Memorial Day is still a few weeks away, but the roadways are already getting crowded — as are beach nightspots that feature live entertainment.
In Dewey Beach, a tried and true annual concert event is going to have a different feel to it this year. Tickets have already been on sale for several months for the yearly appearance by hard-rock heroes KIX at the Bottle & Cork ($28), which will take place at 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 3.
However, it turns out that this will be the last time the band plays Dewey. When KIX headlined the M3 Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md., last Sunday, May 7, singer Steve Whiteman made an announcement between songs that threw fans for a loop.
Due to health challenges facing both Whiteman and drummer Jimmy Chalfant (who had a heart attack on stage last year), it has been decided that the 11 remaining dates of their spring-summer tour will be their last.
The group will return to Merriweather for a farewell show Sunday, Sept. 17. The regional-turned-national touring band from Hagerstown, Md., has played Delmarva concert stages for a whopping 45 years.
Speaking of the Bottle & Cork, it was packed to the rafters when it opened for its 87th season last Saturday at 5 p.m. It will host party band So Fetch — All the Best 2000s Music at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 12. There will then be eight consecutive hours of live music from Flip Like Wilson, Turning the Tide and Split Decision beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 13.
The Cork hosts its first concert of the season Sunday, May 21, featuring country star Ashley McBryde, and tickets have long been sold out.
Elsewhere in Dewey, The Starboard is now open seven days per week. Just the Tip (featuring Mr. Greengenes frontman Bryen O’Boyle) will hit the stage at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13. Lost in Paris’ weekly residency is in effect every Wednesday at 9:30 p.m.
Business owner Steve “Monty” Montgomery also announced this week that the new sister restaurant, Starboard Claw, is expected to open across the highway later this month. It is in the location of the former Hammerheads nightspot.
In downtown Bethany Beach, the Mexican-themed Zoca restaurant will present the latest edition of its Let’s Taco ‘Bout Comedy series at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 11. The spicy triple bill will consist of local funny men Tyler Dark, Stevie Jay and Michael Porter ($10).
In Ocean City, Seacrets has announced a summer concert featuring Southern California reggae-rock act Fortunate Youth. The group will play Wednesday, July 12, following a 9:30 p.m. opening set by Cultivated Mind ($15).
Lewes-area restaurant and music venue the Room at Cedar Grove has several of its trademark dinner concerts on tap in the coming days. New Orleans guitarist Jamie McLean (formerly of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band) will return at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13 ($85).
North Carolina touring act Caitlin Krisko & the Broadcast will mix blues, rock and pop at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, May 18 ($75). Brother & Sister: An Allman Brothers Band Family Tribute (featuring siblings Melody and Taylor Trucks) will perform at 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 19 ($85).
Email Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com
SPRINGFEST PHOTOS:Ocean City’s Springfest full of live music, art, food and fun on sunny day: PHOTOS
OC BUSINESS NEWS:Embers announces grand opening, West Ocean City welcomes Pier 23 | What’s Going There
