KURE BEACH — If your idea of the perfect fall getaway includes great music and tasty seafood in a seaside setting, then make plans to visit Kure Beach October 10-11 during the 22nd annual Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area. This year’s musical lineup features two nationally renowned blues artists: Dr. John & The Nite Trippers and Shemekia Copeland. As if that’s not enough, a dozen more regional and local jazz and blues artists are also scheduled to perform—not to mention the seafood and kids’ activities.

Blues sensation Dr. John & The Nite Trippers will headline on Saturday night. With a career that spans more than half a century, the legendary Dr. John is a six-time Grammy Award-winning musician and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. Dr. John’s latest release, “Ske-Dat-De-Dat: The Spirit of Satch” is a tribute to New Orleans music legend Louis Armstrong. On Sunday afternoon, Shemekia Copeland a two-time Grammy nominee who was proclaimed “Queen of the Blues” by the City of Chicago, returns to the Seafood. Blues & Jazz Festival following a crowd-pleasing gospel-fueled R&B performance when she opened last year for headliner Robert Cray. Copeland recently released her eighth album, “Outskirts of Love”.

Set against a scenic backdrop of the Cape Fear River, the relaxed riverfront setting is ideal for enjoying music by national headliners Dr. John & The Nite Trippers and Shemekia Copeland, along with 12 other musical acts, including regional and national blues bands such as: CrackerBones; Lockdown Blues Band; David Gerald; Kara Grainger; Adrian Duke Project; and Smokin’ Joe Kubek & Bnois King. Jazz bands include: Will McBride Group; Nina Repeta, Freeport; Benny Hill Trio; The FROG Project; and El Jaye Johnson & the Port City All Stars. A full performance schedule is available online at www.pleasureislandnc.org/events-details.Dhp?’id—201. While grooving to live music, attendees can also enjoy fine wines and savory seafood prepared by area restaurants, The Arts & Wine Garden will host crafts and wine tastings. The free Kidz Zone features magic shows, face painting, educational exhibits, inflatables, laser tags and more.

This year’s Pleasure Island Seafood. Blues and Jazz Festival is presented by Bryant Real Estate, Jeff Gordon Chevrolet, Bud Light and the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce. On October 10-11, double headliners will entertain at the 22nd Annual Pleasure Island Seafood, Blues & Jazz Festival at the Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area, near Kure Beach. Two-day tickets are $50 in advance. If event does not sell out, daily tickets may be purchased at the gate. Saturday only tickets are $60; Sunday only tickets are $25. Advance tickets are available for purchase at the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce office located at 112.1 N. Lake Park Blvd. in Carolina Beach.

Tickets are also available online via www.eventbrite.com and find other ticket outlets at www.pleasureislandnc.org/events-details.php?id+201.

Children 12 and under are admitted free of charge. Gates open at 11 a.m. and the music begins at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Pets, coolers videos/cameras and political materials are not permitted. The Fort Fisher Air Force Recreation Area (118 Riverfront Road) is located along Hwy. 421 South in Kure Beach. For details or to purchase tickets, call 910-458-8434.

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