Jazz festival whisks audiences to a bygone era

This weekend, a vibrant display of talent enchanted audiences from far and wide at the Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts. The 45th Jazz & Arts Festival featured an evening of renowned musicians and enthusiasts, with breathtaking performances from The Alan Broadbent Trio, Paul Jost, Jim Ridl, and Nellie McKay, followed by an electrifying jam session with Bill Goodwin. This two-day festival drew audiences from all over the country to the Deer Head Inn, giving the blooming region a taste of old America.

“I took my first trip here when I hiked up the Appalachian trail some thirty years ago,” said Bill, 

a retired North Florida realtor. “I slept in the hostel at the church down the road. Technically, I just camped in the yard out back but you get the idea.” Many of the Deer Head Inn’s patrons have a romantic past with the area. Its vintage charm combined with an intermingling of soulful music and warm personalities whisk them back to a simpler time. 

While the small town seemed to be lost in the past, the vibrance of the festival appealed to all. This was evident in the variety of ages present. Many songs performed Sunday night hit on themes of hope, love, and togetherness - things that seem to be lacking in our modern day. 

When asked about the music of the night, singer Paul Jost said: “This is a song that was on [my] first album. It’s called Simple Life. It’s a song that I wrote back in 1993. Like some of the pieces that I’m doing, [it] still has a timeless message [that] somehow still seems relevant - the ideas of yes we can and purpose. When I wrote this, there were things going on in my life and in the world that motivated me to write this song. It’s called ‘Living in the Wrong Time’.” Onlookers watched wistfully, each reflecting on their own experiences as they listened. 

For those seeking refuge from everyday life, the Celebration of the Arts Jazz Festival is a reminder of small-town America’s charm. The Delaware Water Gap serves as an incubator for local and international talent, with live music and open mics every other weekend of the year. If one were to find themselves in search of an accepting artistic hub, this is the place to be. 

“There are places in this world where love is still running” Stacey, the realtor’s wife, noted. “I come here to relax. The atmosphere, the people, the drinks” she took a sip, “all of this is what makes the [Delaware] Water Gap such a special place. Not just to me - to us.”