Debuting in 1994, the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce stages the event annually, featuring two days of blues and jazz music, performed by national, regional and local musicians on two stages. The legendary blues musician Leon Russell served as the headliner in the 2010 version of the festival, which showcased nonstop concerts beginning at approximately noon both Saturday and Sunday.
As the name implies, the combination of ocean setting, music and food is intended to make the weekend memorable. A variety of local restaurants offer the region's renowned seafood and barbecue, while areas focused on entertaining children are designed to make the event family friendly. Wine tastings, shopping and general festival activities are found in abundance.
Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Ft. Fisher comprise Pleasure Island, situated on the Atlantic Ocean in southeastern North Carolina, separated slightly from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. "This two-day festival takes place along the scenic Cape Fear River at the Fort Fisher Military Recreational Area in Kure beach," writes the Pleasure Island Chamber of Commerce.
