Each summer, history, music and community come together on the sands of North Topsail Beach.

Celebrating its 16th anniversary, the Ocean City Jazz Festival brings together world-class musicians, as well as celebrates one of North Carolina's very first African American beach communities.

- Here on Topsail Island, I'm in one of the oldest historic structures, the Chestnut Memorial Chapel at the historic Ocean City Beach.

One of the oldest African American beaches in the state of North Carolina.

And the legacy of this community continues to this day with the annual Ocean City Jazz Festival.

The annual event takes place every 4th of July weekend here on the island and attracts visitors and performing artists from all over the world.

Let's go check it out.

[indistinct] - Here at this Ocean City Jazz Festival, we're bringing that traditional jazz, we're bringing that swing.

You know, that swing from the 40s.

[indistinct] This music emerged out of a dance tradition.

It's a beautiful event right here on the water, and it's a relaxed festival, and good history.

[indistinct] - This jazz festival is like no other.

It is a combination of what I call a trifecta of things.

We have the music, which is outstanding.

[indistinct] We have the history, which is most important.

- Here at the Historic Society of Topsail Island, you'll also see an exhibit about Ocean City Beach.

I'm here with Mr. Kenneth Chestnut, the son of one of the founders.

Kenneth, it is good to see you.

Can you tell us a little bit about this?

- Absolutely, I'll be delighted to.

This is a new exhibit, and it really goes through the history, the timeline, the people that were involved in developing this community and making it what it is today, as well as some of the photographs showing the evolution and events related to the community, both good and bad.

- And then we have really the cultural resources, natural resources surrounding area.

We have great trails, hiking, biking, all those type things that can be incorporated while you're here enjoying the music as well.

[indistinct] We have a tagline for the festival.

It's called Jazz with a Higher Purpose.

- The Ocean City Jazz Festival at North Topsail Beach runs from Wednesday, July 4th, to Friday, July 6th.

To book your tickets or find out more, call 910-459-9263 or visit their website at oceancityjazzfest.com.