The Exit Zero Jazz Festival started in 2012 and remained resilient even through the pandemic. The festival is taking place May 13 – 15 in Cape May, New Jersey. The program will feature a variety of bands ranging from legendary elder statesmen like Charles Lloyd and Houston Person to contemporary groups like the all-female ensemble Artemis, jazz & hip-hop percussionist Makaya McCraven, singers Cecile McLoren Salvant and Kurt Elling. Latin music will be represented by Arturo Sandoval and Orquesta Akokan. Chilean saxophonist Melissa Aldana will perform and brass bands from Brooklyn (the Brass Queens) and Nashville (Brassville) will liven up the proceedings as well.
In this segment, Peter Solomon speaks with Festival producer Michael Kline.
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NEA Jazz Master Charles Lloyd, now 84 years old, has played with everyone from B.B. King to Keith Jarrett.
D. Darr
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Cecile McLorin Salvant is one of the most creative jazz singers working today. Her repertoire draws from a vast array of styles, including vaudeville, blues, jazz, folk, theatre and even baroque music. She is also an accomplished visual artist.
Shawn Michael Jones
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Cuban big band Orquesta Akokan was nominated for a grammy for their first recording. They are led by singer Jose Pepito Gomez and include some of the finest instrumentalists in Cuba, including members of famed ensembles Irakere, NG La Banda and Los Van Van.
Sophia Mena
