So Much More!

Sure there is music. Sure there is art. But that’s just part of the Jazz Festival. Throughout the weekend, Ogontz Avenue is jam-packed with art in its many forms. Celebrate it all — fashion, poetry, dance, crafts and, of course food.

Here's just a sampling of what you can expect to see in 2008. Be sure to check back frequently for additions and updates.

Tours »Workshops »Food Court »Arts & Crafts Market Place »

Tours

Come visit Germantown, Philadelphia’s oldest neighborhood, and get a glimpse into our country’s past. Explore the site of colonial America’s first papermill, and tour the only Victorian house museum in Philadelphia.

Take advantage of special Juneteenth Celebration activities in Historic Germantown during Jazz Fest weekend!

Ride the free Jazz Fest shuttle buses, departing on the half hour, from 74th & Limekiln to these historic destinations:

Stenton, 18th & Windrim Streets, just a few minutes' drive down Ogontz Avenue from the Festival grounds; open 10 am. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday

African-American storytelling with Linda Y. Goss and other members of Keepers of the Culture. Costumed presenters will incorporate traditional music, African crafts, and portrayals of African-Americans who lived at Stenton into their performances. Historic Stenton, home of William Penn’s Secretary, James Logan, will also be open for tours. Other crafts and children’s activities will be offered. Programs ongoing throughout each day.
Cliveden, the Johnson House, and Concord School; 6300 and 6400 blocks of Germantown Avenue; historic buildings open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., by admission fee

Cliveden, the 1760’s summer home of Benjamin Chew was the site of the Philadelphia’s only Revolutionary War battlefield. Free special performances:
- “Meet” Richard Allen, ex-slave and founding father of A.M.E. church, once enslaved to Chew family; Saturday, June 21, from noon to 4 p.m. and Sunday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Two special 30-minute dramatic performances of Taking a Stand for Freedom, at Johnson House, a documented station stop on the Underground Railroad; Saturday, June 21, at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
- Learn the “Anti-Slavery Alphabet” with the schoolmaster at The Concord School, an authentic one room schoolhouse built in 1775.
Costumed interpreters on hand to provide walking tours from Cliveden shuttle stop to the Concord School and Johnson House.

Workshops

Pya Kule Design Group's Arts and Aesthetics Collective: Apotheosis Art & Fashion Exhibition

Calling all fashionistas! Be there when designers Kwame Agyei and Akua Nson
Akoto take over the runway with their wearable art that infuse high style with an
Afrakan aesthetic.
Friday, June 20, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Stage 2 - Sadiki's, located at 7152 Ogontz Avenue

Po/Jazz Connection

When Warren Oree intermingled the spoken word with improvised live jazz music, he practically invented a new art form. Find out what it is all about when poets Lamont “Napalm” Dixon, Lady Dove, Taalam Acey, and Amina perform at Art Noir Gallery.
Friday, June 20, 7:00 p.m. to midnight
Art Noir Gallery, located at 7175 C Ogontz Avenue

West Oak Lane Senior Citizen Line Dancers

Before break dancing, before hip hop, there was the line dance. Be prepared to be out-done when West Oak Lane seniors show how it's really done.
Saturday, June 21, 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Stage 2 - Sadiki's, located at 7152 Ogontz Avenue

Julie Baines: Mosaic Tile Art

Learn the ins-and-outs of the intricate form of mosaic tile art. Artist Julie Baines will lead workshops showing you how to create our own masterpiece, step-by-step.
Saturday, June 21, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Sunday, June 22, 4:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Art Pavillion, Center Street Tent, located at the 7100 block of Ogontz Avenue

Sharon Tucker: Doll Making

Join Sharon Tucker as she demonstrates the art of doll making. The art of doll making is historic, as well as stunning. Tucker will demonstrate the precision and detail that go in to this timeless art form that attendees will have the opportunity to learn.
Saturday, June 21, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 22, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Art Pavillion, Center Street Tent, located at the 7100 block of Ogontz Avenue

Food Court

Mmmm, what smells so good? Must be all those flavors over at the Food Court. Round up your friends and family and sample the delicious offerings from more than 16 vendors serving up everything from juicy burgers to vegetarian specialties to international fare, including Caribbean and Greek. And for those with a sweet tooth, don´t despair! There will be plenty of funnel cake, ice cream, water ice and other treats for your enjoyment!

Arts & Crafts Market Place

Prepare your wallet for active duty. The Arts & Crafts Market Place features the works of some of the region’s most accomplished and talented artisans. Take your pick from an eclectic mix of trendsetting clothes, jewelry, art, books, music, and much, much more.

If you are interested in becoming an arts & crafts exhibitor at the West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival, click here.