Music in the Park.
Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation was founded in 1995 by Dr. Joe and Vi Jacobs as they had a vision to develop a community into a vibrant and economically sustainable destination, where the community would be deeply rooted and a partnership would be created with residents and local organizations. The Jacobs Center would serve as a local, regional and national convener, funding partner and strategic advisor to organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life for the residents of the neighborhood.
In addition, this vision also included a plan to create a vibrant town center and destination for the arts and culture where the community prides themselves as fantastic performers hosting dance, live music, festivals and theater that reflects the diversity within the neighborhood. The event known as Jacobs Presents has seen the power of the arts make a significant impact on the local economy, with yearlong performing arts featuring national and internationally known performers, along with local cultural celebrations. The Jacob Center Celebration Hall, Market Creek Amphitheater and Festival Park bring out thousands of San Diegans throughout the year and are now known as a cultural destination.
Each summer, Jacobs Presents brings residents together in the Diamond Neighborhood with vibrant and energetic events that reflect the diverse population featuring a lineup of international musicians, renowned dance companies and festivals and more.
To kick off this summer, Culture Shock San Diego, a non-profit Hip Hop dance troupe that cultivates self-worth, dignity and respect for all, will present Shock’n the Park on June 5th. This is a vivacious hip-hop dance event, designed to provide a hands-on experience, educate and inspire.
Next comes Jazz at the Creek which returns on June 11th to the Market Creek Amphitheater with Grammy Award winning artists Paul Brown, Chris Standring and Reggie Codrington along with Chase Huna. In July, before Phil Denny takes the stage, you will enjoy artists Marcus Anderson and Ashling Cole, who have both shared the stage with the late Prince and who are sure to play a few tributes to him. August will bring the local talent to the stage with Daryl Williams and Joe Leary, not to mention, Greg Adams and the East Bay Soul, playing a mix of R&B, Soul, Rock and contemporary Jazz.
Another successful program in which the foundation serves is the Writerz Blok, an arts and culture program helping youths who are on the margins of educational institutions or who have been part of the juvenile justice system. The Poets and Painters will present on June 25th during the Spoken Word and Graffiti Festival being held at the Market Creek Amphitheater. There will be a spoken word poetry slam and graffiti arts competition, along with music, dance and a family storytelling stage.
“To expand our possibilities, we must welcome innovation and seek untried solutions to problems.” – Joe Jacobs
