The idea of presenting or performing music to the general public has been around since the 1600s. Today, music lovers have many concert outlets to enjoy. From polished Broadway shows to outdoor music festivals, concert venues appealing to all ages and tastes are plentiful. So, if there is a concert to attend, there has to be a person (or entity) behind the show — producing and orchestrating every detail. In the South Jersey area, some noteworthy options for music and concerts include the South Jersey Jazz Society, Tony Mart Presents, Chicken Bone Beach, and Bay Atlantic Symphony. Let’s take a look at the people who pull the strings to bring music to our local ears.
South Jersey Jazz Society (SJJS)
In 1999, Nick Regine, Director of Community Education and Recreation in Somers Point, needed a last-minute event. He turned to his friend, Pete Chavez, a great tenor sax player who put together a small jazz festival with some of his musician friends. As a result, a jazz happening was born. People walked up and down the streets in Somers Point enjoying music flowing from local watering holes like Gregory’s. Since then, the festival has evolved into four days of jazz featuring local as well as world-renowned artists.
Regine, now President of the SJJS, has provided jazz to local audiences for the last 25 years. He talks about the merits of the organization, musical, and then some, “What makes the SJJS festivals unique is that it has created a local and very much vibrant jazz scene in South Jersey offering a year-round line up of top-class jazz musicians. We have also donated over $30,000 to help local schools support their music and arts programs.”
SJJS has already planned its 2025 season including a twice monthly jazz series, a three-part spring event, and the Jazz@thePoint Festival in October featuring a “Jersey Fresh” theme — artists born or based in New Jersey.
Magic Conductor’s Wand Wish:
Regional recognition of what we have accomplished in the 20 years of our existence noting just how special our organization is and the impact we have had on the jazz scene in Southern New Jersey. I would also wish for growth in our efforts to attract financial partners in this undertaking. —Nick Regine
Photos by John Loreaux
Tony Mart Presents
Owner and founder, Anthony (Tony) Marotta Sr., described his music mecca as “not just a nightclub...it’s an institution!” From its humble beginnings off Somers Point Road in 1945 to its closing in 1982, Tony Mart’s was THE spot at the Jersey Shore to see music legends. Starting with early rock n’ roll artists in the 50s through the British invasion, soul, psychedelic rock, disco, funk, and new wave, the bayside nightclub gave South Jersey music — lots of it.
Today, Carmen Marotta continues to keep his father’s music vision alive. Marotta explains Tony Mart’s role in the music world, “Through the iconic moment in rock ‘n’ roll history when “Levon and the Hawks” received that famous phone call to become “Bob Dylan and The Band,” right up until the filming of “Eddie and the Cruisers” in its final year, Tony Mart’s provided an enigmatic showplace for our music; a frolicking, good-time party place where collegiate kids, “shoobies,” and summer residents, in Ocean City and elsewhere, had the times of their lives…”
During the summer season, Marotta stays true to the Tony Mart legacy by providing concerts at three local venues — Somers Point Beach Concerts and Rock the Point on the mainland, and Mardi Gras AC on the Boardwalk.
Magic Conductor’s Wand Wish:
Greater financial support in the form of donations and sponsorship. We would like to continue building a wider audience with more opportunities to reward everyone who believes in and supports the great artistry and gifted, world-class performances of more famous Hall of Fame, Award Winning Artists. That’s what makes The Good Times Roll! —Carmen Marotta
Photos by John Loreaux
Chicken Bone Beach (CBB)
Until the 1964 Civil Rights Act banned segregation, Missouri Avenue in Atlantic City was designated as the Black-only beach — referred to as “Chicken Bone Beach.” During the 1940s, black entrepreneurs provided summer entertainment for the segregated audience including Sammy Davis, Jr. and Club Harlem showgirls. Today, that piece of local history is captured in the name of the music-centric organization that promotes the embracement of all races through jazz.
The organization, founded by Henrietta Shelton in 2000, provides the public with free jazz concerts on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. Shelton explains, “We have had some of the biggest names in jazz music concerts on the Kennedy Plaza Stage in Atlantic City over the past 24 years.” Shelton welcomes the excellent feedback she hears from concertgoers — nearly 1,000 returning each year.
In addition to concerts, CBB offers Jazz Camps and Winter Jazz Programs to music students. Through a partnership with Cynthia Primas and the IDEA Center for the Arts, as well as the late, great Donald Byrd, American jazz trumpeter, a music camp for students was created. CBB also provides opportunities for a youth choir to 70 students who perform at local venues like the Stockton Performing Arts Center and Hard Rock Casino.
