Stanley Clarke and Cassandra Wilson to Headline Cape May’s Jazz Festival

Issue #484

October 13, 2025

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🎺 Stanley Clarke and Cassandra Wilson to Headline Cape May’s Jazz Festival

🎡 Major Boardwalk Overhaul Begins in North Wildwood, Set to Finish by Spring 2026

 👻 Nominate a Neighbor! Search On for Best Halloween Houses in Cape May

Cape May Local Scoop’s Events Are Sponsored By: Daisy Lane Boutique

👇 Here’s what’s going on in the Cape May Local Area👇  

 September 10

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Stanley Clarke and Cassandra Wilson to Headline Cape May’s Jazz Festival

Cape May will once again transform into a vibrant hub of jazz music as the Exit Zero Jazz Festival returns from November 7 to 9, showcasing an eclectic mix of international stars and rising artists across multiple local venues. This year’s festival brings a dynamic lineup, including five-time GRAMMY winner and NEA Jazz Master Stanley Clarke, who makes his debut appearance at the event. Clarke will lead a performance with his young ensemble, 4EVER, blending jazz with funk and fusion in his signature genre-defying style. Also headlining is the acclaimed vocalist Cassandra Wilson, who will celebrate the 30th anniversary of her GRAMMY-winning album New Moon Daughter with a special performance at Convention Hall on Sunday at 3 p.m. Known for her unique blend of jazz, blues, and pop, Wilson’s set is expected to be a highlight of the weekend. Events will unfold across several Cape May locations, including Convention Hall, the Clemans Theater, Carney’s Main Room, and Harry’s at the Montreal Beach Resort. The festival, now in its thirteenth year, has become a biannual celebration of jazz each spring and fall since its debut in 2012. In addition to renowned artists, the festival emphasizes community and accessibility by featuring local performers alongside international talent, creating a weekend of musical discovery in one of New Jersey’s most scenic coastal towns.

  

Major Boardwalk Overhaul Begins in North Wildwood, Set to Finish by Spring 2026

 A familiar stretch of the North Wildwood Boardwalk has been temporarily transformed into a construction zone as the city officially kicks off a major reconstruction project. The work, currently focused on the area between 24th and 26th Avenues near Morey’s Surfside Pier, marks the beginning of a complete teardown and rebuild of this section of the famed boardwalk. Crews started removing sections of decking earlier this month, fencing off work zones and bringing in heavy equipment to launch the first phase of the project. The reconstruction will continue through the fall and winter months, with the city aiming for a full reopening by April 2026—just in time for the next summer tourism season. Though the construction area is fenced off, local favorites like Gateway 26 arcade remain open for business. Visitors can still access the arcade through its 26th Street entrance. This project is part of a broader effort across both Wildwood and North Wildwood to revitalize the historic boardwalk—one of South Jersey’s most beloved coastal landmarks. With two separate reconstruction strategies underway, both cities share a common goal: preserving the boardwalk for future generations while improving safety, appearance, and functionality.

Nominate a Neighbor! Search On for Best Halloween Houses in Cape May

 The Wildwood Video Archive is creating a special Halloween video to showcase the best-decorated homes in Cape May County. They're asking locals to nominate creatively decorated personal homes (not businesses) that go all out for Halloween. To submit a home for consideration, simply send the address (no names required), along with the town and cross streets, to make it easy to locate. Photos or videos are welcome, especially if they capture the display in all its haunted glory. Suggestions can be shared by commenting on the original post, messaging through Facebook or Instagram, or emailing directly to [email protected]. The deadline is approaching, so now’s the time to shine a light on the homes that make Halloween in Cape May County unforgettable. 

What was the original name of Congress Hall when it was first constructed in 1816?

What was the original name of Congress Hall when it was first constructed in 1816?

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Answer to the October 12th Trivia Question

What significant event boosted tourism in Cape May, New Jersey in 1863?

A) The opening of the Cape May Canal
B) The completion of Congress Hall
C) The designation as a National Historic Landmark
D) The opening of the Tuckahoe and Cape May Railroad

Answer: D) The opening of the Tuckahoe and Cape May Railroad

The opening of the Tuckahoe and Cape May Railroad in 1863 significantly boosted tourism in Cape May by making the area more accessible to visitors​ (Wikipedia)​​. ​

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