While beach music venues offer live music of all flavors during the summer months, a pair of coastal Sussex County festivals are set to attract fans who are all about that country.
Tickets are still available to see hometown hero Jimmie Allen headline his second Bettie James Fest at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 13, at Hudson Fields in Milton ($65). As with the inaugural event last year, Allen has curated a eight-hour festival bill that also highlights touring acts from throughout the country.
The 2022 edition will feature sets by We the Kings, Neon Union, Kounty, Lainey Wilson, JJ Rupp and Chayce Beckham.
A Milton native, Allen’s star has continued to shine brightly since last summer’s Bettie James Fest (named after his late grandmother Bettie Snead and his late father, James Allen). He has won music industry awards and made many national television appearances. Approximately 4,000 fans attended last year’s festival.
Looking ahead a week, tickets are sold out for a second country concert at Hudson Fields. Singer-songwriter Cody Johnson will headline the triple-bill show which will run from 5:30 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 20. It will be rounded out by sets from Randy Houser and Drew Parker.
In Dewey Beach, the Bottle & Cork has a celebration set for this weekend. The venerable nightclub is owned by the Highway One Ltd. business group (which is also presenting both of the aforementioned Hudson Fields concerts). The bar will celebrate its 86th anniversary Friday, Aug. 12, with a reunion by former local rock act Mr. Greengenes. The long sold-out show saw all 1,100 tickets disappear the same day they went on sale in February.
In Ocean City, the Seacrets complex is continuing its popular series of summer reggae concerts. Next up on the schedule is a Tuesday, Aug. 16, appearance by Artikal Sound System, which hails from Del Ray, Fla.
The group is touring the country in support of its new album which is aptly titled, “Welcome to Florida.” Singer-guitarist Trevor Young of SOJA fame (who hails from Seaford) will open the show at 9 p.m.
Another reggae fiesta at Seacrets will feature Iya Terra with Mike Love at 9 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 21. The cover charge for both of these shows will be a mere $5 each (and free with local ID).
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In Selbyville, the Freeman Arts Pavilion will present the annual appearance by Grateful Dead tribute act Dark Star Orchestra at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 16. This year’s general admission concert features “bring your own chair” seating ($39, $49).
Tickets are long gone for next week’s concert by Rock ’n’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee Elvis Costello, who will appear at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19. His show will feature an opening set by Los Straitjackets with Nick Lowe — who authored one of Costello’s hits, “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding.”
In downtown Rehoboth Beach, the Dogfish Head brewpub will present a free concert by Miami, Florida R&B-rock act Trae & the T-Stones (featuring funk bassist Trae Pierce) at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12. The following week will see a freebie by Missouri indie-rock quartet Fox Royale at 9 p.m., Friday, Aug. 19.
As mentioned in this column last week, The Starboard nightclub in Dewey Beach is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its summer Comedy Night, which occurs every Tuesday. I got to check out the headlining set by funny man Jim Florentine there Aug. 2, during the same week he had a pair of sketches premiere on the Comedy Central show he’s long been associated with, “Crank Yankers.”
The comedy nights continue through Tuesday, Aug. 30, and admission is always free. On the music tip, The Starboard will present its annual free appearance by Los Angeles rockers Andy Frasco & the U.N. at 10 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 21.
Email Roger Hillis at rogerhillis@gmail.com
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