About The 2009 Festival:
Production Team
The West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival is produced by a dynamic team with decades of talent and experience.
As the Executive Producer of the Festival, the Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC) works with several organizations that have the expertise and contacts to recruit the best musical, visual and crafts artists. The Arts and Crafts component is produced by Everett & Associates, Inc.; Art Noir produces all activities under the Art Pavilion, including procurement of featured visual artists; Lifeline Music Coalition is our music producer; Festival Food Management is the food vending producer; and Kevin E. Sound Engineering & Productions manages the sound equipment. This synergy of talent works year round to create a Festival that has earned a reputation among artists and audiences from coast-to-coast as a high-quality, well-run event.
OARC
OARC, is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) community development corporation whose primary mission is to create and stimulate economic development while improving the quality of life for residents in West Oak Lane and other neighborhoods throughout the Northwest section of Philadelphia.
We take a holistic approach towards community revitalization and collaborate with other organizations and community leaders, focusing on our five "pillar" service areas:
- Housing & Economic Development
- Business Development
- Cleaning & Greening
- Education & Community Relations
- Arts & Culture
Jack Kitchen, President and CEO of OARC, has been a moving force in the creation and implementation of OARC initiatives, including the West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival. Mr. Kitchen says, “The organization’s accomplishments are visible throughout the entire community. OARC has successfully developed projects and initiatives that created jobs and improved the quality of life in West Oak Lane; from cleaning and greening to quality education options to a vibrant retail and business environment to rising home values and to the declining number of vacant houses.”
OARC has expanded its successful revitalization model to other commercial corridors across the Northwest areas of Philadelphia, bringing the many historical sites of the northwest to the forefront in an effort to increase tourism in the region. Because of successful collaborations with community leaders and various organizations who share in our mission of community revitalization, today you see throughout Northwest Philadelphia a variety of service and retail oriented shops, art galleries, restaurants and take-out establishments, civic and political organizations and churches.
OARC is also the executive producer of the internationally-acclaimed annual West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival. Each year, Ogontz Avenue is transformed into an exciting festival of vendors offering food, fine arts and crafts, and non-stop musical entertainment. “The overwhelming success of the West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival this past year has thrust OARC into the national eye as an organization capable of achieving success on a regional and national level. What began as a means of marketing and showcasing the West Oak Lane community to the region, the Festival continues to grow into an international event, attracting visitors and performers from around the globe,” says Mr. Kitchen.
OARC
1536 Haines Street
Philadelphia, PA 19126
215-549-9462
www.oarcphilly.org
Lifeline Music Coalition, Inc.
In September 2003, Warren Oree and Graziella DAmelio used their own funds to create the first Philadelphia Jazz and Poetry Festival, a three-day event that included over 14 venues and more than 60 Philadelphia Jazz musicians and poets. With the desire to continue to promote and showcase Philly jazz musicians and artists, Graziella and Warren realized they would need to gather the support of arts leaders and the Philadelphia community to start their own non-profit organization.
As a result, LifeLine Music Coalition was established, receiving 501(c)(3) certification in November 2003. The following year, LifeLine helped to produce the first annual 2004 West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival, and has continued to be a vital part of the Festival’s production team ever since.
The Festival is directly in line with LifeLine’s mission, which is to promote the knowledge, power and influence of Philadelphia artists on jazz music and the arts in all its forms. Specifically, LifeLine Music Coalition establishes forums and opportunities for Philadelphia area musicians and artists to present their works. LifeLine Music Coalition also provides opportunities for cultural exchange and collaboration with worldwide community organizations and institutions.
Lifeline Music Coalition Inc.
1213 Vine Street, Suite 205
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-557-7277
lifelinemusic@comcast.net
Art Noir
Kelly H. Walker was determined to bring the upscale world of black art and custom frame design to the heart of the Philadelphia’s West Oak Lane neighborhood. In 2002, he realized his dream when he opened the doors to Art Noir on Ogontz Avenue. Specializing in professional framing and ethnic art, Art Noir has three employees and several outside vendors and contractors.
Among Art Noir’s diverse list of clients are the City of Philadelphia, the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, and a number of private customers, including restaurants and small businesses throughout the city.
Today, Kelly has further developed the Art Noir “style,” working with leather, suede, and silk mattes to enhance a piece of artwork. One thing that Kelly likes to create is the signature “Art Noir Splice” which is a special matting design that adds originality to a piece of art. Art Noir has also branched out into full-service interior design, offering a complete list of services to both homeowners and businesses.
Art Noir
7175-C Ogontz Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19138
215-548-2455
Festival Food Management
Festival Food Management (FFM) has been managing, coordinating and offering food within the entertainment industry for over 15 years, serving more than 500 multi-state events and feeding millions of people each year. Their specialty is analyzing each event and creating the right menu selections combined with well chosen locations. FFM is consistently the highest grossing vendor at many major events.
FFM also has experience in catering all types of affairs. From outdoor barbecues to sit down dinners and cocktail parties, FFM offers economical, well planned packages for any type of function and facilitates all rentals when needed. Their well trained staff is also experienced in serving alcoholic beverages. FFM has the experience, knowledge, and know how to create a festive and fun atmosphere that all your guests will remember for years. For the West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival, FFM is providing assistance with food vendor selection and coordination, permits, licensing, and insurance.
Festival Food Management
320 Fairmount Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19123
215-925-8500, ext. 111
www.festivalfoodmanagement.com
Kevin E. Sound Engineering & Productions
Kevin Wayns founded Kevin E. Sound Engineering and Productions in 1988. Located in Philadelphia, PA, the company provides sound engineering and production services to the audio industry, including sound system design and installation. Through the experienced service of two full-time employees, the company also provides voice-overs for television productions. Kevin E. Sound Engineering and Productions has an impressive client list. They are the head audio engineer for the Pennsylvania Convention Center and have provided audio design, installation and maintenance on major sound systems, and managed the sound effects at large special events for, not only the West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival, but also the Bahia Brazil Music and Arts Festival, the Chemical Heritage Foundation, Temple University Student Activities, The Dells, Chaka Khan, Millie Jackson and the NBA Players Association.
Kevin E. Sound Engineering & Productions
P.O. Box 595
Blue Bell, PA 19422
emixn@comcast.net
Everett & Associates, Inc.
Everett & Associates, Inc. is a special events production company that specializes in events within the African American community. Everett & Associates’ mission is to produce engaging, educational events that promote cultural pride, self-esteem, unity, empowerment and understanding. The company specializes in obtaining corporate sponsorships and exhibitor acquisitions to underwrite their events. Each year, Everett & Associates, Inc. produces the annual Black History Showcase and the African American Holiday Showcase at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Attendance is free at both events.
Everett & Associates, Inc.
7309 Old York Road
Elkins Park, PA 19027
267-243-3200
evstaten@aol.com