About
Olde Towne east
Olde Towne East Jazz Festival was founded in 2023 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our organization designs events of cultural importance that will elevate the Olde Towne East and Near East side Communities. This year we have partnered with The Ohio State University Music Jazz Studies Program Head Michael Smith, We Rise Entertainment, Project, Prosperity Faith & Mr. Martin J Ruffin from the “Bringing it Back Home Festival”, this year to bring awareness to Mental Health, Heart Health, Neuroscience/Brain Injury Awareness, Health and Wellness, Promote Family Unity with a Back School Project and Youth Participation Initiative.

Events
OLDE Towne east
Event organizers
Ms. Selina Dawkins, CEO and Founder
Mr. Martin J Ruffin, Community Liasion
Mr. William Brady, Administrator
Casjmir Briggs, Vendor Coordinator
Ms. Diane Dagenais, Social Media Strategist
Upcoming
Upcoming Events 2025
- OTE Harmony & DiversitySat, Jul 19Columbus
- OTE Pre-Back to School CelebrationTue, Aug 05Central Community House
- Olde Towne East East Jazz Festival KickoffFri, Sep 12Blackburn Community Park
- OTE Martin J Ruffin Community Day & Historic Comin' Home ReunionSat, Sep 13Blackburn Community Park
- Olde Towne East Jazz Festival FinaleSun, Sep 14Blackburn Community Park
All Tickets Are Free!
Performers
2025 Festival Headliners

Friday
Wave Magnetik
September 12
OTE Jazz Festival introduces electronic jazz dance music from Cleveland, Ohio
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Saturday
Four80East
September 13
OTE introduces Electro-groove-jazz-funk from Toronto, Canada

Sunday
Lin Roundtree
September 14
Known as The soul trumpeter, is an accomplished recording artist, producer and performer.
2025 Local Performers


history
Our
Target Area
Olde Towne East and Near East Side is one of the oldest areas in the city that has gone through transition and is in the process of urban renewal. It is under major revitalization and our goal is to be a part of this transformation and partner with other organizations to help improve this up-and-coming underserved area. We endeavor to remove the negative stigma and bring back pride to an once flourishing neighborhood. We set out to put Olde Towne East and the Near East Side community on the map as a unique and diverse Jazz/Arts Mecca while providing community outreach and youth initiatives.
