Autumn Exit Zero Jazz Festival Rocks Cape May

By Cassidy Jones November 2, 2024

All photos taken by Frank Scott

Ocean Avenue Stompers in the ‘Second Line’ Parade

Last weekend, hundreds of musicians, consisting of world-class acts and a diverse range of raw talent, performed on five different stages around Cape May. From October 25 through 27, musicians took the stage at Convention Hall, Harry’s Ocean Bar & Grille, and both rooms at Carney’s for the 23rd Exit Zero Jazz Festival.

Lakecia Benjamin, Eddie Henderson of ‘The Cookers’

Festival founder Michael Kline has maintained successful operations of this event since 2006, each year growing and enhancing the project, and exposing Cape May to a magnificent assemblage of talent. “The 23rd Exit Zero Jazz Festival was by every measure an incredible experience. More than 3,000 attendees passed through festival doors witnessing the greatest musicians in the world,” said Michael.

The Cookers

Michael continued on to say, “The Cape May Jazz Festival Foundation champions the cultivation and discovery of jazz, blues, and folk music for all. Our goal each year is to present the greatest musicians in the world on our festival stages. Our festival is one of the most respected jazz festivals in the country, presenting an incredible array of different cultures and varied styles of the roots of this music.”

Daisy Castro and Max O’Rourke of the ‘Daisy Castro Quartet’

Each year this festival is a fresh breath of creativity during seasonal transitions. People travel great distances to both perform and join the audience for an unbeatable musical experience.

Francisco Mela with ‘Nduduzo Makhathini’ Band, Nduduzo Makhathin, Keyon Harrold

Michael spoke of the impressive acclaim received by the performers of the festival: “Grammy winners, NEA Jazz Masters, and up and coming jazz musicians are all presented on the stages of the festival. We have presented the greatest artists working in music, everyone from Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Pat Metheny, Dianne Reeves, Samara Joy, Terence Blanchard, Ron Carter, and Branford Marsalis. We just presented The Cookers, George Cables, Cecil McBee, Billy Hart, Donald Harrison, Jr. Wayne Escoffery, Eddie Henderson and David Weiss—who collectively have over 500 years of performance experience on stages throughout the world.”

Davina and the Vagabonds

Exit Zero Jazz Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the community to hear these musicians play live. Even local youth were able to experience the magic. “The Soul Rebels Brass Band from New Orleans performing for the students of Cape May and West Cape May elementary schools will be an experience those kids will carry with them for the rest of their lives,” said Michael.