Another jazz festival has been scratched from the schedule because of COVID-19. The Celebration of the Arts Jazz Festival at the Delaware Water Gap has been held every September for the past 42 years, but not in 2020.
Media director Lisa Ellex says with the uncertainty about what conditions would be in a few months, there was no other choice, but they are talking about possibly having an online event. “Be assured that it is with love and concern that we come to this difficult decision,” said Ellex. “In the meantime, we ask that you watch our website and all social media for any new developments. If we can find a format through which to bring you music, we will indeed,” she said.
The festival’s camp jazz is also canceled. That gives people of all ages a chance to learn to play music and gives returning musicians a chance to show how they’ve grown in their art. Created in 1978 by Phil Woods, Rick Chamberlain, and Ed Joubert, the COTA festival has united world-class musicians, performing artists, and visual artists with music and arts lovers from near and far.
The festival was always held the weekend after Labor Day weekend, giving everyone something to look forward to even after the unofficial end of summer.