In March 2023, The Central Pennsylvania Music Hall of Fame, congratulated John Harris, with a Lifetime Achievement Award, also known as the Whitey Noll Award at the CPMA’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
John has a career that spans over four decades and has worn every hat in the regional music industry scene, except musician. He began scouting and booking bands as a nightclub manager, at the age of 23.
From 1981 and well into the 90’s, Harris was fully engaged in the biz as Promotor/Talent Buyer at the Metron. Along with being associate producer at Makoul Productions, managing bands and promoting his own concerts and special events.
In 1997, while manager of the Best Western Conference Center and Courtyard Nightclub, he started the Millennium Music Conference, that went on for over 25 years.
In 2008, John started the Singer-Songwriter of Cape May Conference, which ran for 12 years until the pandemic. John Harris is currently the Talent Buyer at XL Live and Production manager for Harrisburg University Presents.
While in Nashville during AMA Week, back in 2008, I kept bumping into this guy all over the place. After this happening several times, I introduced myself and we became friends fast. He handed me a CD to listen to once I got home. This CD was a collection of songs he wrote while volunteering with the Peace Corps, traveling the world. He asked if I had interest attending the very first sscapemay and that’s how it all began for me.
Once a year musicians and music industry representatives gather inside Congress Hall in Cape May, New Jersey. Held on the last weekend of March. There are two keynote speakers each day then they perform at night. Workshops and Mentoring groups, panels relating to what a singer- songwriter needs to know about networking and marketing their brand. Evenings are spent at various Restaurants and Bars showcasing each selected artists talents.
John Harris, is top in command and has taken the time to chat with me about this upcoming March 28, 29, 2025, Singer-Songwriter Conference now back after a five year hiatus.
Good morning John. Thank you for agreeing to this interview. How did sscapemay come about and why Cape May, New Jersey?
I have many friends and family from South Jersey. Patrick Logue (Cape Resorts Group) knew about Millennium Music Conference in Harrisburg and asked us to do something in Cape May. Singer-Songwriter of Cape May began in 2008.
Where were you born and raised?
Born in Neptune, NJ and grew up in suburban Philadelphia.
Have you always been interested in music?
I’ve worn many hats including middle agent, Talent Buyer fits now.
Do you have a favorite year that stands out at sscapemay and why?
NO - but to see the event grow every year and get some community involvement in Cape May, has been a great experience.
How far do you see sscapemay lasting into the future?
I do not have a crystal ball. I would like to get through this one.
What has been the Highlight so far looking back at the past 11-13 years?
Too many but I’ll say Robert Hazard and Pat DiNizio. I’d known them both from their bands, playing my shows in the 80’s.
What are you looking the most forward to by bringing back sscapemay on March 28-29, 2025, after a five year hiatus, due to the pandemic?
The reunions of musicians, family, friends and industry professionals. And the discovery of up and coming talent in what I hope is vibrant Cape May in early spring.
Putting the piece together for sscapemay, I began digging a little deeper. I was curious how the five year hiatus felt to the artists. Recently there was talk of putting together a reunion, that’s how missed it was. Now I am pleased it will be a reunion of Friends and Musicians.
Years ago I met the following guys at sscapemay. We always looked forward to greeting each other, from year to year.
Craig Greenberg out of Brooklyn and Chip Greene out of Nashville, both pianists. I asked the guys what brought them to sscapemay to begin with? Craig said, it was through Sonicbids or ReverbNation, he saw it listed so he submitted years ago.
Chip became aware through friends he had met at the Dewey Beach festivals, back in 2016-2017. What brings Chip, living in Nashville, coming back year after year is, “the people,the music, the beautiful location”. Getting to see a lot of familiar faces from his musical family.
Craig’s favorite Keynote speaker was Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root. A favorite of mine too. Chip's favorite was Jonatha Brooke. He has fond memories playing the grand piano in the Brown Room inside Congress Hall, and rocking out in the Boiler Room, down below. Along with being a part of epic songwriter rounds at the Mad Batter.
Craig loves the special charm in a beach town. He remembers some unofficial jam sessions where songwriters kicked back and hung out with each other. He recalls some very late nights.
(RIGHT) Chip Greene (LEFT) Russell Norkevich Outside Congress Hall in Cape May
Lou Plaia, music industry representative, and I met years ago. Lou found out about sscapemay through attending Millenium Conference, also run by John Harris. Lou likes the intimacy of the conference. He feels it is rare that you get to meet almost everyone in attendance and get to see so many performances because everything is right there. Lou is looking forward to seeing more songwriters perform and meeting industry folks he has not met yet.
Being involved for the past 12 years has been an honor with lots of fun memories. Most of the artists I was working with are singer-songwriters.
There are so many favorites of mine to begin listing. The year Dan Bern performed with a damaged hand. Nicole Atkins, Chris Barron, Ellis Paul, Pat DiNizio. So many of the Keynote Speakers and Performances have left lasting memories. Along with Nashville, sscapemay was the highlight of each year.
Music does bring us all together along with Good Food, Good Location, Good Company and Good Music.
Back from hiatus after five years of waiting...
Check out the website at www.sscapemay.com - Come join us end of March 28-29, in Cape May, New Jersey. I’ll be in the Brown Room.
