Former Oakland Avenue Charter Teacher to Perform at 26th Annual Heritage Day

After dedicating eight years as the music teacher at Oakland Avenue Charter School, Kyle Zavada is set to return to the community, this time as a performer at the 26th annual Heritage Day Festival on Saturday, January 31.

 

Hired in 2017 to establish the school's music program, Zavada passionately nurtured young talents. However, in 2025, he embraced his own musical aspirations, transitioning to a full-time performance career.

 

Reflecting on his journey, Zavada recalls an elementary school project on Native American instruments that ignited his passion for music, particularly the guitar. This early fascination led to countless hours of practice and a deep-seated love for the instrument.

 

Throughout his career, Zavada has been part of various bands, touring nationally and releasing EPs. His tenure at Oakland Avenue Charter School allowed him to inspire the next generation, introducing many students to music for the first time.

 

"Since I had such an iconic childhood elementary experience, that’s what inspired me to want to be an elementary teacher," Zavada shared. "I love that at the charter school, I was able to be the first person to introduce music and musical concepts to the kids."

 

Currently, Zavada performs regularly at venues like Disney Springs, Universal CityWalk, and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa with his bands, including Lucky To Be and About Tuesday.

 

Returning to Oakland for Heritage Day holds special significance for Zavada. "It’s a really wholesome experience because the Oakland students are there, so they’re like, ‘That’s my teacher up there,’" he said. "It warms my heart that they still are that excited to see me."

 

The 26th annual Heritage Day Festival, presented by the town of Oakland and the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center, will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Speer Park, 331 N. Tubb St., Oakland. The event features live music, food trucks, artisanal crafts, shopping vendors, and interactive demonstrations with animal ambassadors from the Oakland Nature Preserve. This year’s festivities kick off with a 5K run presented by Healthy West Orange. Attendees can also explore the opening of the center’s latest exhibit, "Black History Tribute: Celebrating Art and Icons Changing America."

 

Zavada expressed his gratitude for the community's support and hopes to continue performing at future Heritage Day events. "They were family to me when I needed it," he said. "So that’s why I’m very grateful to be a part of Heritage Day, and I would love to continue to be."

 

Beyond Zavada’s performance, festival-goers can enjoy a variety of activities, including food trucks, arts and crafts vendors, educational animal demonstrations, batting cages, a Fun Bus, a mechanical alligator, and a performance by Sean Holcomb as the main act.

 

For more information on the Heritage Day Festival and other community events, visit the town of Oakland's official website.