Summer To Do List: The 8th Annual West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival
by Mercedes Jones
Summer has officially begun, and this weekend literally kicks the season off on a good note. The West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival is a energizing three day extravaganza, that over two decades ago was organized by a group of dedicated community volunteers to foster community pride. At present the West Oak Lane Jazz Fest has blossomed into a popular summer destination, for music lovers from all over the city and the country.
Event Snapshot: A melting pot of sorts, the three day festival offers two stages, three days of live Jazz, Salsa, R&B, Classical, Soul, and Reggae. Including headliners Chaka Khan, Chrisette Michele, Men of Soul (with members Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Freddie Jackson and Howard Hewett) Eddie Palmieri, Christian McBride and Roy Ayers.
The marketplace will be filled with hand-crafted, original art creations, including multi-cultural mix of jewelry, clothing, photography and paintings.
And don't forget the food! Visitors can look forward to an array of cuisine from around the globe and around the corner.
New this year, the festival will feature a Children’s Day event; complete with live performances, music workshops and a video gaming arcade
So, get your's lawn chairs, coolers, and binoculars because it's officially summer in Philly.
Insider Tip: This is a big deal, the WOL Jazz Fest is held in a densely populated residential area. Parking will be scarse as residents have learned to cope with the influx of visitors during the three day event. You might want to make use of the free shuttle bus service, which will be available on Saturday and Sunday. You can pick it up from the Independence Visitors Center (6th and Market Streets) and the Fern Rock Transportation Center.
For a full event schedule click here.
And for everything you need to know, check out the festival's website: http://www.westoaklanefestival.com/.