Positively Philadelphia: The Lancaster Ave. Jazz and Arts Fest
By Lauren Lipton
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The eighth annual Lancaster Avenue Jazz and Arts Festival, coming up on Saturday, July 19th, features internationally renowned saxophonist Azar Lawrence and a number of Philadelphia musicians.
"Any festival in Philadelphia is always great for presenting new music from people within the community," says Josh Lawrence (no relation) -- trumpeter, composer, bandleader, and University of the Arts faculty member -- whose Fresh Cut Trio is one of the acts.
Besides music, there will be food trucks and lots of activities for the kids.
"Whether you're somebody with a family (and) you have a bunch of kids, you'll want to bring them and have a good time. If you're just early twenties, you'll come and have a good time, you'll hang out with some cool people. If you're older and want to just hang and listen to some music, it'll be fun for all ages," Josh says.
Josh Lawrence is not from Philadelphia, but loves it here.
"It's a great city. To me, it's about people, and I just love people from Philly. There's a certain vibe and attitude in people from Philly that's very loving and welcoming."
Hear the extended interview with Josh Lawrence in this CBS Philly podcast (runs 6:20)...
The festival, at 39th Street and Powelton Avenue in West Philadelphia, highlights Lancaster Avenue as one of Philadelphia's emerging art jewels. It's organized by the nearby People's Emergency Center.
And, for this week, that's "Positively Philadelphia!"
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