CAPE MAY — On Oct. 2, an icon in Cape May’s music scene will step onto the stage at Cabanas.
Joe Grassi, a local surfer dude who has gone from being a fourth grader at Star of the Sea, to a teenager playing weekend bonfire parties at Higbee’s Beach to playing seven nights a week at all the local bars when he was 18, which was a legal drinking age in 1978.
Grassi joined Landslide/Ras Records Recording Artists Pacific Orchestra in 1982 and toured for 10 years always returning to Cape May to get his fix of the sandy Cape May beaches, ultimately playing at Cabanas’ current location, 429 Beach Ave., originally called Gloria’s in the 80’s with Pacific Orchestra.
This Saturday, Cabanas will get a treat with the Joe Grassi Band which includes two members of Pacific Orchestra, Joe and his buddy they call “Face” on Bass.
Never on hiatus, now a family man with a seven-year-old daughter, who he believes sings better than her old man. Grassi believes he has the best of both worlds with his corporate job in Philadelphia and his lively music gigs at the Jersey Shore.
Still highly influenced by Jimmy Hendrix, Tom Petty, Marley and Neil Young he has recently added his daughter Ava Grassi, and has always thought his Mother was number one on the list.
The Joe Grassi Band keeps it all in the family, as his God son is also on stage groovin’ to the tunes.
Grassi claims to have a full list of funny stories about playing in Cape May at Gloria’s, The Shire, Harvey’s (currently Jackson Mountain) and now at Cabanas. If you are lucky, you just might hear a quip or two this weekend at Cabanas.
Come to Cabanas in Cape May this Saturday night at 9 p.m. and check out the Joe Grassi Band. For more information call 609-884-4800 or www.cabanasonthebeach.com
