Nothing could curb the spirits of the 1,500 attendees who braved the off-and-on rain showers to support the 12th Annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival at Saunders Park Green earlier this summer. Hosted by the People’s Emergency Center and their Community Development Corporation (PECCDC), and sponsored by PPMC, the festival offers a free, family-friendly jazz showcase every year that features some of the best jazz musicians from Philadelphia and beyond. The PECCDC aims to strengthen West Philadelphia communities by connecting Powelton neighborhood residents to resources that will improve their quality of life, including through arts and cultural opportunities.
This year’s theme highlighted the work of artists of a variety of backgrounds and the “Different Shades of Jazz” that come through their music as a result. The curated lineup included Penn’s own Glenn Bryan, MSW, assistant vice president of Community Relations at the University of Pennsylvania, saxophonist and headliner Tim Warfield with his Organ Band (featuring Terell Stafford), Ella Gahnt, Bobby Zankel and the Warriors of the Wonderful Sound, and Chris Lewis. The Universal African Dance and Drum Ensemble also took the festival stage, courtesy of the Mann Center for the Performing Arts.
In an effort to highlight the importance of music education and the talent of emerging artists, the event was kicked off with a parade made up of students who had recently completed a 20-week jazz instruction program at Mill Creek Recreation Center, the Camden Youth Brass Band, and their families. This year’s festival also brought other forms of art into the mix for the first time, and a juried “artist’s village” was set up. With art to peruse, eight hours of live music to enjoy, activities for kids, and vendors and food trucks galore, the rain became an afterthought.
On the planning committee since day one has been Gary K. Ginsberg, assistant executive director of Facilities. Over 12 years, he has watched the festival’s attendance skyrocket from 100 mildly interested passersby to excited crowds in the thousands who look forward to this community staple all year. The number of volunteers, vendors, and participating musicians have also risen since the festival’s inception, which Ginsberg credits to the importance of its core message.
“This festival brings the roots of jazz and its history in Philadelphia to the forefront, celebrates it and its heritage, and passes it onto young people in the community,” Ginsberg said. “[The PEC] also has a free ‘Master Class’ for students that helps to break down the barriers to pursuing musical education by providing donated instruments and expert instruction. It really is important work, and it has become a much-anticipated summer tradition not only for jazz enthusiasts, but for the community.”