James Samuel

Community Relations Officer

Philadelphia Police Department- 22nd District

  1747 N 17th St.

  Philadelphia, PA 19121

Dear Community Partner,

I am writing to invite your support for the 15th Annual Beech “Jazz on the Ave” Music Festival, taking place on Saturday, August 16, 2025, along the historic West Cecil B. Moore Avenue in North Philadelphia. This highly anticipated, free, family-friendly festival celebrates Philadelphia’s rich musical legacy and features live performances in a range of genres, including jazz, soul, gospel, R&B, and contemporary urban music by both local and nationally recognized artists.

More than just a music event, “Jazz on the Ave” draws thousands of attendees from Philadelphia and beyond—welcoming guests from California, Alabama, North Carolina, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey. The festival also highlights a vibrant marketplace of licensed local vendors offering handcrafted goods, apparel, books, food, health and wellness resources, and vital community services. It’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and community spirit.

The festival site is deeply rooted in musical history. Formerly known as Columbia Avenue, Cecil B. Moore Avenue was once the heart of Philadelphia’s jazz and entertainment scene—part of the legendary “Golden Strip” from the 1940s through the 1960s. Since 2006, Beech Community Services has worked to honor and revive this legacy by hosting the “Jazz on the Ave” festival and supporting ongoing neighborhood revitalization through arts, culture, and social programming.

Presented in partnership with the Philadelphia 22nd Police District and supported by the City of Philadelphia Commerce Department, LISC, law enforcement, elected officials, volunteers, local businesses, and residents, the festival is a way for Beech Community Services to give back to the community. It reinforces our mission to uplift the Cecil B. Moore corridor by offering social, educational, and economic opportunities for both residents and commercial partners.

As the festival continues to grow, welcoming over 3,500 attendees annually, so do the costs to ensure a safe, high-quality, and accessible event. We are seeking your generous financial or in-kind donation to help cover essential festival expenses such as artist performances, logistics, safety measures, and community outreach. Your support will help reduce the financial burden on Beech and allow us to continue offering this much-needed and cherished community experience.

We would be honored to count you among our supporters. Donors and sponsors will be acknowledged across various platforms, including print materials, signage, and digital promotions.

If you would like to discuss sponsorship opportunities or ways to support, please contact me directly at james.samuel@phila.gov or call (267) 432-3632. I welcome the opportunity to speak with you further.

Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your continued commitment to strengthening the North Philadelphia community.

We respectfully ask for your support in presenting this beloved festival. Whether financial or in-kind, your donation will directly support event logistics, artist performances, safety, and community outreach efforts. In appreciation, sponsors and donors will be acknowledged in our promotional materials, on-site signage, and digital platforms.

By supporting “Jazz on the Ave,” you’re not only contributing to a day of celebration and entertainment but also investing in local culture, economic development, and community pride.

To make a contribution or discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact us at (267) 432-3632 or james.samuel@phila.gov. We would be honored to partner with you in making this year’s festival the most impactful yet.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued commitment to community development in North Philadelphia.

almost two decades to revive this legacy through the annual Beech "Jazz on the Ave" Music Fest, which takes over Cecil B. Moore Avenue for a full day of activities.

The festival is presented by Beech Community Services and the Philadelphia 22nd Police District with support from the City of Philadelphia Commerce Department, LISC, law enforcement, local officials, company sponsors, volunteers, area business owners, and community residents. Our festival is Beech Community Services' way of giving back to the Cecil B. Moore community and continuing its role of revitalizing the area by providing social, educational, and community services to its population, both residential and commercial.

Over the years, the festival has grown in scale and diversity, with an attendance of over 3,500 people who travel from as far as California, Alabama, North Carolina, New York, Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, securing funding for this event will help reduce the expenses incurred by Beech and allow for the continuation of this much-needed free community event.

As Beech Community Services and the Philadelphia 22nd Police District continue to play an essential role in fostering the growth of the community, we are asking for your commitment to fund this year's "Jazz on the Ave" Music Festival through a financial or in-kind donation.

If you need additional information and would like to discuss ways in which you can assist, I welcome the opportunity to talk with you further. You can contact me by email at james.samuel@phila.gov or call (267) 432-3632. Thank you in advance for your consideration.

Best Regards,

James Samuel

Officer James Samuel

Community Relations Officers-22nd PPD