Arts and Culture have played a major role in the revitalization of West Oak Lane. Early on, we recognized that drawing people here from beyond the the immediate neighborhood is absolutely essential to ensure the vitality and sustainability of the community and its commercial corridor. We believe in the transformative power of the arts, and the impact it can have.

OARC's West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival, Philadelphia's premier music and culture event, has been an effective tool in rebuilding the community and bringing attention to everything West Oak Lane has to offer. Originally developed as a means to showcase and market OARC’s accomplishments, the Festival has since played an enormous role in rebranding West Oak Lane as a destination community of choice. Since the Festival began in 2004, new families have moved here in record numbers, and we've been able to attract retail and commercial businesses to the area as well. All of this has helped to create a tremendous sense of pride here.

The West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival takes place each year during the third weekend in June. OARC produces the Festival, in collaboration with World Village Management Inc., Lifeline Music Coalition, Inc., Everett & Associates, Kevin E Sound Engineering and Productions, and Festival Foods Management.

During the Festival, the 7100-7400 blocks of Ogontz Avenue are transformed into a huge outdoor event to promote West Oak Lane community and the Ogontz Avenue commercial corridor, a major thoroughfare in Northwest Philadelphia.

The event is three days of non-stop music on multiple stages, poetry/spoken word performances, dancers and artists, and a variety of vendors that offer food, crafts, and fine art. More than 375,000 people attended the Festival in 2011.

One of the acts always featured at the Festival is the winner of the Rising Star Talent Search , another OARC production. The Talent Search is a competition for unsigned singers, musicians, and bands. The winner receives a cash prize, and performs on the Main Stage at the Festival.

For more information about the West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival and the Rising Star Talent Search, please visit www.westoaklanefestival.com .

The Rising Star Talent Search

Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation (OARC) is pleased to announce the return of the Rising Star Talent Search 2012. Now in its 4th season, the Talent Search will run through June 2012, and will feature emerging singers, musicians, and bands from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and beyond. The competition this year will include R & B, Jazz, Blues, and World Music artists; professionals are not eligible. The winner will perform at the 2011 West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival, and will receive a $5,000 grand prize.

The Rising Star Talent Search is not an “open mic” contest. Auditions are required prior to entering the competition. To schedule an audition, contact Ty Holland at OARC. He can be reached at 215-927-5455 or at tholland@oarcphilly.org . Contestants entering the competition must register, and pay a $20 non-refundable registration fee. At the time of their performance, contestants may not be under a recording or talent management contract of any kind. Contestants will not be compensated to perform during any phase of the Talent Search. All contestants must be age 18 or older.