Jazz is Alive and Well at the Exit Zero Jazz Festival in Cape May, NJ

The biannual fall edition of the Exit Zero Jazz Festival transforms Cape May, New Jersey, into an intimate jazz haven with a distinct New Orleans influence, complete with a traditional second line procession. The festival's name references its location at Exit 0—the final exit at the southern end of the Garden State Parkway.

The festival presents a wide range of artists, from NEA Jazz Masters and established legends to emerging talents. Though modest in size compared to larger jazz festivals, its scale adds to its charm. Headlining performances take place in the 800-seat Cape May Convention Center, with additional concerts held at venues throughout the city.

Founder Michael Kline has deep ties to New Orleans. In 1992, he was a jazz DJ at the renowned New Orleans radio station WWOZ. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Kline returned to his roots and eventually settled in Cape May, where he had spent his summers as a youth.

When the original Cape May Jazz Festival ended in 2010, Kline stepped in to ensure the city remained a vibrant jazz destination. In 2012, he launched a new festival under the Exit Zero.

No Exit Zero Jazz Festival would be complete without a second line and this past fall, the Ocean Avenue Stompers led attendees down the Washington Street Mall to the convention center. The 2025 line up also included Cassandra Wilson celebrating the 30th anniversary of New Moon Daughter, Stanley Clarke, Omar Sosa Quareto Americanos, Adonis Rose and Phillip Manuel and the Usual Suspects, Endea Owens & The Cookout, Gabrielle Cavassa, Roy Hargrove's Crisol, Amina Figarova Sextet, Jon Cleary & The Absolute Gentlemen,  Tuba Skinny, Betz-Gillece-Landham-Parrish, Marel Hidalgo, Joslyn & the Sweet Compression, Alphonso Horne & Gotham Kings and the Jazz House Kids Jazz Orchestra from Montclair, NJ.