The Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts (COTA) has scheduled its 31st Annual Jazz and Arts Festival for Friday evening, September 5, through Sunday, September 7, 2008, in the tiny, scenic borough of Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania (Exit 310 from I-80).

One of the best-kept secrets on the East Coast, this friendly, all-volunteer-staffed festival features nationally and internationally renowned jazz artists rooted in Northeastern Pennsylvania, while also showcasing emerging talent from the region. Tentatively scheduled to appear this year are Phil Woods, David Liebman, Nellie Mckay, Jessie and Urbie Green, Bob Dorough, the COTA Festival Orchestra (performing music from the Al Cohn Memorial Jazz Collection at the Kemp Library of East Stroudsburg University), and the COTA Cats (a Big Band assembled annually from the region’s most talented high-school musicians).

The festival opens Friday evening with a pair of Main Street events: the opening reception for the Music Motif Show (a juried exhibition of music-themed art, at the Antoine Dutot Museum and Gallery) and a stage tour de force of edgy political theater, classical music, dance, and jazz at the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain. On Saturday (noon-9 p.m.) and Sunday (12:30-8:30 p.m.), the festival moves outdoors to the Main Stage, where jazz lovers will be able to enjoy two full days of music including an eclectic mix of Bebop, Swing, Blues, Jazz Fusion, Big Band Sounds, and Dixieland. Preceding the ticketed Sunday program is COTA’s original, free Jazz Mass (10 a.m.), performed by a full orchestra and 40-voice chorus.

Blankets and lawn-chairs are recommended for hillside seating both Saturday and Sunday (attendees will be sheltered under a big tent in case of rain). Food vendors, fine artists and crafters, strolling musicians, and a supervised children’s area are on-site; no pets permitted.

Since 1978, COTA has grown into a major jazz and cultural event, and is now attended by nearly 4,000 fans annually. The festival was the brainstorm of three local residents, the legendary saxophonist and NEA Jazz Master Composer Phil Woods; Rick Chamberlain, principal trombonist with the New York City Ballet; and the late local innkeeper Ed Joubert.

For further information regarding the festival and opportunities to volunteer, please call COTA at (570) 424-2210, or visit www.cotajazz.org, or myspace.com/COTAfestival.

The Delaware Water Gap Celebration of the Arts festival is presented in cooperation with the Borough of Delaware Water Gap, Castle Hill Development, Inc., the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, and the National Park Service.