ABOVE PHOTO: From left: Dr. Kenneth Scott, President of Beech Companies and (Rt) Christine Brown, Director of Beech Community Services photographed with this year’s Alston-Beech Scholarship Recipients. (Photo credit: Beech Companies)
Rain did not stop the community from enjoying the fun at this year’s “Jazz on the Ave” Music Fest, produced by Beech Community Services. In its 11th year, this annual free event — headlined by award-winning Jeff Bradshaw and Friends — took place on Cecil B. Moore Avenue (between Broad Street and 17thStreet). This year’s line-up included Jeff Bradshaw, with special guests Tony Rich, Eric Roberson, Frank McComb and Glenn Lewis. Mozaic Flow and Suzann Christine was also a part of the main stage performance, with Philly Soul Stock performers at the second stage located at 17th Street and Cecil B. Moore Avenue.
“Now in its 11th year, this event has become a community staple that has evolved to a full music fest, with great music, great fans and great vendors,” said Christine Brown, Director of Beech Community Services. Brown was also honored by Senator Sharif Street for 25 years of service to the North Philadelphia community.
Vendors, like Sweet T’s and Biscuits Biscuits, enjoyed the success, nearly selling out of vending items. The event also included health vendors and a Kids Zone, where children enjoyed free activities like face-painting and rock wall climbing.
Jeff Bradshaw, served as the headliner for this year’s concert. (Photo credit: Beech Companies)
Cecil B. Moore — once called Columbia Avenue — is historically known for the lively jazz clubs located there that musical legends frequented. Today, the “Jazz on the Ave” Music Fest continues this legacy and has become one of the must-attend summer concerts of the year, attracting musicians, celebrities, locals and people from across the nation.
“We have people come from as far as California to enjoy the music, food and information we provide each year,” states Kenneth Scott, President of Beech Companies. “This event has sustained for 11 years not just because it’s a great family and community event, but because it’s an opportunity to celebrate the great musical history of North Philadelphia that people across the nation have come to appreciate.”
According to research, local concerts are a tourism attraction and have the opportunity to bring communities together and instill a sense of community pride and knowledge of their history. In addition, the economic benefits of festivals helps stimulates the growth of tourism and other businesses in the region.
To learn more about Beech Community Services, call (215) 763-8868 or visit www.beechinterplex.com.
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