Magic Conductor’s Wand Wish:
I would want continued success and growth. Currently, at our Institute for Jazz Studies Building, we teach 60 young students different musical instruments — piano, drums, flute, guitar, and more. Although the students receive free music lessons, we pay our instructors — and we would love to provide more instructors for more music students. —Henrietta Shelton
Bay Atlantic Symphony
The philosophy behind the Bay Atlantic Symphony is simple — music is essential to life.
As the leading professional performing arts company and education organization in the region, the Symphony provides the public with access to excellent performances. In addition, the Symphony believes in music education that “enhances the musicians, presenters, participants and community.” From Bridgeton to Atlantic City, Symphony musicians mentor students in South Jersey schools and annually perform education concerts at the Vineland and Galloway Township venues for local students.
The 2024-2025 season will warm the hearts of classical music lovers in the area. The season consists of five concerts — “Classical Music Celebrations Presented with Today’s Energy.” Whether presented at the Guaracini Performing Arts Center at Rowan University Cumberland Campus in Vineland or at Stockton University’s Performing Arts Center in Galloway Township, programs hope to please audiences with music from Brahms to Haydn.
Jed Gaylin, Bay Atlantic Symphony Music Director, looks forward to the new season. “Our program celebrates timeless classics alongside innovation from newer composers. This season offers a vibrant, transformative musical experience for all who attend.”
Magic Conductor’s Wand Wish:
If I could wave a magic wand, it would be to fill the seats at our five concerts in a season. —Lisa Simon, BAS Media Relations
Exit Zero Jazz Festival
Since 2012, music lovers have enjoyed jazz in the Fall and Spring at Cape May’s own Exit Zero Jazz Festival. From grooving to a New Orleans brass band to swaying to the beat of a 22-piece Brazilian drum bloco, the southernmost tip in New Jersey has become a jazz mecca.
The three-day festival offers internationally known jazz artists performing on the main stage at the Cape May Convention Hall as well as in bars and restaurants all through Cape May. Jazz greats appearing at the Exit Zero Festival have included the Joey Alexander Quartet, Branford Marsalis Quartet, Matthew Whitaker, and Dayramir Gonzalez. The 2025 Spring Festival will feature Samara Joy — a Grammy award-winning vocalist.
Avid festival goer, Jim Touhy, would not miss the event for the world. Touhy explains. “We’re lucky to have this gem of a festival right here in South Jersey. The jazz-loving crowd is knowledgeable and respectful to the musicians, but there’s plenty of joyful dancing too. Over the years I’ve marveled at how this festival has adapted to changes and challenges. It just keeps getting better every year —twice a year.”
Magic Conductor’s Wand Wish:
If I had a magic wand, Cape May would have a 5,000-seat amphitheater on the beach and a Title Sponsor to cover any rainouts. Or, a Title Sponsor so we could present Herbie Hancock. —Michael Kline, Executive Producer, Exit Zero Jazz Festival
Ventnor City Special Events
Ventnor City, our charming beach town nestled along the Jersey Shore, has become a hub of activity during the summer months, thanks to its vibrant special events and popular concert series. These concerts, which take place on the beach at the Ventnor Library and at the picturesque Ski Beach on the bay in Ventnor Height's provide both locals and visitors with the perfect backdrop to enjoy the warm weather, sand, and sea while being entertained by a wide range of musical acts.
The Ventnor City Summer Concert Series is a standout event that draws crowds to the beach for a memorable experience. Held on various evenings throughout the summer, the concerts feature a diverse lineup of performers spanning different genres—from classic rock and jazz to pop and reggae. With the sound of the waves crashing against the shore and a cool ocean breeze, the beach setting adds an extra touch of magic to the already lively atmosphere. These concerts are free to attend, making them accessible for families, friends, and visitors of all ages.
In addition to the beachside concerts, Ski Beach also serves as a prime location for community events and gatherings. This charming spot hosts a variety of activities that bring together residents and tourists for fun-filled days of entertainment. Whether it's outdoor fitness classes, arts and crafts, or special themed events, Ski Beach provides a relaxing and scenic environment for visitors to unwind and enjoy everything Ventnor City has to offer.
At the heart of these events is Donna Peterson and her staff, an integral part of the Ventnor City community. Donna’s dedication to the town and its cultural offerings has helped shape the special events series into a highlight of the summer season. She plays a key role in organizing and promoting the concert series, ensuring that each event runs smoothly and brings joy to the many attendees who flock to Ventnor City during the warmer months. Her tireless efforts have contributed to making Ventnor City’s summer activities an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Whether you're enjoying an evening of live music on the beach, participating in activities at Ski Beach, or simply taking in the lively atmosphere, Ventnor City’s summer events are not to be missed. With a variety of activities and the enchanting beach vibe, the town remains a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy the best of the Jersey Shore.
