OCEAN CITY, Md.- After the pandemic forced its cancellation last year, the Jellyfish Festival will return to downtown Ocean City this Labor Day weekend with an all-new lineup of musical performers, a craft beer experience, plus sports and fitness components.
“The music and atmosphere we’re going to provide is exactly what we need to celebrate the end of summer and getting back to normal,” said Brad Hoffman, the founder and director of Jellyfish Festival. “I’m excited our team will be bringing such a fun event to the Ocean City community and its visitors. All our artists are here to put on one great show for the public.”
Hoffman and his production company, Live Wire Media & Events, announced the headlining musicians for Jellyfish 2021: blues musician Anthony Gomes, folk
rock performers Derek Woods Band, and a solo show by reggae rocker Ted Bowne of Passafire. Other performers include Ray Wroten, Rockoholics, Troll Tribe, Skribe, Crosstown Walkers, and Never Ending Fall. New acts will be added in the weeks to come.
Anthony Gomes is one of the top draws on the Rock and Blues circuit today. A triple threat force as a guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, Gomes’ latest record, Containment Blues, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Blues chart. The Toronto native is known for high-energy shows and a dynamic stage presence. He has performed alongside modern blues legends including B.B. King, Buddy Guy, and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
If you love the blues, then you’ll love the brews: Jellyfish will be teaming up with Shore Craft Beer to bring the first-ever craft beer tasting event to the beach. Craft beer from local and regional breweries will be served on the festival grounds from 12–4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4.
Jellyfish is also presenting the first-ever East Coast Cornhole Championships. The festival is working in partnership with the Maryland Cornhole Organization.
Professional and amateur teams will flock to the beach to participate in this laid-back but high-skill tournament, featuring cash and prizes for winning teams.
Other key components for this year’s event include activities with a focus on fitness and beach culture, including an IMBA Eastern Shore “Fat Tire”
bicycle zone, Frisbee golf, and a fitness challenge presented by the US Marine Corps.
The festival will also feature an array of artisans, hand-crafted goods, and fun interactive booths.
Last year's festival was canceled due to COVID-19. This year's festival grounds will be located directly on the beach between North Division Street and Somerset Street from Sept. 4-5.