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Arts & Entertainment

Great Escape: Cape May Jazz Festival

Hear Kevin Eubanks and other contemporary jazz artists perform this weekend 'down the shore.'

Is anybody else craving fresh ocean air, the feeling of sand in between their toes and the sound of waves crashing on the beach? Yeah, me too.

If I told you that beachy experience came with wall-to-wall--or should I say, boardwalk-to-boardwalk--music, would you pack your SPF 45 and a weekend bag and go? Well, get packing because the Cape May Jazz Festival starts this Friday. 

While Cape May is famous for whale-watching, lighthouses, Victorian homes and even its zoo, the Cape May Jazz Festival is what it will be most known for this weekend. Celebrating its 18th year, this year's festival boasts Friday headliner Kevin Eubanks, with shows scheduled for 8pm and 10pm.

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And, yes, that is the Kevin Eubanks--the same one Jay Leno took shots at on "The Tonight Show." A native of Philadelphia, Eubanks has a range and flexibility in his sound that was influenced by Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix and Earth, Wind & Fire.

Grammy-nominated Latin Jazz artist Poncho Sanchez will headline Saturday night’s performances, with shows at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Gregory Porter, Warren Wolf and Lauren Hooker, as well as many more talented headliners are scheduled to perform over the weekend.

Find out what's happening in Hellertown-Lower Sauconwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

You will need a place to rest after a long night of dancing and jazz-fueled revelry, and the Carroll Villa will most certainly meet your accommodation needs. 

A National Historic Landmark as well as one of the most beautiful and acclaimed hotels in Cape May, the Carroll Villa is a great representation of the Victorian architecture that gives this Jersey Shore community its unique charm. The rooms themselves are quaintly decorated in typical Victorian satin, lace and floral patterns.

The Mad Batter Restaurant is located inside the Carroll Villa and provides one of the best breakfasts on the boardwalk. Happy hour is from 4 to 6pm.

So get out, enjoy the seaside and escape from suburbia for a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend of jazz at the Jersey Shore.

 

CAPE MAY JAZZ FESTIVAL (18th Annual Jazz Festival)

Where/When: Cape May, N.J., Friday through Sunday, April 8-10.

Why Go: The beach, the boardwalk, live jazz until 1am every night. Need I say more? 

Prices: All weekend event bracelet $135 (prior to April 7), $150 at box office.

                  All-event Friday night wristband $65

                  All-event Saturday night wristband $65

                  All-event Saturday afternoon $35

                  All-event Sunday afternoon $25

 

CARROLL VILLA AND MAD BATTER GRILL (CARROLL VILLA)    

Where/When: 19 Jackson St., Cape May, N.J., Friday through Sunday.

Why Go: The Carroll Villa is one of the most beautiful hotels in historic Cape May. With only 22 rooms, staying in this Victorian manse is like staying with friends at the beach. Amenities include queen-size beds, private bathrooms, 30 percent off dinners at the Mad Batter Grill and free parking.

Prices: Rooms rates are from $109 - $209. For Carroll Villa reservations, call 1-877-275-8452.

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