Coasting

NEWS & VIEWS

By AC Weekly Staff

Add Comment | Comments: 0 | Posted Jun. 18, 2009

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26th Southern Shore Festival

The bands are ready, and the fans are ready. This Saturday, June 20, the Cumberland County Fairgrounds in Millville is ready to rock once again for nine hours of musical bliss as it hosts this year's Southern Shore Music Festival (SSMF). Formerly the Bridgeton Folk Festival, the SSMF is in its 26th year (third under the SSMF name) as a summer staple in the region. The event draws some of the biggest singer-songwriters from across the country. "I remember Steve Goodman when he performed the first show, and how Arlo [Guthrie] made his song 'City of New Orleans' so famous," says SSMF founder Bob Rose. Its musical catalog stretches across various genres, and this year is certainly no different. Be sure to catch artists such as Nik Everett (American folk & roots meets British pop), 61 North (blues, rock, jazz, funk) and Bonerama (New Orleans funk). Other acts include Nora Whittaker, Eilen Jewell, Philadelphia based Hoots & Hellmouth, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, and headliner Arlo Guthrie, pictured, performing during the 40th anniversary of his Woodstock festival appearance. "It's only fitting to have someone from the original Woodstock to perform," says Rose. The SSMF is an event for all ages. There will be arts and crafts vendors, food vendors, and a classic car display. Tickets are $25 in advance, and $35 the day of the show. Admission is free for children 12 and under. For tickets see southernshoremusicfestival.com.

-- Chris Torres

Festing at the Harbor

It was a pretty natural fit for Cape May. In 2008 the city chamber of commerce came up with an idea of an outdoor festival celebrating seafood and song; the sea, its culture, its economy and its ecology. They called it Cape May Harbor Fest. And as a surprise to no one, it was a major hit. "It really came together for us last year," says Bob Steenrod, president of the chamber. "There were more than 10,000 people who turned out. The whole event tied in with the community. Everyone was very happy with it." So happy that this year's Harbor Fest, to be held Saturday, June 20, promises to be even bigger. As part of the festival, a memorial service for fisherman will be held Friday (June 19). "Member of the families of the Lady Mary should be in attendance, so we expect that to be a very solemn event," Steenrod says. The 71-foot scallop boat based in Cape May sank in March with six hands dead or missing. The 7pm "Blessing of the Sea" takes place at Cape May's fisherman's memorial. A campfire and storytelling event will be held at the Cape May Nature Center at 8pm. Events for Saturday, include the street festival along Delaware Avenue from 10am-5pm with vendors and live music, a kayak regatta and nature tours and exhibits at the Nature Center, U.S. Coast Guard demonstrations and children's events. For information visit capemayharborfest.com or call 884-5508.

-- Mike Pritchard

Raves and Faves

Rolling Stones Remastered

12 post-1971 titles reissued by Universal

If you loved Stones' classics like Sticky Fingers and Tattoo You before, you'll really dig the current reissue project, which has 12 Stones albums coming out in three batches.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION
Photos by Tom Briglia