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Performers For Upcoming West Oak Lane Jazz Fest Revealed

PHLADELPHIA (CBS) -- The lineup for this year's West Oak Lane Jazz and Arts Festival was announced today.

Chaka Khan, Roy Ayers, and Chrisette Michelle are just a few of the artists performing in this year's festival.  Several local groups such as the Philadelphia Freedom Jazz Orchestra and the Clef Club Youth Band will also grace the stage.

But it's not just about the fun.  Pennsylvania state representative Dwight Evans (D-Phila.) says the festival represents an important investment in the West Oak Lane neighborhood.

"What it generates is the jobs, people coming into the neighborhood, and building businesses," Evans said today.

With looming budget deficits across Pennsylvania, there was controversy last year over whether the state's investment of $1 million in the three-day festival was worth it.

"You take risks," says Evans.  "Sometimes things turn out, sometimes things don't turn out.  At the end of the day, I would say, the outcome has been very positive."

The festival runs from June 17th to 19th.

Reported by Cherri Gregg, KYW Newsradio 1060

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