by Ari Roth
Since it was first held in 2006, the Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival has become one of the premier free summer music festivals, treating families to jazz performances by some of the best contemporary musicians, while also providing a venue for food and crafts vendors to sell their wares to attendees.
This year’s festival will feature performances from the headliner, virtuoso saxophonist Azar Lawrence, along with jazzy soul singers Charlene Holloway and Shakera Jones, New Jersey saxophone star Nasir Dickerson, trumpet player Josh Lawrence and Philly pianist Glenn Bryan. Also performing will be local drill team the West Powelton Steppers and a performance from Play On Philly, an organization that provides music lessons and education to children in the city who otherwise do not have access to such programs. Along with all of that, the festival will also feature food from a number of food trucks, including Jamaican Irie Caribbean, Curbside Creamery, and 2014 Vendy Awards contestant Samosa Deb. There will be vendors selling crafts of all sorts, such as jewelry, books, tea, chocolate, makeup and hair products, art, and more.
Cassandra Green, Manager of Community Outreach and Partnerships for PEC, which hosts the Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival each year, gave us a little sneak peak at what to expect for this year. She says that “there’s something for every music lover here. Come to experience fusion, rhythm, smooth and Caribbean jazz, youth musicians, dancers, and steppers. Pack a picnic, bring a chair, grab your sunscreen, and join the Lower Lancaster Avenue neighborhoods for this free jazz and arts celebration!”
The Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival will be held this Saturday, July 19th, at Saunders Park Greene on 39th Street and Powelton Avenue. The festival will kick off at noon and run until 7 PM. Once again, this event is 100% free to enter for all, so bring all of your friends and family to enjoy some jazz in the outdoors this Saturday.
