Summer soundtrack: Beach venues rock to sounds of country, folk, rock and more
It’s been a wild and crazy summer at beach concert venues, and it’s not over yet. A plethora of August events are still on the horizon, featuring everything from comedy to the sounds of country, folk, rock and funk.
In Selbyville, the outdoor Freeman Arts Pavilion continues to welcome thousands of music aficionados. One-man band Shakey Graves (alias Alejandro Rose Garcia) will bring his Americana blend to the stage Thursday, Aug. 17; indie-pop band Lucius will open the show at 7 p.m. ($34).
You may have heard Lucius’ two lead vocalists before without even knowing it, as Holly Laessig and Jess Wolfe have also provided background harmonies for the likes of Roger Waters, Sheryl Crow and John Legend.
At 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18, Freeman will present another national act known for its harmonic skills — the Righteous Brothers, starring original co-founder Bill Medley ($39 to $64). He will be joined by singer Bucky Heard, who joined after the death of Bobby Hatfield in 2003.
At 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, Freeman will present the return of New Jersey favorite Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes ($34). The group was formed way back in 1974, and originally included guitarist Steve “Little Steven” Van Zandt, who went on to join Bruce Springsteen’s E-Street Band. The Jukes’ horn-infused songs include “Havin’ A Party” and “The Fever.”
Country fans have been holding onto tickets for months in anticipation of a Friday, Aug. 25, appearance by Lady A (which sold out the first day).
In Dewey Beach, things are also moving and grooving in a major way at the Bottle & Cork, which has been packed all summer. Country singer Chase Wright is set to appear at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 17 ($15).
One of the Cork’s biggest events of the year is set for Friday, Aug. 18, and all 1,200 tickets disappeared immediately when they went on sale way back in February. The occasion? The nightclub’s 87th anniversary party, featuring the annual reunion of local favorite Mr. Greengenes.
In downtown Rehoboth Beach, the Clear Space Theatre has an event scheduled for 10 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18, that is aptly named Late Night Laughs at the Beach. The evening will be hosted by local-gone-national comedian Frank Vignola, who will introduce sets by Karen Schwarz, Ruthie Parramore and Pamela Arluk, as well as spouses Ashley Dark and Tyler Dark ($20).
In Lewes, it’s all over but the shouting when it comes to the 2023 edition of the Rocking the Docks concert series. The music has been taking place outside at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal all summer on Wednesdays. The season will close out with New Orleans touring act Dumpstaphunk on Aug. 23, following a 6 p.m. opening set by Cris Jacobs ($30).
Another Lewes-area concert venue, The Listening Booth, has announced it will host concerts all year round. It is located inside a space in the Tanger Outlets Seaside shopping center on southbound Route 1 at Midway (35000 Midway Outlet Drive, Suite 218).
Acclaimed folk singer and author Dar Williams will play a benefit for the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays on Wednesday, Aug. 23, following an opening set by The Rough & Tumble ($125).
Email Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com
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This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Beach venues rock into August to sounds of country, folk and rock
