Festivals in Cape May

In just two weeks, April 22-24th we will begin to explode with festivals in Cape May. Twice a year Exit Zero Jazz Festival transforms Cape May into a jazz village as fans and musicians make their pilgrimage to this little town by the sea.

Now in its fifth year, the Festival is a celebration of music with more than 30 sets of jazz, blues, New Orleans jazz and R&B, and more presented on stages and clubs in our charming Victorian seaside resort. The Festival is supported through the efforts of Festival Presenters: Motéma Music and Exit Zero Magazine, and stage sponsors VintageSouthJersey.com, The Whale’s Tale, It’s a Breeze, Hawk Haven Vineyard + many other Cape May & Cape May County businesses.

Our friend Michael Kline says:  “We wanted to offer a world-class cultural experience in Cape May that would launch the Spring shoulder season and let people know there is a vibrant, thriving community in Cape May beyond the incredible beaches and Victorian architecture. Through music, we celebrate the spirit and creative energy in Cape May, bringing a little of that New Orleans street party flavor to the beach. It’s always a great party and we’re thrilled that people keep coming back for more.”

When the fall festival wrapped up, I asked Michael how he would top packed house performances by the great Wynton Marsalis? Michael smiled and said: “We’ll see.”

Have you seen the lineup for this years Jazz Festival? Names like Pat Metheny and Joey Alexander just for starters. After his recent appearance on 60 Minutes, Joey Alexander has to rank up there as one of the most popular musicians to visit Cape May. Michael Kline certainly keeps making this festival better and better.

Cape May will barely have a chance to cool off after the Jazz Festival when the Mid Atlantic Center for Arts and Humanities rolls out their Music Festival.  The Cape May Music Festival offers something for every musical taste. In addition to Irish (my favorite) and brass band music, classical music lovers will delight with the return of the Bay Atlantic Symphony, the New York Chamber Ensemble, and the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra Chamber Players.

Even more Jazz is on tap. Concert goers can enjoy the thrill of live jazz during the ever-popular and meaningful 5th annual George Mesterhazy Tribute concert, a new jazz/rock fusion concert featuring The Jōst Project and a new Champagne Jazz Brunch.

There really is less and less of a quiet season in Cape May. These two festivals are a great way to shake of the chills of winter and heat things up in with a variety of musical performances.