Cape May Jazz Festival April 15, 2005

Posted 02/22/05
CAPE MAY, N.J. – Tickets are now on sale for the 23rd Cape May Jazz Festival, April 15-17 2005..

This year the Festival pays tribute to the late Ray Charles.

Ray Charles Tribute

David “Fathead” Newman performs his newly released homage “I Remember Brother Ray”, joined by Marcus Belgrave, Howard Johnson and Cynthia Scott Friday evening.

David Newman and Ray Charles were friends who played together over the years. Newman’s moving tribute to Charles kicks off the festival weekend.

Other Friday Night Performances

Pianist Monty Alexander also gets in the spirit of Ray at the Grand Hotel on Friday. Percussionist Stefon Harris and Blackout light up Star of the Sea auditorium, and vocalist Sara Gazarek woos the audience at the Pelican Club.

Also Friday, the AfroRican Latin Jazz Ensemble is in Carney’s Main Room while the Budesa Brothers with vocalist Michelle Beckham takes the stage in Carney’s Other Room.

The Ed Cherry Organ Project rocks the Boiler Room, and the Chris Bergson Band brings their blues to Cabanas.

Saturday

Saturday headliners are Nicholas Payton and Sonic Trance who bring their jazz groove to Convention Hall’s stage.

Pieces of a Dream are the first Cape May Jazz Festival artists to use the new Lower Township Performing Arts Center.

Saturday night’s lineup is rounded out by Ray Mantilla and The New Space Station performing their infectious Latin groove in Star of the Sea Auditorium.

Trumpet sensation Sean Jones performs at the Grand Hotel and Lucky Thompson and DNA bring their percussive jazz to Carney’s Main Room.

Saturday Laura Theodore takes the mic in Carney’s Other Room. The Vinson Valega Trio performs in the Boiler Room, and vocalist Nora Jean Bruso sings the blues at Cabanas.

Workshops

Free workshops in guitar, singing, horn and percussion are co-sponsored by the Center for Community Arts. The annual CD signing party takes place in the Boiler Room on Saturday.

The Pelican Club hosts a Gospel and Blues brunch on Sunday, with Barbara Mills and the Aaron Graves Trio. Reservations are strongly recommended.

Tickets

 - All Event Pass $130
 - 8 Event Fri Evening $49
 - 8 Event Sat Evening $49
 - 4 Event Sat Afternoon $35
 - 3 Event Sunday Jam & Blues $25
 - Free Workshops Sat.

For tickets and information call (877) 7CM-JAZZ.

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