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Houses of jazz take all forms during jazz-filled weekend

Cambria Hotel, Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company, St. Peter’s all host variety of shows
In addition to the normal venues, there are a number of places that host jazz shows over the course of the long weekend. Steve Oliver on guitar, Brian Simpson on keyboard and Jesse J on saxophone get the crowd going at the Cambria Hotel. CHRIS FLOOD PHOTOS
Chris Flood
October 20, 2025

The Cape Region played host to two annual jazz festivals this past weekend – Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival and True Blue Jazz Festival. With dozens of shows over the course of three days, local music venues were packed with entertainment. However, to meet demand, other venues were used including hotels, restaurants, churches and even a fire station.

 

Saxophonist Jesse J is a well-known international musician.
Steve Oliver’s face is full of expressions while Brian Simpson focuses on his fingers.
Saxophonist Jesse J takes a deep breath and blows hard for a solo.
Pianist Brian Simpson and saxophonist Jesse J at the Cambria Hotel outside Rehoboth Beach.
Pianist Brian Simpson doesn’t have the same facial expressions as guitarist Steve Oliver, but he tries just as hard.
The Cape Henlopen High School Jazz Band plays at the annual Big Band Marathon & Jazz Organ Trio Party at the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company’s Station 86 on Rehoboth Avenue. Shown is bassist Addison Manley.
Liam Ramsey is more than a big guy who plays football. He also can a mean trumpet.
Chris Burkhart, Cape High's band director and music teacher, brings the song to a close.
Peyton Kelly performs a solo on the trombone.
The dexterity of Reed Williamson’s fingers are on display as he plays the saxophone.
Drummer Christian Watland is stoic while playing the drums.
The Moravian University Big Band made the trip to the Cape Region, playing at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. Enrique Morales plays the baritone sax.
Marisol Llaudes sings “Whatever Lola Wants” while her classmates perform.
Calvin Deifer feels the music while playing the upright bass.
The trumpet section of the Moravian University Big Band make their presence known.
Saxophonist Andreanna Spadavecchia takes a practice tune-up while her classmates read the music sheets.
Columbia Jazz Band’s Tom Monroe on the tenor saxophone.
Cape Henlopen High School graduate Zack Scudlark on the baritone saxophone.
Peter Lawson performs a solo for the Columbia Jazz Band.
The Delmarva Big Band’s Todd Riddleberger on the baritone saxophone.
The saxophone section of the Delmarva Big Band.
Justin Riddleberger fills in for another musician, but still gets a solo at the event.
Drummer Mike Hughes keeps the beat with his hands and his feet.
Keyboardist Rob Putt studies the keys and sheet music.
At the Smokin’ Hot Firehouse Big Band Marathon, the trio of Jeff Knoettner on keyboard, Ron Cole on guitar and Larry Marshall on drums entertain the crowd in between big band sets.

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Chris Flood has been working for the Cape Gazette since early 2014. He currently covers Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres, but has also covered Dewey Beach and the state government. He covers environmental stories, business stories and random stories on subjects he finds interesting, and he also writes a column called Choppin’ Wood that runs every other week. He’s a graduate of the University of Maine and the Landing School of Boat Building & Design.

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