Jazz/R&B/pop saxophonist Eric Darius warmed up the crowd at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center stage Oct. 15, before handing it off to headliner Damien Escobar, a world-renowned violinist making a comeback after battling depression and homelessness.
Escobar and his brother Tourie comprised the group Nuttin but Stringz, known in New York City for playing their violins on the subway. They gained global recognition when they appeared as contestants on "America's Got Talent." They were catapulted into stardom, but it was short-lived. The group disbanded, and Escobar retired. After a difficult time when he struggled with depression, he rediscovered his passion and released his first solo album in 2013. His latest album, “Songs From A Breakthrough,” was released in 2020.
Eric Darius has made TV appearances on Fox’s “The X-Factor” and TNT’s “Mob City,” and has shared the stage with Grammy award-winning artists Prince, Mary J. Blige, David Foster, Carlos Santana, Jamie Foxx, Babyface, George Benson, Marcus Miller, Wyclef Jean and others.
See the official 2021 Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival program, produced by Cape Gazette, at capegazette.com/center/2021-rehoboth-beach-jazz-festival/226733.
Nick Roth is the news editor. He has been with the Cape Gazette since 2012, previously covering town beats in Milton and Lewes. In addition to serving on the editorial board and handling page layout, Nick is responsible for the weekly Delaware History in Photographs feature and enjoys writing stories about the Cape Region’s history. Prior to the Cape Gazette, Nick worked for the Delmarva Media Group, including the Delaware Wave, Delaware Coast Press and Salisbury Daily Times. He also contributed to The News Journal. Originally from Boyertown, Pa., Nick attended Shippensburg University in central Pennsylvania, graduating in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He’s won several MDDC awards during his career for both writing and photography. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, going to the beach with his family and cheering for Philadelphia sports teams.