Headliners

It just doesn’t get any better than this. Our 2008 headliners represent the Who’s Who from the worlds of jazz, R&B, fusion, funk and great old-school soul. Bring a lawn chair, pack a blanket, but whatever you do, get there early because you won’t want to miss a minute of this all-star line-up! (Artists subject to change.)

  • WAR: An American original, WAR was the first and most successful musical crossover phenomenon that forever fused rock, jazz, Latin, and R&B, while transcending racial and cultural barriers with a multi-ethnic line-up, a musical melting pot and an enduring influence that has sold over 50 million records to date. Read More »
  • The Benny Golson Quartet: Sax virtuoso, composer, arranger, bandleader . . . Philly’s own Benny Golson has done it all. Now this multi-talented artist is scheduled to come to the West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival and deliver a performance in front of a lively hometown crowd. Read More »
  • The O’Jays: Take the “Love Train” to West Oak Lane! The O’Jays turned out such timeless hits including “Back Stabbers,” “Love Train,” “For the Love of Money,” “I Love Music” and “Use Ta Be My Girl.” During a 15-year run from “Back Stabbers” (1972) to “Lovin’ You” (1987), the O’Jays placed more than 40 singles on the R&B chart, nine of which went all the way to #1. Read More »
  • Kevin Eubanks: Born in Philadelphia, Kevin Eubanks began studying the violin at the age of 7 and later became proficient on the piano, trumpet and guitar, as well.  During his distinguished career, Eubanks has toured extensively and recorded with many top jazz artists, including Branford Marsalis.  He was officially named music director of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno in April 1995. Read More »
  • Mandrill: What do rap and hip-hop artists Kanye West, Brandy, Black Eyed Peas, Wyclef Jean, Floetry, Tweet, Missy Elliot, Nas, DMX, Ice Cube, and Public Enemy have in common? They are just a few of the many artists who have sampled the legendary Funk/R&B/Jazz/Latin/Rock sensation Mandrill, a sunburst of musical energy that defies a single category. Read More »
  • Pieces of a Dream: Comprised of bassist Cedric Napoleon, drummer Curtis Harmon, and keyboardist James Lloyd, Pieces of a Dream were founded in 1975 in Philadelphia when the principal members were all teenagers. Originally somewhat jazz-oriented, Pieces of a Dream have mostly emphasized R&B, although they usually include a few jazz numbers in their performances. Read More »
  • The Whispers: One of R&B music’s most beloved vocal groups, The Whispers began their legendary and timeless career in 1963, and produced a string of pop and R&B favorites over the next four decades, as well as seven gold albums, two platinum albums, 12 top-twenty singles, and 40 charted hits since 1970. In 2003, they were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame; and, in 2005, they received a Regional Grammy Governors Award. Read More »
  • Ashford and Simpson: Since the beginning of their career together more than 30 years ago, Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson have become one of the most prolific, versatile and exciting musical couples in recording history. Combining multiple skills as performers, songwriters and producers, they have created an unprecedented catalog of chart-topping hit singles and albums, collecting 22 gold and platinum records and more than 50 ASCAP awards. Read More »