OTBADA
Old Town Business & Art Development Association (OTBADA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that catalyzes the revitalization of Lansing's Old Town historic commercial district through promoting community development, preserving historic buildings and producing quality art events and programs.
OTBADA's arts programming includes Studio 1210, Stage 1210, Lansing JazzFest, Old Town BluesFest, and Burning Desires.
Upcoming Events
Now
Old Town Festival SurveyPlease help Old Town improve the quality of its festivals by taking the Old Town Festival Survey.
August 6-7, 2010
Lansing JazzFest
The Lansing JazzFest is a two-day free music festival taking place August 6-7, 2009, that will bring national, regional, and local acts to an audience of 15,000+ people from across Michigan and nearby states. The festival will take place in the streets of Old Town with vendors lining the streets offering ethnic food, beverages, art, clothing, and crafts, and nearby galleries and boutiques opening their doors during festival hours.
September 17-18, 2010
Old Town BluesFest
The Old Town BluesFest is a two-day free music festival bringing local, regional, and national blues acts to an audience of 15,000+ people from across the region. September 17-18, the streets of Old Town will be filled with musicians, festival-goers, and vendors.
News & Releases
Galleries and Art Events Prove to Be Economic Drivers in Lansing
Old Town Arts Supporter and Biggest Booster Recognized as 2008 Outstanding Small Business
Festivities for Revitalization
OTBADA Congratulates Old Town's CiesaDesign on Governor's Award
Art Exhibit Energizes Arts Culture in Lansing
Upcoming Event Addresses Timely Social Issues Through Art
Old Town BluesFest Breaks All Records
OTBADA Congratulates Old Town IKEA Winners
Remembrance: Robert Busby's Quiet Life
Background
The Old Town Business & Art Development Association was incorporated in 1984 as the North Lansing Art Association. In 1992, the name was changed to Business and Art Development Association of Historic North Lansing. In 1994, the name became OTBADA.
OTBADA has been successfully producing arts programming (such as the snake rodeo, art golf, and Burning Desires poetry reading) and music festivals (such as the Lansing JazzFest and Old Town BluesFest) in Old Town since 1984. In 2003, OTBADA was chosen to receive the 18th annual ArtServe Michigan Governor's Award for Arts and Culture in the Business Honor Roll category; in 2004, OTBADA received the Statewide Arts Award from the Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies.