philadelphia Jazz and Poetry Festival, LifeLine is committed to highlighting underrepresented voices and art forms. Their leadership ensures quality, authenticity, and community relevance.
Warren Oree, bassist and educator, brings artistic rigor and authenticity to the programming, while Graziella D’Amelio handles administrative and production logistics, facilitating vendor relations, sponsorships, and citywide partnerships.
Reviews and Public Reception
The festival has garnered significant local press and is often described as “one of the largest events in Northwest Philadelphia’s history.” Reviews highlight the unique combination of:
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Free high-quality performances
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Community-first planning
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Focus on Black cultural expression
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Educational and family-friendly programming
Attendees have praised the accessibility of events, the friendliness of vendors, and the professionalism of the performances. Artists have shared testimonials about how meaningful it is to be recognized and supported in their hometown.
While there is limited coverage from national outlets, regional press, university media, and local organizations frequently cover the festival’s highlights.
Awards and Recognition
Though specific awards were not mentioned in the site archive, the festival has enjoyed immense institutional support, including:
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City and state funding via partnerships with elected officials
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University venue partnerships (LaSalle University, MLK High School)
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Collaborations with historic sites (Cliveden House, Johnson House)
Such partnerships reflect the festival’s strong reputation and civic trust within the region.
Goals and Vision
The overarching goals of WestOakLaneFestival.com and its parent organizations include:
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Elevate Local Arts: Provide platforms for local artists and musicians to gain visibility.
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Encourage Commerce: Draw customers back to Ogontz Avenue, historically a vibrant corridor.
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Build Community Identity: Foster a strong, unified West Oak Lane identity.
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Revitalize Public Space: Transform underused or declining areas into bustling cultural zones.
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Sustain Year-Round Presence: Position West Oak Lane as a hub for arts, dining, and history beyond festival days.
These goals align with the broader mission of OARC: housing, education, community development, and workforce training.
Notable Moments and Examples
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2004-2005 Festivals: Attracted over 150,000 people across three days, establishing the event as a major Philadelphia cultural milestone.
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Jazz Film Screenings: Showings like “A Great Day in Harlem” connect historical jazz figures with current artists.
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Spoken Word with UVA: The inclusion of Panamanian poet UVA showcases international voices within a local event.
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Djema Imports’ Mudcloth Showcase: Promoting authentic West African fashion to a Philadelphia audience connects diaspora culture with U.S. fashion trends.
Proximity and Transportation
For visitors, West Oak Lane is readily accessible by SEPTA (Philadelphia’s public transit authority) via bus routes and regional rail. It is also a short drive from Center City and close to key landmarks such as:
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Johnson House Historic Site
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Cliveden of the National Trust
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LaSalle University
The festival’s walkability and parking availability have made it easy for both locals and out-of-towners to participate.
WestOakLaneFestival.com is more than a website—it is a vibrant digital gateway to one of Philadelphia’s most impactful neighborhood festivals. Serving as a testament to grassroots organizing, cultural pride, and artistic excellence, the West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival has grown from a simple street fair into a multi-venue, multi-day, internationally recognized event.
With strong organizational leadership, civic partnerships, and an unwavering commitment to its community, the festival stands as a model for urban cultural revitalization. Its website preserves this legacy and ensures that new generations continue to experience the sights, sounds, and soul of West Oak Lane.