Great Escape: Cape May Jazz Festival

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

If I told you that scenery came with wall to wall, or should I say boardwalk to boardwalk, music, would you pack your SPF 45 and a bag for the weekend and go?  Well, get packing because the Cape May Jazz Festival starts this Friday and it is only a 3 hour trip down the A.C. Expressway to escape to a jazz filled, beach front weekend.

While Cape May is famous for its whale watching, lighthouses, Victorian homes and even Zoo, but the Cape May Jazz Festival is what it will be famous for this weekend.  Celebrating its 18^th year, the festival boasts Friday headliner Kevin Eubanks with shows at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

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 be headlining Saturday night’s performances with shows at 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.  Gregory Porter, Warren Wolf and Lauren Hooker as well as many more talented headliners are scheduled to perform over the weekend.

You will need a place to rest after a long night of dancing and jazz revelry.  The Carrol Villa is one of the most beautiful and acclaimed hotel’s in Cape May.  As a National and Historic Landmark, the Carroll Villa is a great representation of the Victorian architecture that gives the shore its charm.  The rooms themselves are quaintly decorated in typical Victorian satin, lace and floral patterns that give it class and panache.

The Mad Batter Restaurant is located inside the Carrol Villa and provides one of the best breakfasts on the board walk.  Happy hour is from 4- 6 p.m.

So, get out, enjoy the ocean area 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, NJ, Friday through Sunday

Why Go: The beach, the board walk, live jazz until 1:00 a.m. every night, need I say more? 

Prices:  All weekend event bracelet $135 (prior to April 7) $150 at box office; Friday night and Saturday night wristbands, $65; Saturday afternoon wristband, $35; Sunday afternoon wristband, $25.

CARROL VILLA AND MAD BATTER GRILL (CARROL VILLA)     

Where/When: 19 Jackson Street, Cape May, NJ, Friday through Sunday

Why Go: The most beautiful hotel in Cape May.  With only 22 rooms, this Victorian House is like staying with friends at the beach.  Amenities include Queen size beds, private baths, 30% dinners at the Mad Batter and free parking.

Prices: Rooms range in rate from $109 - $209.  For Carroll Villa reservations, call 1-877-275-8452.