Sharon Lia Set for Cape May Performance at Singer-Songwriter Conference

Issue #639

March 28, 2026

In This Cape May Local Scoop Issue…

 📆 Cape May Events

☀️ Cape May Local Weather

🐚 Sharon Lia Set for Cape May Performance at Singer- Songwriter Conference

𓌉◯𓇋Gateway Playhouse Opens Auditions for ‘Guys and Dolls’ This April

⚓Cape May Republicans Debate How to Replace Departing Commissioner

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

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

March 23

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Sharon Lia Set for Cape May Performance at Singer-Songwriter Conference

Philadelphia musician Sharon Lia is earning acclaim for her cinematic rock album EXPANSE and a GRAMMY-nominated collaboration on The Fury. Blending symphonic rock with sci-fi themes, her work spans music, visuals, and storytelling. Alongside her band, Lia has performed nationally and gained industry recognition, while also leading an organization called Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause, a non-profit she founded during her battle with breast cancer. The band has appeared at major festivals, including Firefly Music Festival, and has performed alongside well-known acts across a range of venues nationwide. Their work has also been featured on major television networks, expanding their reach beyond live audiences. This weekend, Lia will take the stage in Cape May as part of the city’s iconic Singer-Songwriter Music Conference. She is scheduled to perform Saturday night at The Rusty Nail and Beach Shack on Beach Avenue, joining a diverse lineup of artists for the popular annual event. During a recent interview, Lia shared insights into her musical journey, describing a lifelong connection to music that began in childhood. Classically trained on piano and driven by a passion for songwriting, she has developed a distinctive sound that blends orchestral elements with rock intensity. Her creative process often starts at the piano, where melodies evolve into emotional narratives that guide her lyrics. Lia leads the Sharon Lia Band alongside guitarist and husband Rick Jannotti, with a collaborative approach that emphasizes shared creativity. Since forming the band in the mid-2010s, the group has grown steadily, transitioning from smaller performances to larger stages and more complex productions. Beyond music, Lia has channeled her personal challenges into meaningful action. After facing significant obstacles in her own life, including a cancer diagnosis, she founded Ladies Who Rock 4 A Cause. The nonprofit provides temporary support to women navigating crises, helping them regain stability and move forward. The organization has rallied strong community backing, with dozens of volunteers contributing to its events and outreach efforts. Her artistic work often reflects themes of resilience and vulnerability, aiming to create a space where listeners can connect with their own experiences. Lia views her music as more than entertainment, describing it as a shared journey that invites audiences to explore both inner emotions and broader, imaginative landscapes. Her talents extend beyond performing and philanthropy, she has also put out a series children’s books and albums available on Amazon. She is also expanding her creative output with new material, including unreleased songs shaped by deeply personal moments. One such piece, written in the aftermath of her mother’s passing, stands out as a particularly emotional milestone in her songwriting. Looking ahead, Lia continues to bring her music to live audiences, offering both intimate performances and larger-scale productions that incorporate visual elements and storytelling. Her goal remains to create immersive experiences that leave a lasting impact on listeners. Sharon takes the stage 7pm Saturday night at the Rusty Nail.

Gateway Playhouse Opens Auditions for ‘Guys and Dolls’ This April

  Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point is inviting performers of all experience levels to audition for its upcoming production of the beloved musical comedy Guys and Dolls. Auditions will take place on April 18 and April 22, and are open to anyone aged 16 and older, with no appointments required and all roles available. Directed by Gateway’s artistic director, Phil Pallitto, the production brings to life the vibrant world of New York City gamblers, showgirls and unlikely romantics. The story follows Nathan Detroit, a charismatic hustler searching for a venue to host his underground craps game while navigating pressure from authorities and his longtime fiancée Adelaide, who has been waiting years for marriage. At the same time, high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson enters a bet involving Sarah Brown, a principled missionary, setting off a chain of events that challenge both of their beliefs and priorities. As the characters’ lives intersect, themes of love, risk and commitment unfold against a lively backdrop of humor and music. The show features well-known songs such as “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sit Down You’re Rocking the Boat,” “If I Were a Bell,” and “Adelaide’s Lament.” Auditions will include a dance call followed by acting and vocal performances. Participants are asked to prepare a song in the style of the show and bring either sheet music or a track; an accompanist will be available. Monologues will be provided in advance through the theater’s social media channels. Audition schedule:

  • April 18: Dance call at 9:30 a.m., followed by acting and vocals from 10 a.m. to noon

  • April 22: Dance call at 6 p.m., followed by acting and vocals from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Rehearsals are set to begin the week of April 25. Performances will run May 28 through May 31 and June 4 through June 7.

Cape May Republicans Debate How to Replace Departing Commissioner

 

 

Republican leaders in Cape May County are weighing their options following a recent vacancy on the Board of County Commissioners. The opening comes after Melanie Collette stepped down from her position last week to accept a role as the county’s public information officer, a position with a salary of $115,000. County Republican leadership has indicated that filling the seat is likely, though no final decision has been made. The remaining term lasts approximately nine months, and several paths are under consideration. One option is to appoint one of the two Republican candidates already running unopposed in the upcoming June primary: Curtis Bashaw, a hotelier and former U.S. Senate candidate, or Patrick Rosenello, a former mayor of North Wildwood. Another possibility is selecting a temporary appointee to serve out the remainder of the term, or choosing to leave the seat vacant altogether, particularly given the lack of closely divided votes on the board. Collette had previously announced she would not seek re-election, citing a desire to focus on her media career, which includes appearances on national conservative television outlets. Her fellow commissioner, Will Morey, who is also not seeking another term, abstained from the vote confirming her new appointment.

 Answer to the March 27th Trivia Question

Cape May's Great Fire of 1878 had a major impact on the town. Approximately how much of the town was destroyed?

A) One-quarter
B) One-third
C) Half
D) Two-thirds

Answer: C) Half​

The fire of 1878 devastated about half of Cape May, but the town was quickly rebuilt, and many of its iconic Victorian buildings were constructed during the rebuilding process.​

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