Jazz returns to Cape May

The Cape May Jazz Festival continues its 15-year tradition Nov. 7-9.
Friday night’s opener kicks off with a Tribute to Maynard Ferguson featuring a 16-piece big band led by Ed Vezinho and Jim Ward. This performance will be held in the Theatre at Lower Regional High School.
Jon Faddis, internationally acclaimed high-register trumpeter, will solo with the band saluting Ferguson’s music. Ferguson, jazz legend and internationally famous big band leader, was one of the world’s great trumpet and brass instrument players dazzling the world with his trumpet blasts.
Ferguson, the kid, set the jazz world on its ear with his innovation and level of musicianship of his “Birdland Dream Band” back in the 50s.
Pieces of a Dream return by popular demand performing on Saturday night in the Theater. To fill out the schedule, well-known jazz vocalist Jackie Ryan will perform in the Grand Hotel Ballroom Friday, and smooth jazz saxtress Pamela Williams will lend her talents on Saturday night.
Adding to the Ferguson Tribute Friday night ex-Ferguson musician Michael Pedicin will be in Carneys Other Room while Denis DiBlasio, Ferguson’s musical director for five years, will bring his band to Carney’s on Saturday night featuring Jim McFalls on the trombone.
Frank Bey, Edgardo Cintron, Antoinette Montague, Chembo Corniel, David Cole, Bob Ferguson, Alan Weber and Frenz, Xcluzive, the Little Jazz Giants plus the always-popular high-energy jam sessions and complimentary workshops will be featured.
The schedule in its entirety can be found on the web at capemayjazz.org, the best source for all the latest on the Cape May Jazz Festival, including music bytes from your favorite artists.
For more information or to be put on the mailing list please call 609-884-7277.